AboutGinger Moreno Expertise I can answer most questions regarding Latin American/Spanish recipes (and if I don`t know the answer I have many cookbooks that will probably contain the answer.) Several of my recipes appeared on the Food Network.
I love to work on my original recipes - and make the tried and true. I am really passionate about learning different ethnic cuisines and I treasure all of the grandmothers out there who have recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.
Experience Past/Present clients:I have catered for several gymnastics clubs. I teach cooking classes for 4-H, for a facility for the elderly, for a women's club monthly meeting, and the latest is at a supermarket showing people who sign up for the cooking class how easy good cooking can be.
Question I love to BAKE! I have always cooked and baked for family and friends and received rave reviews for my food especially my baked goods/sweets. I wanted to explore the idea of selling cupcakes/cookies/candies at local shops. I really have no clue of how to start the process with the exception of maybe taking flyers, samples to local compatible businesses and see how the response is. I also need to know what the "health" requirements are for my state/city--how do I do this. I was thinking about locally owned restaurants, gift boutiques, small farmers markets, any other suggestions? Thanks for your time and efforts!
Answer Hi Lynn:
Well my baking skills are not in your ballpark - you sound like a whiz! I've gone as far as red velvet cake - and then - well - I'm done! OK - anyway - that doesn't solve your problem!
The first thing you have to do is go into your state's web page - health department and see if they have anything on line - if they don't - perhaps you can call them and ask them to send you a pamphlet of the health regulations in your state - for baking! That's important - my brother had a food business a while ago and he had told me that there are somewhat different rules for baking - and for full food catering. However - this may be different in your state.
Once you see what you need to open up a small baking business (health codes, etc.) then I would definitely have a tasting sampler and some of your best bets would be specialty stores AND doctor's offices.
Have some business cards printed up - and remember - if you're in the baking business you need to make them as sweet as your baked goods! Farmer's markets are a great idea - but remember, they also have certain rules and regulations.
Locally owned restaurants are good - however, they may ask for your license number, etc., or maybe not - this just depends on the restaurant owner. If you get to know some of them - and they don't have a baker on their payroll - well you can fill the position and do work for other people as well.
Your best bet is your product - remember - fresh ingredients - well presented - a clean environment to bake them in - and you're there! Please let me know how you do. Hope all of this information helps - I know it's a lot to digest (pardon the pun) but if you're prepared then you will prosper!
