Bee Business
Le Blog 5
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La Rochère Bee Glassware
Once the symbol of Napoleon, the bee has always had a place in the hearts of French people. Protecting the humble bee is becoming a growing phenomenon, especially in the cities. Paris for example counts hundreds of beehives, spread throughout the city, mainly on rooftops, so they are away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, above the noise and pollution. The city of Paris has now signed the “Bee Protection” guideline, thus forbidding the use of toxic products & pesticides. Protecting the bees and their hives within the city is the goal.
THE NAPOLEON BEE: Napoleon Bee was inspired by a pattern belonging to Napoleon that was used to decorate fabrics and luggage. The bee design is also a symbol of Provençal France. La Rochere glassware is made in the oldest glass factory in Europe, founded in 1475.
Bees have a thriving home in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris France.
The Jardin du Luxembourg
The bees at the Luxembourg Gardens are healthy and strong, with no signs of the well-publicized “colony collapse” plaguing bees around the world. That may be because they live in a pesticide-free zone. Whereas most commercial hives in the U.S. replace their queen more than once a year, the queen of the Luxembourg Gardens lasts for 2-3 years, a remarkable sign of health. The protection of the bee colonies is a priority in France.
Few know that there has been both a bee house (known as an apiary) and a beekeeping school permanently ensconced in the Jardin du Luxembourg since 1856.
Bee Glass Butter Dish with Lid (coupelle et cloche)
Butter Dish with Glass Dome Lid
Bee the envy of your guests when their butter is served in this sweet French Bee glass dome dish. Great for any spread or jam.
Serving size: 1-2 people.
Butter dishes are a classic accessory on French breakfast tables and kitchen countertops. Its rounded design and clean lines provide an elegant presentation. Beurrier/Confiturier. For use with butter, soft cheese, (see recipe below) and jam. Sturdy French glass.
Cheese Spread
1 ½ pound package of cream cheese, cut into 2” cubes, then softened to room temp
1 cup shredded cheddar, you can use sharp or mild according to your taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove fresh garlic, chopped
2 finely chopped green onions (optional)
¼ cup dry white wine
½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Cut the cream cheese into 2” cubes. Let it soften to room temperature. Put cheese pieces in the bowl of a food processor. Add shredded cheddar cheese and the ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add chopped garlic, onion, 1/4 cup of dry white wine and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Process for 30 seconds or until the mixture is creamy but not too soft. Press mixture into the wells of Bee Butter Dish. Serve immediately or turn into a storage container and store covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temp before serving. This is also great spread on sliced French bread and placed under the broiler for just a minute or two. The cheese will brown slightly and the aroma will be divine. Serves 10.
Feel free to add goodies like dried cranberries or chopped nuts to this. Or, go spicy with chopped jalapenos or red bell pepper. For a nice presentation in the glass butter dome, top the cheese spread with chopped nuts and dried fruit before serving. And yes chopped bacon is always a favorite.
Bon appetit!
Bee Glass Tea/Coffee Mug (mug en verre)
Bee Glass Mug for Tea or Coffee
Bee creative. Enjoy tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cider and much more in this sturdy glass mug. Perfectly weighted for balance and strength.
Elegant 9-ounce, glass mug decorated with French bees. With a gently rounded shape and sturdy handle, these mugs are a perfect balance in your hand.
Bee Glass Mug with Tea infuser and Lid (tisanière Abeille)
Sturdy Glass Tea Mug with infuser and lid
Bee a time saver. Add hot water to this mug. Fill the infuser with your favorite loose leaf tea blend. Cover with the wood lid. After tea is steeped, remove lid, invert onto a flat surface and set the infuser on it. No mess. No fuss. You can use the infuser to add mulling spices to your favorite hot beverage. Try it with hot cider or wine.
The perfect gift for the tea drinker, the Bee Tea Infuser has a wide stainless-steel filter that allows tea leaves to expand for a full steep. The lid is made of solid wood sustainably sourced from French forests. It keeps the water hot during infusion, then serves as a drip dish.
Sadly our bee population is waning here in the US. We can help by planting “bee friendly” plants and flowers. Please remember not to use pesticides in your garden. The bees will love you for it.
Click image to visit the BeeConservancy.org
Until next time . . .
Merci
A bientot
