Simple Pleasures

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This is a dream ring. You're probably looking at it and wondering why this simple sugary treat deserves its own blog post. Well, my friend, do not be fooled by its looks. Yes, it is simply a halved cake doughnut with icing on top and vanilla cream piped into the middle. The doughnut itself is a bit on the dry side, which I've found is fairly typical of British doughnuts. The icing is your basic sugar and water concoction. And while the vanilla cream is very good, it's just vanilla cream. Individually, the parts aren't that impressive. But put them together as a whole and you have a piece of pastry heaven.

Steve's co-workers told him he had to try a dream ring. They're an Inverness thing. You get them from Harry Gow Bakery, which started back in 1979. I sought out a Harry Gow just to try one of these praised delights and I admit I was not impressed on first sight. I expected it to be a bit on the bland side because I've had doughnuts with vanilla cream on previous visits to the UK. I took my first bite fully expected to be underwhelmed and I was blown away. 

That first time was about a week ago. As I write this, I have just finished my second dream ring that I purchased on a whim as I was out and about. I wondered if my original experience was a fluke. Perhaps it was so extraordinary because I was expecting it to be so much less. Happily, the dream ring remains a dream. I don't know why three basic components can come together to create such a blissful indulgence but they do. And I'm happy about that.

There's a sign in the bakery window. It's one of those ubiquitous Keep Calm signs. It says "Keep Calm and Have a Dream Ring." Yes, Harry Gow, I think I will. And if you find yourself in Inverness, I suggest you do the same.

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