Holiday Market 12/8/12

When I first wrote up a business plan for Little Blue, I was, as I usually am, idealistic. I wanted to create unique, small-batch baked goods that varied with the seasons. I wanted to use as many local and organic ingredients as possible. I wanted to focus on high-quality, French-style pastries with flair.

Typically, my idealism is quelled somewhat when it meets the cold, hard streets of reality, and I am forced to compromise. However, now that the year is drawing to a close, I am happy to say that not only have I resisted compromise with Little Blue, I have managed to improve my products without having to raise prices.

I say this not to brag, but because it is a legitimate concern of both consumers and business owners. How do you provide consistently superior service and products at a reasonable price when seemingly everyone is doing some belt-tightening? I don't know that I have a clear answer to that. I do know that ingenuity and flexibility are important, as are quality and public relations.

Over the course of the year, I have managed to gather something of a following. A loyal group of folks who come back week after week and who provide me with valuable feedback and the best pep talks I've ever been given. Let's face it. Long days spent by yourself, on your feet, in a kitchen can leave you drained and somewhat pessimistic. Saturdays at the market, however, reaffirm what I set out to do and what I continue to do--disseminate my passion for baking, for delicious and nourishing foods, and for people. Thank you so much for allowing me to do that and for supporting me not only with your dollar but also with your kind words and weekly patronage.

Now for the goods. It's a big week.

-Pumpkin Ginger Scones--$3

-Bacon and Blue Cheese Scones--$3

-Croissants (plain, chocolate, ham and cheese, almond-filled)--$3, $4, and $5

-Quiche With Greens and Potatoes--$5

-Mock Mincemeat Tarts (filling made with Honeycrisp apples, golden raisins, candied orange peel, and apple cider)--$5

-Fresh Fruit Tarts With Pastry Cream Filling--$5

-Seeded Granola--$7/12 oz

-Toasted Rooibos and Vanilla Shortbreads--$2/bag

-Pumpkin Seed Brittle--$3/bag

-Light and Dark Fruitcakes--$12 (the light fruitcakes contain candied orange peel, golden raisins, almonds, toasted coconut, and dried papaya and are soaked in bourbon; the dark fruitcakes contain figs, dates, dried plums, raisins, currants, hazelnuts, and walnuts and are soaked in rum)

-Walnut Baklava--$1/square

-Savory Crackers (Walnut and Blue Cheese, Cheddar-Cornmeal-Smoked Paprika, or Seeded)--$2/bag

-Earl Grey Truffles--$1 apiece

-Grown-Up Party Mix--$5/8 ounces

-Ginger-Oat Scone Mix--$4

-Bartenders' Bundles (4 flavors of bitters)--$10

-Bakers' Bundles (double-strength vanilla extract, vanilla sugar, and vanilla beans)--$12

-Mulling Spices--$2

-Instant Chai Latte Mix--$2/bag

-Bourbon-Flavored Marshmallows--$1/bag

-Instant Hot Cocoa Mix and Homemade Marshmallow--$2.50