Packaging

My storm work is about over so last night I got into the packaging site I'd saved before leaving for Dallas. I think that I will try two types of packages then see what goes over.
I'd like to try a box, something "green" and also a clear cylinder type package. I'll post photos when I find what I'm looking for. Actually I made a box before I left so I'll attach those photos now. Well I thought I'd add a photo but it isn't working so I'll add it later.

Thinking Cookies now

Good news, Nate has a new seller's permit for the farmers markets that includes specialty items. The cookies will fall under this category. He believes that he will be able to sell all of the cookies that I can make.
I won't be home for another week but now need to think seriously about the packaging issues. I'll need to be ready to run with the cookie idea after arriving home.

Thinking Cookies again

I've been working non stop on claims but now that the work is wrapping up cookies are back in my mind. Nate said that people are clamoring for the cookies at his farmers markets.
I'm back to thinking about packaging issues.
Clayton called yesterday and he will be with the guy he knows to set up the web site on Sat. He will set the stage for the web site as I've about given up on trying to get it done myself. Hopefully, we can get that started in the next two weeks and finished about the time we get the USDA approval.
It is really so exciting though to realize that I've made enough money to get the USDA testing done next month! And enough to trademark my names, not just for the cookies but for the icing and petites fours. Can't wait to get on with this project and see where it goes.

Finally baking Again

Since I returned from Asia I've been swamped with claims work. Projects were due ASAP so I've had little time to work on any cooking until tonight. Finally I finished up with claims this evening.
I'd planned to bake today but it turned out to be tonight.
I've been baking cookies one batch at a time but we never needed more than that. Now I needed to try the recipe x4. Trying to market cookies that get baked 20 at a time could be problematic so I need to see how the recipe does expanded.
I made the 1st large batch and found for starters that my mixer really isn't big enough. I had to mix the last of the meal in by hand. I'll use the mixer at the commercial kitchen after this. But they got mixed and the crunchy cookies got baked by 12 midnight.
I wanted to quickly get the chewy cookies going so I could get to sleep tonight so beat the last of the butter and measured out the sugar. After adding the brown and white sugar I started to mix but then thought about it and was sure I didn't add enough white sugar. I added another cup but then the mixture looked and tasted like sugar. I decided that I'd deal with all this first thing in the morning. I need to ship some out tomorrow and take some to Nate so he can give samples to the various farmer's markets tomorrow afternoon.

Home: off and running

For two weeks I was in Asia, eating Chinese food then Japanese food. I did 3 travel blogs but couldn't keep up with this one. I'll try to start tomorrow to write about the food I ate on my holiday.
This weekend I'll also get back in gear on the cookies, I have two goals: 1. make a much larger batch of cookies to see if the recipe expands. 2. start serious work on packaging.
Nate and Bekki were here a couple of nights ago and we decided that packing the cookies in a box much like the ones containing cookies from Japan was a better idea than cellophane. I'm thinking green packaging here.
I worked a farmers market for Nate this afternoon and many who came to the booth were very interested in our cookies. I'll see how this goes!