It was a good week. Windy, but good.
The weather today was perfect. Couldn't ask for anything better. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, there wasn't a spec of rain in sight, and the temperature was very comfortable at 70-something. Good weather = good day at the market. The crowd was much more steady this week than the past two weeks when the weather was a bit threatening. I don't think it really slowed down until after 6:00. I sold all but two packs of cookies, so yay me!
I was surprised at the number of people that stopped and asked if I had anything sugar-free again this week, which I did not. This week's cookie of the week was snickerdoodles. I was surprised, also, by how many people thought that a snickerdoodle was a peanut butter cookie of some sort. I sold my pie early on, and sold half of my happyjacks in the first 15 minutes. I knew then that it was going to be a good day.
Several folks stopped by today that I haven't seen yet this season, and it was nice to see their faces again. A older fellow stopped by and bought some cookies, then came back later and asked if I were married because he wanted to take me out for a cup of coffee. I told him I was married....to Jack... and that he's quite happy, and so am I, so thank you, but no thank you. I honestly think that was the first time I've been hit on in at least 10 years, if not much longer than that. It was kind of awkward.
I'm not going to be at the market next week, as we're taking a long weekend trip to Washington, D.C. Our daughter has been begging to go for two reasons: the Smithsonian, and Georgetowne Cupcake. Hopefully we'll be able to see both.
Until two weeks from now, have a yummy day!
Read about the somewhat weekly happenings in the world of HappyJack Bakery, including how things go at the farmer's market each week throughout the summer.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Farmer's Market—Week 3, June 18, 2012
Preparing for the third farmer's market of the season was very time consuming. In addition to the market, I had a graduation party that I was making cookies for. In addition to making cookies, we had company all week, and I didn't want my baking to interfere with any of our plans, so I was up at 6:30 every morning baking for several hours to get it all done before we were ready to head out for the day. In addition, any downtime that we had from activities, I would squeeze in baking a few dozen cookies. Needless to say, by the time Sunday night came, I was pooped.
Joe, a customer that stopped by last week, challenged me to make a sugar-free cookie, and if you know me at all, you know that I take challenges very seriously and will do what I have to to meet that challenge. So I found a recipe for a lemon ricotta cookie, and I replaced the sugar with Splenda. It was hard deciding what flavor of cookie to make, as I was hesitant to duplicate, or make something similar to, a cookie I already make. But I don't make anything with lemon, so I thought that was a good option. The cookies turned out ok. I'm not crazy about the Splenda flavor, but my diabetic customers (or those wishing to limit their sugar intake) must not mind it because the cookies sold out long before the market ended. I had a few people, including Joe, buy one to try it, and then end up buying 8 more. But, of course, Joe is now looking forward to me making other sugar-free cookies, and I'm not sure I want to continue using Splenda for that. I'd love to find a recipe that doesn't need sugar... maybe it's a pie, or some kind of snack cake or breakfast bread or something. We'll see. I'm on a mission to make a spectacular sugar-free treat. It may not happen this week, but it will before the season is over.
Other than that, there's not much else too exciting to share. The weather was warm, and fortunately the rain held out. My booth was pretty steady with customers until around 4:45 or so, but then the whole crowd at the market slowed down, so my customers slowed down, too. It was pretty dead from 5:00 to 7:00, although once Jack arrived to relieve me at 6:00, he had a small burst of customers. Must have been some folks unable to resist his welcoming charm.
Overall, I think I did pretty well. I sold about the same amount this week as I did last week. Hopefully that's a trend I can count on. The fortune cookies didn't do well at all this week. Not sure what's up with that. I ended up with about 6 or 7 packs leftover of those. In addition, I had one pack of chocolate chip and one pack of lime, and three packs of flourless peanut butter cookies. That kills me because late on Sunday, I decided to make another batch just for the heck of it. I guess I didn't need to. Lastly, I made one pie that didn't sell. But that was OK. I owed a pie to a guy that did me a big favor, and he was very happy when I drove up to his house yesterday to drop it off.
So that's the long story of it all. Until next time, have a yummy day!
Joe, a customer that stopped by last week, challenged me to make a sugar-free cookie, and if you know me at all, you know that I take challenges very seriously and will do what I have to to meet that challenge. So I found a recipe for a lemon ricotta cookie, and I replaced the sugar with Splenda. It was hard deciding what flavor of cookie to make, as I was hesitant to duplicate, or make something similar to, a cookie I already make. But I don't make anything with lemon, so I thought that was a good option. The cookies turned out ok. I'm not crazy about the Splenda flavor, but my diabetic customers (or those wishing to limit their sugar intake) must not mind it because the cookies sold out long before the market ended. I had a few people, including Joe, buy one to try it, and then end up buying 8 more. But, of course, Joe is now looking forward to me making other sugar-free cookies, and I'm not sure I want to continue using Splenda for that. I'd love to find a recipe that doesn't need sugar... maybe it's a pie, or some kind of snack cake or breakfast bread or something. We'll see. I'm on a mission to make a spectacular sugar-free treat. It may not happen this week, but it will before the season is over.
Other than that, there's not much else too exciting to share. The weather was warm, and fortunately the rain held out. My booth was pretty steady with customers until around 4:45 or so, but then the whole crowd at the market slowed down, so my customers slowed down, too. It was pretty dead from 5:00 to 7:00, although once Jack arrived to relieve me at 6:00, he had a small burst of customers. Must have been some folks unable to resist his welcoming charm.
Overall, I think I did pretty well. I sold about the same amount this week as I did last week. Hopefully that's a trend I can count on. The fortune cookies didn't do well at all this week. Not sure what's up with that. I ended up with about 6 or 7 packs leftover of those. In addition, I had one pack of chocolate chip and one pack of lime, and three packs of flourless peanut butter cookies. That kills me because late on Sunday, I decided to make another batch just for the heck of it. I guess I didn't need to. Lastly, I made one pie that didn't sell. But that was OK. I owed a pie to a guy that did me a big favor, and he was very happy when I drove up to his house yesterday to drop it off.
So that's the long story of it all. Until next time, have a yummy day!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Farmer's Market: Week 2—June 11, 2012
Today's market started out much slower than last week's...not necessarily at my table, though. I just mean in general. It could have been because of the threatening weather, which did end up showering us with a mild sprinkle here or there. But there just weren't as many people milling about at 3:00 as there were last week. Overall though, throughout the day, my sales were pretty steady, at least until about 5:00. They usually dwindle at that time anyway, so that was no surprise. But the good news is that I sold all but three items. And that's even better news for Jack, who is ever so happy when there are leftovers to be enjoyed.
Anyway, I saw most of the same faces from last week, along with a few new ones, and a few regulars from last year that weren't able to make it last week. This year, I decided to see how my blueberry sour cream pound cake would sell if I brought one each week. So far, I'm two for two, so I guess I'll keep making it until there doesn't seem to be any interest in it. I only made one pie this week, which seemed to be the right number. It sold, but I may not have been able to sell another. There are two other vendors that sell pies, so that's a lot of hefty competition. And it's a pricey investment if it doesn't sell, so I'm ok selling one pie a week, as long as it's selling. The people that buy my pie love my pie, so I'm glad I'm able to make them happy with it.
I had two potential customers ask if I had anything sugar-free. I currently don't make anything sugar-free, but I did look around back in early May for some recipes that might fit my brand. I need to get back to that quest, because I told one of those people that I would try to make him something for next week. The challenge is on!
I had a few people tell me that the fortunes stuck to the fortune cookies last week. I felt so bad, and I did explain to them that I made them a little differently this week (in other words, I placed the fortune more towards the outer edge of the cookie this time so it didn't get stuck in the folds). Hopefully I'll win back some customers that bought them and were turned off by that. They really are a fabulous cookie!
So that's about all I have to report for now. Maybe next week's cookie of the week will be something sugarless... who knows. We'll have to wait and see. Until then, have a yummy day!
Anyway, I saw most of the same faces from last week, along with a few new ones, and a few regulars from last year that weren't able to make it last week. This year, I decided to see how my blueberry sour cream pound cake would sell if I brought one each week. So far, I'm two for two, so I guess I'll keep making it until there doesn't seem to be any interest in it. I only made one pie this week, which seemed to be the right number. It sold, but I may not have been able to sell another. There are two other vendors that sell pies, so that's a lot of hefty competition. And it's a pricey investment if it doesn't sell, so I'm ok selling one pie a week, as long as it's selling. The people that buy my pie love my pie, so I'm glad I'm able to make them happy with it.
I had two potential customers ask if I had anything sugar-free. I currently don't make anything sugar-free, but I did look around back in early May for some recipes that might fit my brand. I need to get back to that quest, because I told one of those people that I would try to make him something for next week. The challenge is on!
I had a few people tell me that the fortunes stuck to the fortune cookies last week. I felt so bad, and I did explain to them that I made them a little differently this week (in other words, I placed the fortune more towards the outer edge of the cookie this time so it didn't get stuck in the folds). Hopefully I'll win back some customers that bought them and were turned off by that. They really are a fabulous cookie!
So that's about all I have to report for now. Maybe next week's cookie of the week will be something sugarless... who knows. We'll have to wait and see. Until then, have a yummy day!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Farmer's Market: Week 1—June 4, 2012
I was so excited about being at the farmer's market again this year. To everyone that stopped by, thank you so much! Even if you didn't buy anything, it was great to see you all. I think the highlight of my day was when my youngest repeat customer, Darby, came over with her mom and handed me a bouquet of pretty, hand-picked little purple flowers. Her mom said she was excited to get to see me that day. I was very, very touched. It was so sweet!
Things were busy when they rang the bell at 3:00. As usual, the market is busiest between 3:00 and 4:00, and every hour after that, it slows down. But overall, it was still pretty hopping most of the day. I did very well, selling about the same amount this year on opening day as I did last year on opening day. I didn't quite sell out, but I didn't have much left over. I had a few happyjacks, one pie, and several packs of chocolate chip cookies. Go figure. Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies? And mine are flavorful and chewy. The perfect cookie, if you ask me, but of course, I'd say that, huh? Oh well. Hopefully more people will give them a chance next week. They used to be my best seller. I don't get it.
It was truly wonderful to see the other vendors, and some new faces that joined the team. And it was so much fun to see all of my favorite regulars. One of them even sprouted a new baby during the off season, and he was so darn cute! Only two weeks old, and all squishy-faced. I just wanted to hug him! There were some folks that didn't make it out for opening day that I hope to see soon in the upcoming weeks. I missed you guys!
My cookie of the week went over well: a blondie loaded with toasted coconut, chocolate chips, and Heath Bar chips. I also have a new item this year: Jackanese Fortune Cookies. Hopefully the paper didn't stick too badly in the cookies. In the test runs that I did, the cookies were dry enough that the paper didn't stick, but every cookie is different and unfortunately, I can't test them all. I just hope the majority of them were ok. Otherwise, I'll need to rethink the fortunes.
Lastly, I was extremely grateful to have the support of my best friend/husband/partner, Jack. He was able to take the afternoon off of work and join me. It's a tremendous help to have him there to set up, and it was wonderful to have company during the afternoon. Around 5:00, our daughter, Lila, joined in the fun, and we were able to enjoy dinner from some of the vendors, and dessert from the other cookie lady. All in all, it was a wonderful day. Hopefully next week, the weather will be a little more sunny, and a little less chilly.
Until then, have a yummy day!
Things were busy when they rang the bell at 3:00. As usual, the market is busiest between 3:00 and 4:00, and every hour after that, it slows down. But overall, it was still pretty hopping most of the day. I did very well, selling about the same amount this year on opening day as I did last year on opening day. I didn't quite sell out, but I didn't have much left over. I had a few happyjacks, one pie, and several packs of chocolate chip cookies. Go figure. Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies? And mine are flavorful and chewy. The perfect cookie, if you ask me, but of course, I'd say that, huh? Oh well. Hopefully more people will give them a chance next week. They used to be my best seller. I don't get it.
It was truly wonderful to see the other vendors, and some new faces that joined the team. And it was so much fun to see all of my favorite regulars. One of them even sprouted a new baby during the off season, and he was so darn cute! Only two weeks old, and all squishy-faced. I just wanted to hug him! There were some folks that didn't make it out for opening day that I hope to see soon in the upcoming weeks. I missed you guys!
My cookie of the week went over well: a blondie loaded with toasted coconut, chocolate chips, and Heath Bar chips. I also have a new item this year: Jackanese Fortune Cookies. Hopefully the paper didn't stick too badly in the cookies. In the test runs that I did, the cookies were dry enough that the paper didn't stick, but every cookie is different and unfortunately, I can't test them all. I just hope the majority of them were ok. Otherwise, I'll need to rethink the fortunes.
Lastly, I was extremely grateful to have the support of my best friend/husband/partner, Jack. He was able to take the afternoon off of work and join me. It's a tremendous help to have him there to set up, and it was wonderful to have company during the afternoon. Around 5:00, our daughter, Lila, joined in the fun, and we were able to enjoy dinner from some of the vendors, and dessert from the other cookie lady. All in all, it was a wonderful day. Hopefully next week, the weather will be a little more sunny, and a little less chilly.
Until then, have a yummy day!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Market and Chat
I can't believe that the first day of Farmer's Market season is almost here. Every year, I have found that by the end of the market season, I'm tired and ready for it to be over. But then by April, I'm always getting the itch, and I'm so excited to get back to it all. This year has been no different.
Monday will mark the beginning of my third season at the Whitehall Farmer's Market at Caste Village Shopping Center. I'm so excited because I got the same spot this year as I had last year. I love my neighbors in the booths next to me and across from me. I love to chat with them when the crowd slows down, and I love to purchase their wares. Joyce has fabulous fudge, Lynn has the best pierogies, and Paul and JoAnn have great fruit! I'm also really happy that I'm soon going to get to see all of my regulars again, and I hope to meet some new folks that soon will also become steady customers. It's just such an exciting time!
So this weekend, I'm baking my little heart out...well, at least trying to in the midst of two dance recitals and a graduation party. Be sure to stop by for all the usual suspects that you're used to getting at my table: Better Than Regular Old Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chip Snowballs (Justin at Escajeda's Tacos LOVES these cookies–I've tried to get him to try something else, but he can't bring himself to do it), Ma Abbate's Oatmeal Rounds, A-maize-ingly Lime Cookies (Lynn at ZumZum swears she's not a sweets eater, but she seems to really like these ones; Angela seems to really like these ones, too), Cinnasnappers, Squish Monsters (everybody's favorite), Fudgy Brownies of Doom, Apple and Blueberry HappyJacks (Debbie loves the blueberry ones!), and some Super Apple HappyJacks. In addition, my cookie of the week will be Loaded Blondies...a brownie-like texture of a cookie bar, but with no chocolate, loaded with chocolate chips, toffee chips, and coconut. My newest creation this year, though, and one that I'm so excited to see how you all like it, are my Jackanese Fortune Cookies. They'll be the best fortune cookie you've ever had, trust me.
One other thing I wanted to mention was that I'm doing another HappyJack Chat at the Whitehall Library on July 18 at 7:00 pm. The topic this time is Chocolate and Oatmeal. I'll be demonstrating how to make a chocolate chip oatmeal cake that is foolproof, moist, and delicious. I'll also share with you Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookie recipe that uses oatmeal in two forms. These aren't the cookies I sell at the market, but they're a pretty good, hearty cookie that I'm sure you'll love. Be sure to sign up at the library's web site and join me for an hour of conversation all about baking, chocolate, and oatmeal.
Well, that's it for now. I can't wait to see everyone on Monday. Please stop by and say hi, even if you're not in the mood for my treats. I miss you!
Monday will mark the beginning of my third season at the Whitehall Farmer's Market at Caste Village Shopping Center. I'm so excited because I got the same spot this year as I had last year. I love my neighbors in the booths next to me and across from me. I love to chat with them when the crowd slows down, and I love to purchase their wares. Joyce has fabulous fudge, Lynn has the best pierogies, and Paul and JoAnn have great fruit! I'm also really happy that I'm soon going to get to see all of my regulars again, and I hope to meet some new folks that soon will also become steady customers. It's just such an exciting time!
So this weekend, I'm baking my little heart out...well, at least trying to in the midst of two dance recitals and a graduation party. Be sure to stop by for all the usual suspects that you're used to getting at my table: Better Than Regular Old Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chip Snowballs (Justin at Escajeda's Tacos LOVES these cookies–I've tried to get him to try something else, but he can't bring himself to do it), Ma Abbate's Oatmeal Rounds, A-maize-ingly Lime Cookies (Lynn at ZumZum swears she's not a sweets eater, but she seems to really like these ones; Angela seems to really like these ones, too), Cinnasnappers, Squish Monsters (everybody's favorite), Fudgy Brownies of Doom, Apple and Blueberry HappyJacks (Debbie loves the blueberry ones!), and some Super Apple HappyJacks. In addition, my cookie of the week will be Loaded Blondies...a brownie-like texture of a cookie bar, but with no chocolate, loaded with chocolate chips, toffee chips, and coconut. My newest creation this year, though, and one that I'm so excited to see how you all like it, are my Jackanese Fortune Cookies. They'll be the best fortune cookie you've ever had, trust me.
One other thing I wanted to mention was that I'm doing another HappyJack Chat at the Whitehall Library on July 18 at 7:00 pm. The topic this time is Chocolate and Oatmeal. I'll be demonstrating how to make a chocolate chip oatmeal cake that is foolproof, moist, and delicious. I'll also share with you Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookie recipe that uses oatmeal in two forms. These aren't the cookies I sell at the market, but they're a pretty good, hearty cookie that I'm sure you'll love. Be sure to sign up at the library's web site and join me for an hour of conversation all about baking, chocolate, and oatmeal.
Well, that's it for now. I can't wait to see everyone on Monday. Please stop by and say hi, even if you're not in the mood for my treats. I miss you!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)