After a month of urging by some good-hearted employees, i have managed to recall my blog password and update the world on the state of the bakery. let's call this "The State of the Bakery" address. (been watching the west wing much?)

Let me be honest here, its been a standard Portland summer, which means a little bit of heat, lots to do outdoors, and not much craving for sweets. It has given us a little time to think about what is happening for fall, holidays and winter. Katie and Tyler have been working away on everything pumpkin, and I even squeezed in some apple pie bars the other day. These things will be appearing in regular rotation in the bakery over the next month.

Also, we have been talking about having savory food for a long time, and sandwiches made a quick appearance and disappearance. We will be restructuring our time in the kitchen soon, and making savory food a full time thing. Sandwiches, soup, salads, breakfast sandwiches, whatever you guys like and we can make happen.

I've also been thinking about doing some cooking and baking classes - I would be interested to know if anyone would be into coming to classes at the bakery. I was thinking about starting with a seitan how-to class. Any interest out there for that one?

Anyway - drop by and let me know what you think. I'm around a lot and almost always have time to chat for a minute.

xo
Lisa

After a couple of weeks in the new kitchen, we are finally getting a rhythm and adding lots of new treats.

Let's talk doughnuts! We will have them every Wednesday and Saturday, and possibly Monday in the near future. It looks like we will be making glazed, boston creme, and chocolate for now.

We will also be starting gluten free baked goods this week, and we will be adding them to our wholesale menu as well - you should start seeing them around town soon. Even if you are not on a gluten free diet, try them out! We have worked hard to make them as tasty as a wheat baked good.

thanks to all of our new regular customers, and all of you who bought a gift certificate! you guys are great.
xoxo
-lisa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Lisa Higgins
Sweet Pea Baking Company
Phone: (503) 477-5916
Email: info@sweetpeabaking.com

Portland’s Sweet Pea Baking Company Brings Quality Vegan Baked Goods to Southeast

Portland, Oregon (December 17, 2007) -- January 6, 2008, marks the Grand Opening of Portland’s first vegan café and bakery, Sweet Pea Baking Company. Located at 1205 SE Stark Street, Sweet Pea will feature fresh gourmet vegan baked goods, Stumptown coffee/espresso and a light breakfast and lunch menu.

Lisa Higgins, owner and master baker of Sweet Pea Baking Company, started baking out of necessity. “I had to give up a lot of the desserts I loved growing up when I became vegan. One day I took my mom’s recipes and started experimenting.”

Higgins’s experiments resulted in high quality vegan versions of old favorites like cheesecake, cupcakes and donuts that have been a staple of Whole Foods, New Seasons, Food Front Co-op and People’s Co-op since its inception in 2005. Focusing on organic ingredients, Sweet Pea is also expanding into gluten-free and wheat-free vegan baked goods.

“It is amazing to see your dream come to life,” says Higgins. “I am excited to give people a place where they can be part of a community and enjoy fresh gourmet vegan baked goods.” Sweet Pea Baking Company will be open to the public 7am to 8pm (Monday – Friday) and 9am to 8pm (Saturday and Sunday).

The new bakery, located at 1205 SE Stark St. in Portland will be very quietly opening on December 30th. Not a full line of products yet, but a test run with a few sweets and coffee. Official Grand Opening is January 6th!

Also, we are hiring! Drop by the bakery between 10am and 6pm with a resume and ask for Lisa or Alan.