by Evan Hatch
Snacky time exists not on conventional timepieces, but everyone knows when it is. And when snacky time strikes, snacky place is the only destination. For NC Folk staff, snacky place was the baked goods aisle at the BP station’s Family Fare convenience store at the corner of Hillandale Drive and Croasdaile Drive in Durham. In this blog, NC Folk staffers are celebrating the myriad culinary contributions of independent North Carolina bakeries. This week, NC Food is proud to bring word of Borton’s Buttercreme Bakery of Winston-Salem.
3B’s totally tubular pastries line convenience store aisles and vending machines throughout North Carolina. 3B’s de facto mascot is a beneficent bee whose eyes, shoes and sassy stance conjure a combination of early Bugs Bunny and Steamboat Willie era version of America’s favorite corporate Mouse. From the crinkly, cello-wrapped packages, the Bee beckons engagement. Which pastry to choose? Borton’s offerings are widely varied. Tiger Tails, Cherry Swirls, and Cinnamon Crunches only begin the list of 3B’s pastry. In Borton’s wonder factory, imagination is the only limit. Just check out the offerings at the corporate Facebook.
This reviewer started his journey with a 3Bs variant on the classic, crème-filled, long john. Depending on the degree of severity of snacky time, the 4 oz. pastry can be eaten in three to four bites. The pastry shell resembles a miniature loaf of French bread. I was a bit surprised. This fresh-tasting loaf was a simple, non-sweetened vessel, playing the straight man in this in this dessert performance. It is a refreshing counterpart to the sugary, spongy pastries offered from competitors. I can only imagine the long johns coming fresh-baked off the line. Of course the crème filling is supposed to be the star of the show. And it is. 3B’s crème stands proud. With its smooth, real whipped cream-like consistency, it plays well with its simpler counterpart. The crème has a slightly pearline sheen that catches light subtly, ready for its close up. The flavor, while straightforward sweet, makes a fine pairing. All in all, a wonderful snacky time experience.
NC Folk staffers dig our convenient foods. I am very proud that these fine North Carolina products can hold their own in the dessert market. Why would anyone choose a Twinkie when they can support oven-baked North Carolina products? Next time snacky time hits, reach for the 3Bs and take a bite.
