times can change, and cupcakes can follow croissants into oblivion. Always stay current with the newest trends.
Pumpkin Loaf
Yield: 3 medium (7 x 3) loaves
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (15–16 oz) can pumpkin
• 2/3 cup water, cider, juice, or wine
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• Optional: 1 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease 3 medium (7 x 3) loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin, and liquid.
In a 4-cup measure, lightly spoon in the flour then add the baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir, then add to the liquid ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add raisins, if using.
Spoon this thin batter into your pans and bake 35 to 50 minutes, until the tops are firm to the touch and leave no finger imprint.
Cool before wrapping. These keep for one week at room temperature, three weeks in the fridge, and six months frozen.
Also makes excellent muffins.
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Preparing a Business Plan
A business plan is what moves your idea from a daydream to a realistic vision for the future. It will help you define your goals and outline what you need to do to achieve them. There are many facets of starting a business, so the real value in creating a business plan is that it forces you to research new, unfamiliar areas. You’ll discover your strengths and weaknesses and learn about issues and details you had not previously considered. Finally, you will gain an understanding of the day-to-day reality of operating a perishable food business.
A business plan will also show others that you are serious about your ambitions. A detailed plan communicates your ideas and provides potential financiers with answers. From friends and family to potential backers and suppliers who will be extending you credit, people will respect that your business is based on a rational, thoughtful approach. If you have enough capital to invest in your own business, the plan can help you make the correct choices before putting your savings into a costly new business.
Great ideas come when we’re sitting around chatting with others. When you are writing your business plan, talk with family and friends in both formal and informal brainstorming sessions. These sessions can be useful for solving specific problems and for getting creative ideas in business planning. Make lists, including the pros and cons of working from your kitchen. Is there a market for your product? Are you capable of working from your home kitchen?
You may know immediately how big or small you want your business to be. Maybe you want to keep it small, with enough restrictions to fit your business around your lifestyle. Maybe what you really want is to have a large operation that can support your entire family. Maybe you don’t know yet. It’s good to be aware of your present personal limits and any future options. Once you have created your business plan, keep it close by so you can add to it or change aspects of it as your business grows.
When you create your business plan, make sure it is easy to read, especially if you want investors for your business. Your plan should have separate headings for each section and no typos. Make it as professional as possible.
The following sections are usually included in a conventional business plan.
1. Executive Summary
The executive summary is the first (and most important) element of a business plan. It’s an overview or outline of the entire plan and should be no longer than one page.
If your intended reader is an investor or bank lender, concentrate on the projected finances in your executive summary. Since the summary incorporates information from all the other sections, it is easier if you write this part after you have completed writing the rest of the business plan.
2. Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is also known as the mission statement. It defines your central values and goals. It explains what your business does in a few words or a couple of sentences. Be as concise as possible.
3. History and Background
The history and background section is very important if you’re hoping for a bank loan or appealing to investors, even if the investors are friends or family. It shows your background and discusses your food-related and business experience.
In this section, describe your skills, experience, education (e.g., degree, classes taken, workshops), and previous employment. Emphasize any past jobs in or related to the food industry. If food has been only a hobby up until now, add that here. If you have an extensive résumé that directly relates to this business, include or attach it to the business plan.
4. Description of the Business and Products
The description of the business and products covers several issues. It discusses the name of your business, its location, and the products you plan to sell.
Include the name of your business, why you chose that name, and how it will attract customers. You will also want to add the business address or location. If it’s in your home, briefly state that you will have an inspected, legal kitchen. If you will be using another kitchen, discuss the facilities included and mention any support that is offered. Also note where your bookkeeping and business office will be located.
Review the products you plan to offer and why you chose those products. You can also list your ideas for future products. Discuss your delivery methods and how products will get to customers. You can briefly describe your target customers and why they will choose your products over your competitors’. This is especially important if you are looking at a niche business such as special diet foods or meal parts for home delivery.
5. Company Values
The company values section describes how you want your company to be viewed by the public. Talk about the kind of product line you plan to offer and the overall idea behind your product choices. Will you bake homemade goodies or products that are for a special diet?
If you have a company theme — for instance, you only use ecologically friendly products or you promote recycling — add that information. If you are involved in community activities related to your business, add that in this section as well.
6. Operations and Employees
The operations and employees section discusses the structure and operations of your business. You can begin this section by talking about who will run the business. For example, will the business be owned and run by you alone, or will you have a partner?
If you need employees, discuss your recruitment and training methods, the pay structure, and the requisite skill level for your employees. State if you will hire them yourself, or if you plan to use a temporary hiring service. If an outside service is used, give your reasons for this; bookkeeping may be simpler, or if you only need seasonal help, it may