website!!

my website is up and running!!!!


www.thebigheartbakingcompany.com


enjoy!!

Basic Recipe for Sweet Baking Mix.

hi.

now that you have purchased a 16 ounce jar of sweet baking mix, (that means the almond meal and coconut flour is blended with coconut palm sugar crystals), you need the basic recipe to make all sorts of goodies from the mix, and here it is!!

mix 16 ounces/2 cups of sweet baking mix with:

1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.

mix with a wisk until all blended, set aside.

in a another bowl, mix:

2 eggs.
3/4 cup of liquid- milk, almond milk, coconut milk, orange juice....
1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or banana.
1 teaspoon of extract; almond or vanilla.

blend these ingredients until smooth and frothy!!

now blend the dry into the wet until all mixed together.

then add 1/2 cup of goodies; sweetened coconut, chocolate chips, nuts, ....

mix everything all up together.

this mixture will make a layer cake 8"x8", 9"x9", or 12 medium size muffins.

bake at 350 degrees for approx. 20 minutes. as soon as it bounces a bit back or a toothpick
comes out cleanly, it is done. cool.... and enjoy!!

most baked goods taste better the next day!! feel free to freeze. ok in the frig for about 72 hours.

combinations; here are 3 of my favorites.

almond milk, applesauce, almond extract, coconut flakes.
almond milk, applesauce, vanilla extract, chocolate chips.
almond milk, banana, vanilla, chocolate chips.

this mix makes a lot more than just muffins. ck back for more recipes!!

June's special!!

I am so excited, finally finalized my sweet baking mix and my basic baking mix.

All of my yummy recipes will use either the sweet or basic mix. super simple.

The only difference from my specific mixes is that you will add the baking soda or
powder and the sea salt. and the wet ingredients!

June's monthly special will be for either the sweet or basic mix!!

$20.00 for 8 cups. (normally $28.00/3.50 a cup) you can order as many as you wish!!

packaging and marketing materials.

have spent most of the morning working out my packaging for the bulk mixes.

for local customers and local wholesale... 16 oz and 32 oz mason jars
with eye catching tags and appropriate labeling.
to be featured also at farmers markets.

for online business, plastic pouches inside of a brown paper bag with appropriate labels.
really want this to be as eye catching as the mason jars but not as heavy to ship.

going to ponder for a day before ordering....

june is all about baking with my bulk baking mix!

June's monthly special is going to be 32 ounces of my bulk baking mix for only $20~~

I am working out recipes for the next few weeks to share with you! Really excited about
being able to offer a bulk mix as well as specific mixes.

Let me know if you would like to order the June Special.

I will be delivering to the bay area over memorial day weekend!!

cheers!

almond meal or almond flour?

A lot alike, but also different.
How are they the same and how are they different?

I use almond meal in my mixes. I like the whole value of the almond. I like the denseness of the
baked goods. I like the ability of being able to use almond meal in so many recipes. I purchase my almond meal from a local almond facility that only processes almonds, a gluten free facility.

Found this article. Thought it was well worth sharing.

Almond flour and almond meal are baking ingredients used as healthier alternatives to wheat flour.

Almond flour is made from finely ground blanched almonds, while almond meal, from finely ground almonds including the skin.

Almond flour is best used for cakes, cookies and other pastries requiring finer, moister texture. Almond meal best suits dryer and courser pastries such as cream puff and wafer bases.

Both are gluten-free, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates and sugars. They include essential nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin E and fiber.

Read more: Difference Between Almond meal and Almond flour | Difference Between | Almond meal vs Almond flour http://www.differencebetween.net/object/comparisons-of-food-items/difference-between-almond-meal-and-almond-flour/#ixzz2SCMOYwLL

may's recipes for baking mixes.

carrot cake.

mix until frothy.
3 eggs.
1 cup of mango juice/ odwalla's mango tango or gold country roasters mango smoothie without ice.
1/2 cup softened butter.

then slowly add the cake baking mix. .
mix until smooth.

then add in:
4 grated carrots.
3/4 cup of raisins.
3/4 cup of shredded coconut. either unsweetened or sweetened.

mix thoroughly by hand.!!

350 degrees for about 30 minutes, watch until a toothpick comes out clean.

this cake is super moist!!!
cool on rack and then put in refrigerator overnight.
cut and serve!!

blueberry muffins

mix until frothy
3 eggs.
1 cup liquid; coconut milk, almond milk, regular milk.
1/2 cup softened butter.
1t vanilla extract.

then add muffin mix.
stir until smooth.

add 1 cup of blueberries. fresh, or frozen. I found wild organic frozen blueberries at the local store.

stir until thoroughly blended.

scoop into muffin tins. make about 15 regular size or 8 large muffins.
350 degree preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

great for breakfast!!

coconut pancakes

mix until frothy.
4 eggs.
1 cup of liquid, almond milk, coconut milk, regular milk.
2t vanilla extract.
1 T honey or agave nectar or coconut nectar.

add in ONLY 1/2 cup of the mix. (you have enough for 4 batches!)

pre heat a skillet, pour enough batter for about a 2-3 inch pancake. they
take a bit longer to cook. flip when lt brown. cook on other side.
enjoy with butter, maple syrup or jam!!


almond bread.

mix until frothy.
3 eggs.
1 T honey or nectar.
1/2 t of apple cider vinegar.

add in the bread mix and blend until smooth.

pour into a 6.5x4 loaf pan.
bake in a preheated 300 degree oven about for 45 - 60 minutes.
or until a toothpick comes out clean.

cool.

this is a dense bread. great with sliced cheese or cream cheese and cucumber!

yippee!!!!

great news!!

I passed inspection and am now the first certified cottage food operation in Calaveras county!!

what does this mean??

1. I can make and sell baked goods from my home.
    Friday bake sale!!

2. I can make and sell baking mixes from my home.
    Friday bake sale!!

3. I can make baked goods and baking mixes from my home and deliver in person to you.
    Will be coming to the bay area once a month!!

4. I can make baked goods and baking mixes from my home and deliver to stores. coffee shops. etc.
    to sell to their customers.
    Have 2 shops already ordering!!

Plan b.

for selling at a farmers market, I need another permit....
for selling online and mailing, I need a commercial kitchen and a state certification.

ingredients in my mixes. clean and simple.

Good morning.

Pleased to be able to share with you the ingredients that I have chosen to use in my mixes.

Here are the three ingredients that will be in my "bulk" baking mix. they are also in the majority of my specific mixes.

Glad to be able to share with you the benefits of these ingredients!!

1. Almond Flour.
Grown and processed locally, in a gluten-free almond only facility.
I have chosen to use the NON blanched form of almond flour which has a higher fiber content and is a more natural version of almond flour.

2. Raw Coconut Flour.
Made from unheated coconut, 40% dietary fiber. 100% organic, gluten free, gmo-free, high fiber, low carb and unbleached.
"Coconut flour is an excellent source of gluten free protein, very low carb. actually lowers the calorie count of food, contains 40% dietary fiber, promotes lipid oxidation (burns fat), aids in digestive health, and helps balance blood sugar levels."

3. Raw Coconut Crystals.
100% organic, gluten free, unbleached, unrefined, GMO-free and vegan.
"When the coconut tree is tapped, it produces a nutrient-rich "sap" that exudes from the coconut blossoms, This sap is very low glycemic (only 35), diabetic-friendly, is an abundant source of minerals, 17 amino acids, vitamin c, broad-spectrum b vitamins and has a nearly neutral ph."

I have spent months mixing, baking and experimenting with these three ingredients to come up with my baking mixes and fabulous recipes.

These baked goods tend to be far more moist and dense than other gluten free mixes. The only other ingredients that are added or you will be adding are:

my specific mixes also include and for bulk mix you will be adding:
unsweetened cocoa
baking powder without aluminum
baking soda.
sea salt.

then you will be adding:
eggs or an egg substitute.
milk or a liquid substitute.
butter or a butter substitute.
organic extract; almond or vanilla.
fruits and veggies; carrots, bananas, blueberries....

today....

Good news!!

Drove 32 miles to visit the environmental health department, planning dept, building dept., the assessors office and the tax collectors office, then to the fire station... all to have them sign off on my cottage food permit which will certify me to use my home kitchen to make mixes and bake goodies.
Being that I hope to sell to third parties which will in turn sell to their clients, I will be having an inspection next Tuesday. by may 1st, everything should be signed and certified!! super exciting!!

Still looking...

The cottage food act is very specific and one of the limitations is that you cannot mail your products.
I want to set up an online market site for my mixes!! So I am in the need of a commercial kitchen, 4 hours a week, preferably on Tuesday... so that I can make up the mixes that I need to ship!! That way everyone has accessibility to my baking mixes!!

That is the update of paperwork for now!!
whew!!

april/may's sponsorship.

Help preserve Yosemite -- Join hikers and backpackers of all abilities on Muir's

March July 28-Aug 3: www.hetchhetchy.org

 

thank you Kathy for your support!!

 

 

if you are interested in sponsoring this blog. please email me at:

bigheartdesigns@yahoo.com

 

the cost is only $20 a month!!

 

 

orders so far.... for may.

for may mixes- Jacquie, Felicia, Sherry, Kerri, Kelli S, Johanna, Kelley. so far, and all will receive a 5th for free!! message me if you are interested!!

I am going to find out today what the shipping fee will be if you are out of my delivery area...
please share with your friends.

btw- the carrot cake rocks!! so do the blueberry muffins, the coconut pancakes and the almond bread. great month of mixes!!

yesterday's travels...

yesterday i traveled to our county's government offices, which are nearly an hour away. my goal was to talk with building, planning, environmental health and the tax assessors office to figure out the best way to set up my business.
the new cottage food act, where you can have your home kitchen certified is great for local, hand delivered business but not if you want to offer online ordering and mailing.... it also doesn't include the licensing you need to sell at the farmers market. i posed a bunch of questions that needed research!! this is a very new law and not many have applied in this county. i found out a lot of information. and still am waiting for some answers....

in the meantime, by may 1st

i will hand deliver baking mixes locally and in the bay area once a month.
i will be able to mail my baking mixes anywhere, anytime!!
i will be able to bake and sell once a week from my home!!

i hope to be able to sell wholesale to a few local stores/coffee shops..
i hope to be able to sell at this summer's farmers market.

just waiting to figure out the configuration of licenses i will need.
and finalizing a commercial kitchen to work once a week or so....

may's monthly baking mixes are just about finalized!!
carrot cake, blueberry muffins, almond bread and coconut pancakes!!
super yummy!!

remember- i only use gluten free almond flour, coconut flour, coconut palm sugar crystals.
sea salt, baking soda and baking powder without aluminum. as organic as i am able to find.
no gluten, no grains, no refined sugars... higher in protein and lower in carbs. clean, healthy and
delicious!!

message me to order may's mixes. only $20 for the 4. first 20 to order will receive a 5th mix for free.
thebigheartbakingcompany@yahoo.com

enjoy!!

april/may sponsorship

Help preserve Yosemite -- Join hikers and backpackers of all abilities on Muir's

March July 28-Aug 3: www.hetchhetchy.org

 

thank you Kathy for your support!!

looking forward to may's baking mixes....

may is mother's day, may is sunny and warm, may reminds me that summer is right around the corner.

coconut pancakes- the first time I made these, I served them for dinner with a bit of bacon on the side. couldn't believe how fluffy they were. a really good gluten free alternative for pancakes. can
be made with or without added shredded coconut for texture and taste!

carrot cake- my son and I love to taste test different colors of veggies, carrots being our favorites.
and purple carrots are our very favorite. I bought purple carrots today... think I am going to make a purple carrot cake! won't that be a hoot!! I will take pics!!

blueberry muffins- love my basic muffin mix. last month turned them into banana muffins, this month turning them blue with blueberries!! yummy.

almond bread- last month was the basic coconut flour bread mix, this month my basic almond flour bread mix. going to work on it being more like a sandwich bread. wish me luck!!

please message me to order!!
$20 for all 4 mixes!!

on a whim today....

.... I decided to try to create a high protein, yet yummy muffin that would be perfect for breakfast.
first try was super good.

almond flour.
coconut flour.
sea salt.
baking soda.
organic raw sugar

coconut flakes.
chocolate chips.
cashews.
and vanilla.

could also bake with gluten free oats and raisins, and a bit of cinnamon!!

going to add it to may's baking mixes!! as a free mix if we double our numbers of members to 16!! all you have to do is tell a friend to order and everyone will get this mix for free!!

april mixes available until april 15th.

if you are interested in ordering april's mixes, you have until april 15th!! then I will be concentrating on may's mixes... feel free to pre-order may anytime now until may 15th! share with your friends!

cheers!
m

starting on may's mixes.

beginning to work out the recipes for may.
first to figure out is coconut flour coconut pancake recipe.

tried them last night without the added coconut, light and fairly fluffy. took a much longer time to cook than I expected. had with raspberry jam and butter, and a side of turkey bacon. great dinner!
what I love about using both the coconut and almond flours is that they are so much higher in protein and so much lower in carbs. I think this recipe will work well with both the added coconut and without.

had a huge storm last night. didn't expect to wake up to snow! most of the bay area is without power this morning. I am thrilled that we have power! and snow!! not much but enough to blanket everything in white.

a good morning in the mountains.

paleo and my baking mixes!!

good news!! my baking mixes are already paleo friendly!
I only use almond and coconut flours!!

when it comes to the wet ingredients...

eggs. good.

milk. substitute almond milk or coconut milk. have tried both and they work well.

butter. coconut oil. olive oil. applesauce or combination. I will experiment with coconut oil and applesauce and add notes when I have tried it...

please comment on any substitutions that have worked for you as well!!

recipes for april's monthly baking mixes.

so excited to be writing tonight. delivered to 3 baking club members today! and promised all recipes tonight. i have pictures to create illustrated instructions, but i wanted to get these up as soon as possible.

i want to note a few things that i do every time i bake;
i use a pre heated 350 degree oven for all my baking.
i live at 4200' elevation so my times may be very different than yours.
i use a coconut oil spray on my pans to prevent sticking.
all wet ingredients need to be mixed until frothy.
then slowly add dry mix until blended.
i use the method of sticking a fork into the center to make sure it comes
out clear to determine if the cake is done.
do not overbake.
cool on a baking rack.
wrap tightly overnight.
all are better the next day or two.

please send me comments about baking times, successes or failures, substitutions or additions... i can't wait to hear from you!!

coconut bread.
baking mix- coconut flour and sea salt
put in one bowl.

in a second bowl, mix until frothy:
6 eggs.
1/2 cup of melted butter.
1-2 T honey. depending on sweet you want it. i often don't put any in.

then incorporate dry mix slowly into wet mixture
until blended. do not over mix.

pour into a small loaf pan.
bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until a knife can be inserted and come out clean. do not overbake.
cool on a baking rack. i wrap the bread tightly and wait until the next day to eat. seems to be better the next day. i love butter and homemade jam on a slice for breakfast!!

brownies.
baking mix- coconut flour and unsweetened cocoa.
put in one bowl.

in the second bowl, mix until frothy.
4 eggs.
1t vanilla.
1/2 cup of melted butter.
1/2 cup sweetener, honey, maple syrup, coconut nectar, agave nectar.
i have been using the coconut nectar, but i think any would be really good.

then add-
1/2-1 cup of dark chocolate chips. i use ghiradelli, 60% cocoa chips.

blend together.

i scoop into large muffin cups. about 2 ice cream scoops per cup.
make ~6 large muffins cups or 12 regular muffin cups.

bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until brownie mix is done, chips will be melty.
these are the richest, intense chocolate brownies i have ever made!!

Almond Cake.
this is my absolute favorite cake ever... it is so good you don't need to frost it! eat it for breakfast!
lunch or dinner!! add raspberry jam, lemon curd, powdered sugar.... if you care to.

baking mix- almond flour, coconut flour, coconut nectar crystals, baking powder without aluminum, sea salt. all have been pre-sifted.
put in one bowl.

in a second bowl mix til frothy.
4 eggs,
1/2 cup softened butter.
3/4 milk or liquid.
1 t almond extract.

optional- add 1 cup coconut. i use sweetened, but non sweetened would be good too.

add the dry mix into the wet mixture slowly, blend until smooth.

pour into a cake pan, put into preheated oven. bake about 25 minutes.
cool on rack.
enjoy!!!


banana muffins.
baking mix- almond flour, coconut flour, coconut nectar crystals, baking powder without aluminum, sea salt. all have been pre-sifted.
put in one bowl.

in a second bowl mix until frothy.
4 eggs,
1/2 cup softened butter.
3/4 milk or liquid.
1 t vanilla extract.
2 ripe bananas, smashed up.

add the dry mix into the wet mixture slowly, blend until smooth.

pour into papered muffin cups,
put into preheated oven. bake about 25 minutes.
cool on rack.

enjoy!!

the next few month's baking club selections.

as a member of the baking club....
you will receive each of the selected baking mixes for the month for only $20.
you can order a month or more at a time. delivery is free, shipping is extra.
re-orders of the month's or previous month's mixes will also be available.
pricing tba.

all are gluten free, grain free, refined sugar free.
two mixes of each month will also be nut free.
butter, milk and eggs are used to complete the mixes.
substitutes can be made.
each mix will have the recipe and instructions on my blog!!
still taking orders for april!!


april.

almond cake.

banana muffins.

coconut bread.

choc chip brownies.



may

coconut pancakes.

carrot cake

blueberry muffins.

almond bread.



june

cornbread.

chocolate almond cake.

coconut macaroon muffins.

peanut butter and jelly cupcakes.



july.

lemon curd cake

raspberry, blueberry and white chocolate muffins.

black bean brownies.

banana bread.

all four baking mixes and recipes are ready to go for april.

I am so excited! I have tested and finalized all four baking recipes for the baking club's first month!
Super yummy...

Dark chocolate brownies with chocolate chips.
Moist banana muffins.
Basic Coconut bread.
My favorite almond cake.

All are gluten free, grain free and refined sugar free... but you would never know it!!
The brownies and coconut bread are also nut free.

All four recipes will be posted this weekend along with step by step pictures!

Baking mixes are being mixed tomorrow for the bay area and next weekend for the mountains.

Please let me know if you would like to order for this month. $20 for all four mixes!!

You will be able to make:
10-12 brownies.
14-18 banana muffins.
4 small loaves of bread.
1 medium size almond cake/serves 8.
that's a lot of goodies for $20~~

to order, please email me at: bigheartdesigns@yahoo.com

thanks, enjoy!!
megan

recipe #1. almond cake.

the step by step instructions for

the almond cake

baking mix!!

 

what you will need to get beforehand:

4 eggs,

1/2 cup butter, soften.

3/4 cup milk, 1%,2% or whole...

almond extract.

 

and preheat the oven to 350 degrees!!

2 bowls.

a mixer.

a spatula.

 



pre-sifted almond cake baking mix.
place in a large bowl.

in a separate bowl, add 4 eggs.

add 1/2 cup of softened butter. (1 stick)

  add 3/4 cup of milk.

I used 1% but you can use 2% or whole.

 add 1 teaspoon of almond extract.

 

 blend with mixer, it is ok that it is a bit lumpy!

 

 add wet mixture into baking mix.

 

 mix together with mixer until fairly smooth.

 

 I spray my baking mold with coconut spray oil,

it makes it so much easier to get out of the mold!

 

 I love this mold!! I got it at ikea. I

hope to find more when I am in town.

and will have them in stock to purchase.

 

Put mixture in the mold. I smoosh it down

a bit and smooth the top a bit.

 

 put in the oven, middle rack. 

preheated 350 degrees.

 

start the timer for 30 minutes~

 

ck at 30 minutes to see if the cake is done.

i slip a knife into the middle to see if it comes out clean.

if so, or if it is slightly wet, take out of the oven

and put on a cooling rack.

how to order april's monthly set of baking mixes...

hi.

simple.
email me at bigheartdesigns@yahoo.com
with your name, phone number.

and

if you want to pick up in menlo park/ april 1-2nd

have me deliver if you are close to menlo park/ april 1-2nd

want to pick up in Arnold/ april 7th

have me deliver if you are close to Arnold/ april 7th.

you can pay me when you receive the mixes or you can pay me via paypal
using this email address as the recipient address.

thanks!!
megan

other.

so happy.

I am so happy with the response of my new baking club. I sent out emails last night and already friends have been forwarding the information to those they know need to eat gluten free. I do want
to mention that you don't have to eat gluten free to enjoy these mixes and recipes. The flours I use are higher in protein and lower in carbs. The sweetener is from organic coconuts... the baking powder is aluminum free and the salt is sea salt. Everyone can enjoy these healthier ingredients and will truly enjoy the baked goodies the mixes will make!!
So please pass on the information about the baking club. I am headed to the bay area, Menlo Park, this weekend and will bring the monthly mixes. The chosen 4 are only $20. Or you can buy individual ones for $6 a piece.
Please please let me know by this Friday if you are interested! I will be making mixes on Friday afternoon!!

Thanks so much to all of you for launching this new venture of mine... I am loving being the mad scientist in the kitchen to ultimately create fabulous recipes with healthier ingredients!!

Cheers!
megan
bigheartdesigns@yahoo.com

monthly baking club!

hi all.

who wants to join the monthly baking club?

you will receive 4 baking mixes with new recipes each month!!
I will mix it up and have a combination of muffin, cupcake, cookie, bread, cake, dessert or surprise!

all will be gluten free, refined sugar free, and either grain free or nut free. if you have allergies to either nuts or grain, please let me know.

the baking mixes are all made with coconut flour, almond flour, coconut sugar crystals, baking powder without aluminum and sea salt.

all of this for $20 a month.

i will be delivering to the bay area once a month. and will have the mixes here for pick up as well.

have the first two already signed up. who will be next??
you can try one month at a time or sign up for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months at a time.

shipping is extra if you want me to send them to you.

thanks so much!!
megan

first 4 recipes!! and baking mixes.

april special!!

chocolate chip brownies, almond cake, banana muffins, coconut bread.

these are my first 4 recipes using my baking mixes.
all four mixes for $20.

will be delivering to the bay area on april 1-2.
or local delivery.

all are gluten free, all are grain free, 3 are nut free, all are refined sugar free.

message me at bigheartdesigns@yahoo.com to place your order!!

 

summer farmer's market

I am getting all set up to be a vendor at the summer farmer's market!! this will be my public debut of
"the big heart baking company"!! I have been looking at vendor carts, like an ice cream cart that I can use for cupcakes... or a portable bakery display... been really fun to see the options. I will post some ideas and get your feedback!!
first date is june 8th. Saturday
I will post more as I know more....

can't wait!!

and...
looking at hosting a cupcake summer camp!! kids will learn to bake from scratch, frost and decorate!
working out details now...

two great ideas. need your feedback....

not sure why this happened today... but I was introduced to two amazing ideas that wrap around my love of gluten free baking. since I live in a tiny mountain town, I am really reaching out to my local neighbors for some feedback about both ideas here they are:

1. I was helping out at the school's book fair today and spotted this book, "America's most wanted recipes, just desserts. In this book are over 175 recipes that duplicate some of americ's most loved desserts found at well known restaurants. But none of them where gluten free!!! What if I took every one of the recipes in this book and translated them into a gluten free version?? and had them available by subscription on a blog?? I could work from home, my own hours.... I could offer one or two recipes a week at the farmers market? or have a weekly bake sale at my home?

2. So I dream big!! I would love to open a vintage cupcake shop in this little town. It would only bake and sell gluten free cupcakes and desserts. Well, I found the most perfect space today. it has been a bakery before, a restaurant before. lots of supplies are still there and useable, most of the equipment is working. two patios. lots of parking. on the main hwy. and next to the most successful restaurant in town. close to the elementary school. The owner is very flexible about re-designing the décor. With a lot of paint, some new flooring and table and chairs... it would be the cutest sweet shop. Obviously I can't do it all alone. I would need to find a couple of others to partner with... but the biggest question is "can this town support a business like this?". It would be perfect for birthday parties, tea parties, small meetings. And a place to come and have a cup of coffee and a cupcake.

3. I could combine #1 and #2.

please leave comments for me!!!

baby bundt almond macaroon cakes.

love love love my new baby bundt pans!! so cute, the volumne of 2 good size regular cupcakes!
i love filling the middle with frosting, crème or curd! i will make another batch in the next couple of days. i have very ripe bananas so banana cake is on it's way!!

my baby bundt pan, almond macaroon cakes were so amazing....
i was so excited about taking these to my knitting group, i forgot to take a picture. darn! so sorry.

well, life has been very full lately. and when i am stressed, i bake. made these amazing almond macaroon cakes with raspberry jam and coconut frosting this weekend.
the other thing i do when i am stressed is eat. i had to get them out of my house!! or i would have eaten every single one of them!! the ladies at my knitting group did a big thumbs up for them!!

i baked using my original baking mix which combines, almond, coconut and rice flour, white sugar and baking powder, adding eggs, coconut milk, butter and almond extract.
i haven't been baking with white sugar, and boy did it taste super sweet!
not sure if my body was so happy about it either.

i thought i would concentrate on a coconut flour only mix, but i was reminded that my most favorite of my mixes is the almond and coconut flour blend, eliminating the rice flour and with coconut nectar crystals for sweetening instead of white sugar.
this weekend's baking really confirmed that for me. so that is what i will concentrate on.

i will offer a nut free version by special request. (eliminate the almond flour)
so with this in mind. i will be making up some of the mixes, finalizing some recipes, and moving forward!! i will be in the bay area the first week of april if anyone is interested in trying out this mix!! i know i will be running a special on it, so keep in touch.

my favorite pics.

white chocolate fudge creme recipe!!

this is the crème that I used on top of the chocolate chip donuts. it is very sweet, so you need just a bit on top.

in a double broiler-

melt 1 cup of mini marshmallows and a 1/2 cup-1 stick of butter and one can/14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, once melted add slowly
one package of white chocolate chips-12 oz. stir until all melted and smooth!!
makes about 2 cups. I store in jelly jars in the frig. This is the most wonderful crème. Use it
as frosting, on ice cream, on a muffin, or - a spoonful is awesome!!

here I have made this recipe three ways. white chocolate on the left, used milk chocolate chips instead of white in the middle, and used dark semi sweet chips on the right. same recipe, different chips.

enjoy!

special surprise for tomorrow.

I will post my very favorite almond macaroon cake!! gluten free!!
tomorrow!!

donut recipe and more...

instead of re-writing the entire post.... please go to:

http://simplelivingforarichlife.blogspot.com

for the infamous donut recipe and more!!

working out my farmers market menu early...

I got the call today if I was interested in participating in the local farmers market! YES!!!
Got me thinking about what my market menu of baked goods would look like. Here is a
thought:

 heart shaped almond macaroon cake.- gluten free only

all are gluten free, grain free and nut free.
coconut bread-
banana bread-
cinnamon raisin bread- 

chocolate chip espresso brownies- 

coconut cupcakes/muffins.
chocolate cupcakes/muffins.
vanilla cupcakes/muffins.
blueberry lemon cupcakes/muffins.

muffins will be plain, cupcakes will have an added filling and frosting.
vanilla, chocolate, mocha, raspberry, lemon curd- frosting flavors.

so what am I missing????
 

paperwork.

I am working on the paperwork today to get my home kitchen certified!! a new law was passed earlier this year that allows certain types of foods to be made and sold from a certified home kitchen! thank goodness baking mixes and muffins were included!

I am getting really excited about being able to share my baking mix; gluten free, grain free, nut free, with you. as well as recipes that work well with my mixes. so far, I have an amazing coconut muffin with raspberry crème, and a banana muffin that is super yummy. I am working out the basic vanilla and chocolate versions to be able to bake cupcakes!

I will keep you informed with my progress!!

to keep it simple.

creating this business is such a great lesson for me to really keep things simple. with that in mind, I will be making and selling just
ONE baking mix to start with. one that anyone who eats gluten free, grain free, nut free, paleo friendly, dairy free.... can enjoy.
it is also the highest in protein, lowest in carbs and is without white sugar. can it really be??? yes! yes! yes!.
the big heart bak...ing company proudly presents it's first baking mix.
our basic baking mix for all to enjoy.
one mix will make approx. 15 regular size cupcakes.
$5.00 or 2 for $9.
will be bringing the mixes to the bay area the first week in april. please let me know how many you would like.
in light of keeping life simple,
m.

yesterday's experiments...

good morning.

the night before last I had this sudden urge to experiment with only coconut flour.

this meant avoiding the almond flour so that folks with nut allergies could enjoy our
baking mixes. I found a few recipes. being one who does not follow the rules well...
revised two recipes; one for brownies and one for banana muffins. holy cow!!
they turned out better than I could have ever imagined.

I have been a big fan of almond flour but keep finding that my baking is dense.
I know this is a typical almond flour reaction. it bakes up well and is tasty... but dense.
when only using coconut flour you need a lot more moisture. more eggs, more liquid.
more than I ever use with almond but.... the outcome is light, delicious, protein packed,
carb reduced, paleo happy, gluten free, grain free, nut free, white sugar free and yummy.

to the brownie recipe I added semi sweet chocolate chips, this turned an everyday
brownie into this dark, rich, intensely chocolate, decadent delight!
I winged the banana muffin recipe and created the best muffins ever.

this recipe is going to be my new mix recipe. thinking that Friday night might have been a fluke...
I baked again this afternoon my most favorite combination; an almond coconut macaroon
muffin. they are cooling on the kitchen counter right now, but they smell divine!!
maybe this wasn't a fluke,
maybe I actually have engineered a spot on coconut flour baking mix,
maybe this will be my prized mix,
maybe this is the one!?
try a mix, bake it up and tell me what you think!!

big news!!

in light of making it simple. i am going to only
make in bulk my coconut flour mix. these two mixes
below I will be happy to make for up for you by request.

by special order only....
gluten free, grain free baking mixes.
muffins, cakes and cupcakes!!
I am using almond flour.
recipes are both dairy and dairy free.

with sweetener- I use coconut palm sugar crystals.
$7 or 2 for $12.

without sweetener- add the kind you like.
$6 or 2 for $10.

email me at thebigheartbakingcompany@yahoo.com
with your name, address and phone number
and the type and number of mixes you would like to order.
i will send you my paypal info for payment!

my favorite recipes will be on my blog:
http://thebigheartbakingcompany.blogspot.com

thanks!!

I will be delivering to the bay area the first of april!!

please share this info with your friends. and don't forget to "like" our
facebook page.

oh my gosh, i baked donuts!!

oh my gosh! I just baked donuts with almond flour!! amazing, delicious, yummy, gluten free, grain free.

almond honey, chocolate chip glazed with white chocolate crème and sprinkles.
prompted by a dear friend who wanted donuts. well, here they are!! I am going to
make a baking mix just for donuts, also waffles.... 

  so, very excited!! going to add these to my farmers market menu!

a rainy sunday....

it is a rainy sunday.... time to fold laundry and bake!!

working out the recipe for a:

almond macaroon raspberry muffin/cake!

will show pics when it is out of the oven!!

enjoy the day.

today's experiment...

I have been feeling like a chemist in my kitchen!! As I am fine tuning my gluten free, grain free baking mix... I have been experimenting with different muffin recipes. I have just about finalized
the master recipe for this baking mix. This means you will be able to make all sorts of variations
with just one recipe!!
Today I tried a pear, applesauce, lemon with candied ginger muffin.
Not enough liquid, not enough lemon, pear was too mild, but the ginger rocked!!
With these results, my equation for the master recipe is just about there. So far, these are the ones
that have worked really well-

almond macaroon with raspberry jam.
chocolate espresso with semi sweet chocolate chips.
carrot, raisin orange, dairy free!
applesauce, raisin cinnamon, dairy free!

my goal is to launch the baking mix the end of march!!

a big step forward.

I have been researching this new law that went into effect January 2013. It allows individuals to bake from their own kitchen. A movement forward for the cottage industry. I found that there are a lot of restrictions! oh course there are!!
What I did find out is that I can create and sell my baking mixes, yeh!! and I can bake and sell my amazing gluten free muffins at the local farmers market, to coffee shops and to individuals as long as I deliver them in person.
This piece really put a damper on my idea of marketing my baking mixes nationwide. I can only sell them in California with this certification. But what it does mean is that I can test out the market here, and see what happens before I move into the next phase of a commercial kitchen. The local business and being able to deliver to the bay area once a month or so, may be just enough for me.
I was excited to see how easy the process is as long as you stay within their guidelines. ok, I can follow the rules!
What I did have to do is for go the idea of cupcakes with frosting, they need refrigeration which is a no no, but I can bake my amazing muffins and keep it simple. yes, I will!!
I am going to call the "man" at the county today to get the process going... I will let you know how it moves forward.
Until then, I am working out my recipes! right now a banana muffin is in the oven which will be infused with blueberry jam and drizzled with white chocolate! yum~

today's mission...

one of my number one goals with this venture is to create a gluten free baking mix that is super easy to use, super yummy and affordable. in the past, I have used betty crocker's cake mix for just about everything. i haven't liked the grittiness of it or the cost. $5.00 for 12 muffins!? and the only flour that is used is rice flour. it is perfect if you also need a nut free mix, but i don't and wanted one with more flavor, more protein, less carbs and more affordable. this mission turned me on to almond and coconut flours. i have almost perfected my mix!! it is a blend of almond and coconut flours along with the baking powder, salt and sugar needed to bake up 18 muffins! i have figured out recipes for an almond version, an espresso chocolate version, a banana/carrot/raisin version and am working on
an orange/lemon version. my concern last night was what type of sugar to use. do i use the standard white sugar? a raw sugar? or leave the sugar out and the consumer can add the kind they want?
so with this pondering... i baked up a batch of banana muffins last night without sugar. they actually tasted quite good. i feel the need to add in some more natural sugars... so more bananas, carrots and raisins?! that will be the recipe test for the day. i really want to come up with a couple of morning muffins to balance my afternoon sweet treats. that is my current mission!!
it is a cold and foggy day in the mountains. a perfect day to work around the house and bake up this new idea. i will let you know how it turns out!!
enjoy the day!!

recipe #1- almond macaroon cake!

Today, I brought this cake to my quilters guild luncheon. It is my almond macaroon with lemon curd and smash berry jam, and drizzled with white chocolate. Great success!!

To make this cake:

1 package- amazing almond baking mix.
4 eggs.
3/4 cup butter.
1 teaspoon almond extract.
1/2 cup milk.
1 cup shredded coconut.

mix all wet ingredients add in baking mix.
pour into a greased pan, I used the ikea heart shaped silicon pan. I am going to bake these in
large muffin pans this weekend.
bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. I bake and test recipes at 4000 feet,
so time will vary depending on where you live!

the extras on top!!
8 ounces of lemon curd. **
4 ounces of jam, I used my smash berry jam, but a raspberry jam would be great as well.**
4 ounces of white chocolate fudge drizzle**

** these are also my recipes.
I will be selling the lemon curd and fudge crèmes this summer as well.

great news today!

While I was in town this week, I went into my favorite coffee shop and ran into not only the owner, but my friend who owns the Arnold Pantry which specializes in organic produce. While I was there I asked if either knew of a commercial kitchen for rent. A new law went into effect recently that allows for baking and such from your own kitchen on a small basis, as long as it is certified. I knew this but, I am a bit intimidated by this kind of process. They both said that the person in charge is super nice and helpful and gave me his direct number. So I got my courage together and called this morning. They were right. He is so nice and helpful. I start the paperwork process this weekend, and hope to be certified in a month.
So, what does this mean??? It will mean that I can sell my gluten free baked goods at the local farmers market this summer, I can sell wholesale to local coffee shops and I can sell my baking mixes just about anywhere.
I have a tendency to take on  more than I can handle, so this is going to be a huge challenge for me to keep manageable. I already know that I need to be very clear as to what my goals are, the hours I am able to work and where to get help if I need it.
Right now, my thoughts are to only sell at the local farmers market, a sell my baking mixes in person and online and to only sell wholesale to a handful of places. It will be super easy to find someone to help me pack and ship the mixes. And my focus will be on creating recipes and baked goods. So far so good.
Thought this was news worthy to share!! I will continue to update my progress!!

in the beginning....

In the beginning, I was just trying to bake gluten free. I first tried trader joes pancake and brownie mixes. Then I tried betty crocker's cake mixes. All were just ok. Then I heard about baking with almond flour. I tried one recipe and LOVED it!! It dawned on me then, that I really wanted to create a basic baking mix that could be used for all sorts of recipes.

Oh course I had to tell my friends about this idea... and it has now blossomed from an idea to the concept to a product... my design business is called big heart designs, it was only natural that my baking company is called the big heart baking company.

I am not a bakery, nor have the energy to create one alone.  I am simply a mom who is creating amazing gluten free baking mixes and provides ideas and recipes on this blog for baking with these mixes. I hope to be able to market these mixes in the next few weeks.

I was asked today if I would create the mixes and recipes for an upcoming special event... YES!

I can do that!! and so in the beginning this is how the big heart baking company began!