Hello -
I'm posting here again. :) Although I still check the email notifications I get from here, I don't get to visit the site as often as I'd like. Mainly due to the fact that when I get on the computer, it's to check email and Facebook, my blog and Twitter. My mother's computer crashed and she's been having to use mine. Not to mention we are moved now, to Costa Rica, from the U.S. I am posting here a couple of questions I have about starting a home-based bakery here.

We've been told that you can't find good baked goods here, and that the ones you find taste AWFUL. We've been here about three weeks (nearly) and my father doesn't have a job yet. We are going to be baking and selling our own baked goods (i.e. breads, cakes, cookies, and the like) for an income. We are looking for a house right now, preferably we want it on some land in a more rural setting than the city, where we can garden and maybe have some chickens and a cow for milk and eggs. (Milk is kind of expensive here, as is most dairy things.) This is what we're hoping anyway. We lived on 2-1/2 acres of land in the U.S. and moving to the city has been somewhat of an adjustment for us. Not to mention we have a large family. :)

So... what I would like to know is any tips and ideas you all might have for things we could sell here. I know there are endless things to bake - breads, cookies, cakes, pies, tarts and the like. If anyone on here has started something like a home-based bakery before I would love to know what you did. We are getting a logo for our products, and the needed info for pricing and such. I would appreciate all your help, if you would be so kind as to give it. :)

Shalom!
  -Rachel

Greetings and salutations!

Finding this site has really brightened my day. My imagintion is piqued! After the baby is solidly sleeping, I plan to take her out for a stroll to try to find saffron, so that we can try out your saffron buns.

My husband and I are about to embark on a long trip to Pakistan to visit family in Karachi, God willing. While there, I would love to share my newly honed bread-baking skills with my dear in-laws. I anticipate a few difficulties, and am hoping for some expert advice.

Issues on my mind:

1) Their oven never gets all that hot (maybe maxing out arounf 350). It lacks a dial (so I can't really tell what temperatue it is at, in any case) -- and it heats unevenly. I made some fairly mediocre baked moussaka for them when I visited last year, and found the oven tricky to use. I know that it is a poor artist who blames her tools, but... what sort of bread might be very forgiving of such an oven?

2) I can get maida and atta in Karachi -- could you recommend a recipe for a "double roti" type of bread (this is what they call sandwich bread) which uses these flours? I think that their preference would be for a soft, sweet bread.

3) As the mom of a 12-week old girl, I find that doing anything with very exact timing to be beyond me. If you can suggest a recipe which is forgiving if I get pulled away by my 11 pound boss, then that would be just lovely.

I really, really appreciate any advice.

best,

Anna

just wondered if you have a bread maker? do you use it for everyday use large families or just personal use?

thanks

I recently had relatives visit from Atlanta.  They think I am a little whacky to be baking my own bread (even if they enjoyed it immensely).  I can handle it.  I know this is the best thing for us right now.  The part that is discouraging, is they suggested that I do not grain my own flour - that everyone she knows that has done that has gone extreme in her opinion.  

I am now discouraged from trying this.  I keep reading about how healthy it is, and I am wondering if any of you who have taken on this extra step have any regrets.    My oldest son (14) yesterday walked into the kitchen, sliced a piece of homemade sourdough, and said "Mom - your bread baking is the best thing that ever happened to me".  He was teasing of course, and trying to flatter me, but the pleasure I have provided from my new found culinary hobby of simple bread baking is astounding.  We eat much less junk - my husband has lost weight even though he gets his food cravings satisfied.  A simple piece of toast with avocado and garden fresh tomatoes is enough to satisfy any food craving.

What do you think flour millers?  Is it worth the abuse from the naysayers?