Homemade Gift Baskets

I was reminded by my daughter's iTouch just the other day that it was only 95 days until Christmas.  (Still not sure if getting that Countdown to Christmas app was a good idea or not)  But that aside it did get me thinking about a few things.  I know trying to start my own home business is a relatively new adventure for me, but I have been baking for several years.  Many of friends, family and co-workers have had the misfortune pleasure of trying out many different baked goods over the years.  A few years ago I did make up a few gift baskets for my husband's co-workers and office staff.  I wanted to do it again this years, but I am actually at a lost at what to make.  I know I know, that must sound strange, but it is true.  I know I could always make old standbys like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, gingerbread and other typical holiday things.  But there is nothing typical about me.  Is that good or bad?  Anyway.....  what to bake, what to bake?

I now know I will be scanning the websites looking for different things, hoping to find a few things new to try.  Of course I need to narrow my search.  I need to look for things that are individual, like cookies. or things that can be easily divided like loaves of bread.  I also really don't want to to make things I made before.  Before I made Rocky Road Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Individual Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Peanut Butter Blossoms and Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.

I did make a post on Facebook asking for some suggestions.  I know not everyone reads that, so that is why I am writing this post.  I hoping to may be reach a few more people that might be willing to help with my dilemma.  I am open to any ideas you may have.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

New Idea

With not having any baking projects to do this week, I have had a lot of time to brainstorm. I had gotten this idea a little while ago when I was thinking of a way to send a friend his favorite dessert, a red velvet cake. Of course, the easiest would be to go there and just make it, but doubt people would want to pay the price to fly me there just to bake a cake. So, thr first thing I thought was it would be easier to sent cupcakes instead of a whole cake. My next problem was the frosting. To me the frosting is just as important as the cake. I would like it to be just as pretty when they get as it was sitting in my kitchen. But, anyone who has shipped anything, there are no guarantees. My initial solution was to use a stiffer frosting, one the would get hard but still be ok to eat. I still didn't like that idea. I have received too many complements on my frosting to change it. I didn't actively think about it for a few weeks, but it was always in the back of my mind. Then just the other night, I was talking with my husband about what I needed to do this weekend and he mentioned cupcakes. He then asked if I had thought of shipping them. I told him I had, but had my concerns. Then we both almost came up with the same idea of Create Your Own Cupcakes.

The idea is simple. You choose everything that you want from the kind of cake to the toppings. You would have the same variety in the cakes and frosting as you would if you were a local order. The topping could be seasonal or just everyday things. I would bake the cupcakes and make the frosting. All the items would be shipped together, but separate. After you received the package all you would need to do it decorate how you want. I know you mightbe thinking, "What is the point?". The point would be several things. You may not have the time to do everything, but the the time to decorate. Or it could be a family fun thing. Or it could event be a thing to do with a group if kids as a fun art project. I think the list could go on. Please tell me I am not crazy.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

A few good things happened

I had few things happen today that I think could lead to some things.

First, I stopped by my HOA office to find out about the cakewalk they were having at our Halloween festival in two weeks.  I will be truthful I had never heard one before today.  After I heard what it was and someone would be getting one of my cakes, I said, "Sign me up."  I have already decided what I am making.  I will be making two cakes.  Right away I knew I should make my Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake and it didn't take me that long to decided on the second one.  I was thinking to go a little Halloweenish (if that is a word), so  I decided on a Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting.  I know this will drive a good friend on mine crazy knowing that he can't have any, but oh well he will just have to deal it.

Second, while I was talking with the woman at the HOA about the cakewalk, I mentioned how I was trying to start my own business.  She said that was great and asked if knew about the craft type show they were having in December.  I didn't.  She then told me about it.  I could have a booth for $15 or $20 depending on the size I wanted and I could sell anything I wanted.  I thought to my OMG, I could sell so many things.  So, this is something I will need to keep in mind.  And who knows, I could end up with many on the spot returning customers with Christmas only being 3 weeks later.

Lastly, I will have my ad run in my HOA monthly newsletter next month.  This I am hoping will generate some business very soon, since it will come out in time for Thanksgiving.

Please keep your fingers crossed!

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

First Day of a New Adventure

Today I decided to embark on a new adventure.  The idea came to me while I was outside early this morning mowing the lawn.  The only things out there was me and a few animals.  The neighbors who work were gone and the school bus had already been around to pick up the kids.  With "It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls (I know, I know....I am dating myself) playing on iPod, I started thinking to myself how can I let people know about the baked good service I want to start.

You see I just moved to the suburbs of Houston, TX about 4 years ago after living in the San Francisco Bay Area for 5 years and before that growing up in Southern New Jersey.  Then to top it all off, I had the best thing happen to me.......I had my wonderful little baby girl.  So, I didn't make too many friends at first because my life was consumed with taking care of a baby.  But, as the little one got older and was able to do more, I rediscovered my love for baking.  I would make up any excuse to bake.  I would make and try anything.  Most of the time I would just bake and make my husband take them to work.  Many of his co-workers just loved everything and would ask him when he was bringing something else in.  When he would tell me that I would think to myself..."What if I did this as way to make money?"  People always said you should do what you love and I LOVE baking.

So, I would throw around the idea a few times, but never did anything about it until recently.  I had some things happen in my life and made me think I should start doing things I really want.  Now, here I am a new blogger and hopefully a new business woman.

I want to use this blog as way to let people know about how things going on with my new adventures and maybe just maybe get a few clients too.  ( What can I say, I am trying to be optimistic)

My plans are to post pictures of anything I bake and will be more then happy to have everyones input on what they think.  I want any and all types of suggestions.  I will not be able to do this with you.

Wish me luck!