Thank you The Bees Knees for sending us review samples of the tart tray and shortbread cookies!
The Bee's Knees began in 2011, with their original founders, Donna and Lucinda, and was later joined by Trish in 2019. All three share British lineage and a desire to share the finest British-made products across the pond. Like many businesses, The Bees Knees started in a basement. During the pandemic there were a lot of vacant stores, and what started as an intention to only be open for a few months for the holidays turned into a more permanent endeavor. Their forever home is on the corner of Windsor Avenue in Boston Massachusetts. Recently, The Bees Knees has been awarded Best Shop for Anglophiles by Boston Magazine.
The Bees Knees has all kinds of products ranging from holiday items like ornaments to everyday items like tableware, tins, home decorations, pastries, teas, and so much more. Outside of tea and fish and chips, I'm not too familiar with British cuisine. The Bees Knees sells candies, tarts, biscuits, jams, teas, and assorted snacks.
I personally got to sample handmade shortbread with clotted cream that comes packaged in a tin container. These cookies were delicious with their buttery taste and perfect crispiness. With cream in the title, I assumed they would be Oreo-like, but they're not. The reviews on the website are all five stars, and I can see why. There are other flavors available, including Madagascan Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Mediterranean Lemon, White Chocolate and Hazelnut, Spanish Clementine, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate and Orange, Original Recipe, and Warming Stem Ginger. All of these flavors can be yours for $14 apiece. That comes out to $2 per cookie.
I was also sent a tart tray to review, and I'm not one to shy away from cooking or baking. I must confess that I am not a connoisseur when it comes to tarts, but these easy fruit tarts I made were delicious with a flaky crust, sweet cream, and berries on top. I still have to work on my presentation, but the taste was great, and everyone I offered them to at a get together seemed to enjoy them.
The tart tray worked out great, and I was able to remove all of the crusts by pre-greasing it before use and then flipping it over and letting gravity do its thing after baking the crusts. The shallow indents were easy to clean, and it still looks great after being used. This tray is NOT dishwasher safe. It's made with anodized aluminum, which provides even baking and sturdiness. Provided you don't use a dishwasher, this tray is backed by a twenty-five year warranty.
If you're curious about British treats and wares, the Bees Knees is worth checking out. The shortbread tins are a great gift idea. If I ever find myself in Boston, I'll be sure to drop by their shop!