Five Finds on Friday: Maureen Scott
Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Maureen Scott, Chocolatier and Lead Baker at Gearharts Fine Chocolates, which has a new creation called Hot Honeycomb — puffed candy of local honey with a subtle bee “sting” of chili pepper, dipped in dark chocolate. Scott’s picks, two of which, she notes, share the “sweet heat” of Hot Honeycomb:
1) Stollen at Albemarle Baking Company. “When I read Gerry Newman’s beautiful story about the way he perfected his stollen over the years, I knew I had to run up to Albemarle Baking Company the next morning. I became addicted. I wait patiently every year to hear it’s arrival in the bakery.”
2) Cville Ham Biscuit at JM Stock Provisions. “The most buttery biscuit I’ve ever had. Tasso ham. Hot sauce. Honey. So simple. So perfect.”
3) Chicken and Waffles at Ace Biscuit & Barbecue. “When my sister and brother-in-law were visiting from up north, I wanted to show them a true southern breakfast. Buttermilk fried chicken, fluffy waffles, maple syrup and hot sauce. Add a rib biscuit, grits and sweet tea. Best way to start the day.”
4) Duck confit, celery root purée, apple gastrique at Holmes Dinner Club. “I talked about this dish for weeks to anyone who would listen. So tender and delicious. Just incredible.”
5) Truffle Chèvre at Caromont Farm. “I love this with beef tenderloin and asparagus, and also with just a spoon like a bowl of ice cream. It’s that good.”