Buzz Worthy

Today's Cape Cod Times is all about the black and yellow. The Bruins and the Bee's. Being the fair weather fan that I am, I must congratulate the Bruins for their comeback. Who doesn't enjoy an under-dog triumph? However, the Bruins' win didn't merit front page coverage. Rather, today's top story was all about the bees.

Back in the days of elementary school, we all learned of the bee's dutiful responsibility to the planet: the notorious pollinator. According the news article, "Bee's alone polinate 71 percent out of 100 crops that provide 90 percent of food worldwide"(Cape Cod Times 6/9/11). However, somethings gone a rye in our ecosystem, causing a decline in the bee population. Why? Scientists speculate a reduction in species bio-diversity, habitat loss, and pesticides and climate change. Since 1950, we've lost over 3 million honey producing hives. Yikes.




Local Cape Codder's are trying to fix that. Many have adopted a unique hobby of sorts - back yard bee keeping. Think of all the honey hunny! Some even grant bee keeping with meditative qualities... could this be the next yoga craze? I guess it's a don't-knock-it-until-you-try-it sorta thing.

So if you're ready to don a bee keeper ensemble (it's very en vouge ), the Barnstable County Beekeepers Association offers a Basics of Beekeeping course - or as they say, Bee School. A $50 tuition includes a textbook, handouts, instruction, a mentoring program, and a one-year family membership (a $15 value) in the BCBA.

For the rest, here's a few buzz worthy, bee - friendly Cape Cod attractions:

Visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and check out the Honey Bee Observation Hive - a good rainy day activity with the kids!

Afterward, venture over to the Beehive Tavern in Sandwich and sample some creative culinary uses of local honey!

Like these breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings:

New England Sour Dough Stuffed French Toast 6.99
With Sun Dried Cranberry Cream Cheese
Topped with Local Honey & Raspberry Sauce

The Honey Bee 8.99
Fresh Roast Chicken (all white meat), Cranberry Relish & Honey Sage Stuffing in a Wrap Sandwich

Roast Duck with Honey Guava Passion Sauce 21.99

Or pick up some local honey of your own at a near by farm stand. Check out this site for listings. They say a spoon full of local honey is holistic remedy for allergies...if not, it definitely serves as inspiration for whipping up this flourless honey almond cake or spiced honey cake with carmalized figs..