April 25, 2012

the right stuff – my baking decisions for a bake sale

America, cookies, events, New York
the right stuff – my baking decisions for a bake sale

Just a few more days to the 3rd Annual Food Blogger Bake Sale and I still haven’t decided what to make.

It’s not like I’ve been avoiding the topic. Between the emails, paper trails and phone calls, I’m happy to report that the event is coming together nicely. Just a few more details and we’ll put on the sweetest display this coming Saturday.

During the process of recruiting food blogger/bakers for the Bake Sale, I realized some people aren’t entirely familiar with the concept of a bake sale. Since I didn’t grow up in the US, it was pretty much a novel idea to me as well—until last year’s NYC Bake Sale for Japan. After a fantastic, though cold, day of selling bake goods, meeting wonderful bloggers, volunteers–and of course the lovely Lillian (organizer)–I fell in love with the idea.

In order for your bake goods to be successful, here’s what I have learned.

How to Bake for a Bake Sale

1. Pull Yourself Together – Do NOT bake anything that is delicate and needs special handling.

2. I’m so Pretty – Packaging is VERY important. Think of how you want people to perceive your bake goods. You can get ideas and tips from browsing in your favorite stores.

3. Say My Name – A bake sale is the chance to show off your passion in baking. Your bake goods are essentially edible business cards. Label them so consumers know who/blogger made them and how they can get to your blog.

4. Hot n’ Cold – With the unpredictable weather pattern these days, make sure your bake goods can be displayed (under packaging) for the entire day.

5. Drool Factor – Flavors should be something the consumers can relate to, be creative but the point is to make a sale, not a science experiment.

6. Feed the Village – In general, 18-24 items/package is a good starting point, but verify with organizer to see if they want more or less. Consumers usually don’t go for bake goods that are piled high on a table. They automatically think they’re not homemade.

7. Spread the Love – If you are going to work at the bake sale table, prepare some samples/small bites to hand out. Break up extra cookies, brownies, etc and put them in mini-muffin cups. This gets the crowd excited and a great way to promote your bake goods.

Following my own guidelines, I could be safe and make last year’s goodies–Devilish Delights (top left) and Chocolate Cherry “Brownie” Cookies (top right). Since I love a challenge, however, I’m considering Oatmeal Chocolate “Banana Bread” Cookie (bottom left) and/or Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Krispies (bottom right).  Which one of these would you buy?

America, cookies, events, New York
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