Yes, We've Had Some Work Done

I know we've been nipped and tucked more than Joan Rivers! But, hey, we wanted to look our best to announce our new ecommerce site & blog home base!

Please come visit the new home of The Good, The Bad, The Batter blog at Treet! If you get our RSS feeds here now, please switch on over to http://www.treetshop.com/feed/.

We are proud to announce that you are now officially only 3 steps away from having Treets at your front door- YUMMY! Also, this new site was quite the "labor o' love" so we have some special and super talented peeps we'd like to thank:

- The brilliant eye of Lean Stern of Leah Stern Photography
- The beautiful graphic design of Michael Russo
- The tech guru Kyle Spector

Without these three talented (both thoughtfully and creatively) people our site would only be a plain glazed donut and not the delicious eye candy that it is today! THANK YOU!

Enjoy, and we'd love to hear your feedback!

"Feels Like The Crowd is Saying: Gimme Gimme S'more"

Ok, so Britney Spears won't be writing the next wholesome camp song to go along with the perfect campfire treat, but I couldn't resist a play on the song name since s'mores was the overwhelming winner of our "Let Them Eat Cupcake" quiz. So, I heard the crowd saying" Gimme Gimme S'more", and I answered!

So, now I encourage you all on this last "official" weekend of the summer to pack up your nap sacks, make sure you have plenty of extra socks, batteries for the ol' flashlight, and don't forget the latest in camping edible accessories the Gimme Gimme S'more mini cupcake...moist chocolate cake, smooth n' creamy milk chocolate ganache with a layer of toasted graham crumble topped off with homemade marshmallow fluff with a dash more of the toasted grahams. This new little delight will bring all the joys of camping under the stars to you with every bite, and you don't have to worry about bears! Phewww!

Q: What's Red, White and Sweet All Over?

A: Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes!

Our new little southern bells of mini cupcake goodness will be making a "trial" run at Saturday's Farmer's Market. So, if you are jonesing for some sweet cream cheese icing, come visit us from 10-2pm at the UDC on the corner of Connecticut Ave and Van Ness!

Next up on the mini cupcake trials? "Gimme Gimme Gimme S'more!"

Meet N' Treet

I had such a fun-tabulous time meeting with Stacie and Nichelle of Cupcakes Take The Cake in NYC! We chatted, Stacie took some wonderful shots of Treet's Lil' Guilty Pleasures (mini-cupcakes) and they taste tested. It was all very sweet!

Please check out Stacie Joy's post about her experience with Meet and Treet!

Enjoy the read, we did!

Photo by Stacie Joy

This Little Baker Went To Market

The cows have come home and brought along some delicious grass-fed milk and organic butter. The farmer in the dell, the farmer in the dell, hi-ho the derry-o the farmer has fresh free range eggs. And Old MacDonald had a farm and on that farm he harvested blueberries...EIEIOO....and the cow jumped over the mini cupcakes....which is incredibly impressive for an animal of that size!

This feat impressed us so much, Treet, decided to use all of these fresh local ingredients in our fresh baked goods, purchase a huge tent, grab some lawn chairs, and head out to the brand new Farmer's Market starting this Saturday in front of the University of the District of Columbia at Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness. Come visit the whole Treet family, taste some yummy treats, and take some home to share with the people you like best! We'll be there starting this Saturday from 10am to 2pm...or until pigs fly!

NOTE: Actual cows and farmers identities have been replaced by nursery rhymes to protect them from the paparazzi!

Hello! May I Take Your Order?

In an effort to create a "service with a smile" environment for our customers, Treet, would like to introduce the Get Treets Order Form (please save boisterous applause until the end). It's as easy as choosing the Treets that suit your sweet tooth, providing your contact/recipient info, telling us the delivery dealio, and clicking SUBMIT! The mystical form then shoots all your info to us, so we can confirm your order and process payment via Paypal (there is always a catch...fooey!).

Tadaa... you are now only a few clicks away from your favorite Treets! (APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE)

Stay tuned...you think this is "new and improved" wait until we unveil the next trick up our sleeves...here is a hint: It starts with an "e" and ends in a "rce"!

Mini Cupcakes: A Real Wedding Day Treet!

Treet is thrilled to have been written up by DC Wedding Planner Examiner, Leslie Weekes! Check out the article Mini Cupcakes: a real wedding day treet

"C" is for Cookie...the C-quel

In my search for the next "little black dress" of the cookie couture world, I look to you my readers! Please click on "C" is for Cookie...the C-quel to vote!

A Day In The Life

4:00am- Wake up suddenly from a dream about the next blog posting title " C is for Cookie...the C-quel"...feed cats who will not allow me to go back to bed without doing so

5:00am- Toss and turn until I begrudgingly get up to insert "Remember steel cut oats" into my "tasks" on my crackberry

7:00am- Do my best looking impression of the "Time to Make the Donuts" man, check crackberry, shower, brush, and head out to run errands before heading to the new kitchen

9:00am- Attempt to carry way to many boxes of goodies down the stairs to the kitchen...stop momentarily to reflect on sad lack of balance and arm strength...head into kitchen and get ready to "shake n' bake"

9:15 - 6pm - Bake up a storm: mix mini cupcake batter, bake, make buttercream, ice the mini's, bake off the Health Nut cookies, package, store, clean, tap dance, solve Michael Jackson death mystery, and head home

7pm- Mom and me make dinner for the family

8pm-11pm- Answer emails, attempt to think straight, dream up new recipes, marketing, marketing, marketing, and last but not least write beloved blog post

11pm- Rest up and get ready to repeat!

I do!

The proposal was made and I accepted! HOORAY!

Tomorrow, Treet will hear the wedding bells, stroll down the aisle, pass out the mini cupcakes, and await the presence of the wedding planners...but we won't be wearing white! WHAT! Nope, we will be sporting our chef coat (no symbolism to the amount of weddings we've had involved), and breathing a sigh of relief that it's not our wedding day (sillies), it's Elite Occasions, Wedding Party!

Stay tuned for pictures- our friend Leah Stern will be the photographer on site!

Lions and Tigers, and Teddy Bears- Oh My!

These cutie-pie teddy bear brownies were my contribution to my best friends baby shower this weekend!

They have inspired me to practice my speech for for when baby Ella is born, "Awwwwww"!

HELLO my name is...

Theresa and I am a Glamourholic!

Treet has been invited to strut our stuff at the inaugural Glamourholics event, Saturday, July 18th at the ALoft Hotel at the National Harbor. Our Little Guilty Pleasures (mini cupcakes) will be hitting the catwalk during the VIP "power hour" from 5-6pm!

Shoes, purses, and mini cupcakes...OH MY!

For tickets check out: http://glamourholics.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Soupergirl!

Soupergirl and Treet have officially joined forces to bring the hungry people of DC local, fresh soup and dessert goodness! HOORAY!

Starting this week you can order our A-Maze-ing cornbread and a special monthly dessert each week along with your "super" soup order! Check it and place your order at:

http://www.thesoupergirl.com/next-weeks-soup/

Declaration of Treet

"We hold these Treets to be self-indulgent, that all people shall enjoy them equally, that they are baked with delicious local ingredients, that among these are butter, eggs and berries."

Treet is happily whipping up some great American BBQ dessert favs (brownies) for tomorrow's festivities. I'm hoping that the sweets enhance the celebration of both our great nation and our right to the pursuit of happiness!

Happy 4th of July!

Which Came First, The Chicken or The Egg?

At Waterview Eggs, "Home of the Pampered Pullet" owners Tom & Pam can't seem decide either- so they cater to both! Their pullet (i.e. chicken) population certainly do not cry fowl (hardy har har)! The hens enjoy sunning themselves by the bay, all natural highly nutritious Amish feed, and being chauffeured around on the shoulders of their care givers. While the eggs are gingerly handpicked and cleaned- these eggs have integrity!

I first met Tom at the Dupont Circle Farmers Market. His booth consists of a little more than a small card table, umbrella, a rubber chicken, and delicious free range eggs. The booth speaks directly to the egg man himself- cracking jokes, entertaining his lines of customers with magic tricks, and educating you all about his "pampered pullets".

I can't wait to work with Tom, and will continue to look forward to using his perfect free range eggs, and learning new magic tricks!

The 300

The stainless steel and granite strewn battlefield was still. Only the ice machine murmured, refilling itself for the next thirsty glass. It was the calm before the storm...
At 6pm the phone rang and the order was heard loud and clear,"Mini cupcakes [for the 300] by tomorrow". Suddenly, the serene scene of moments ago sprang to life with new opportunity! The chef and sous chef's were ready. Adorned with aprons, and armed with unbending spatulas and spirits they mixed on! In the end, the 300 were pleased, the chef's were proud, and the battlefield was at peace...until the phone rings again.

Treet was honored to be a part of a fabulous evening at the National Press Club celebrating,"The Official Launch Party for the BEST OF DC". Congratulations to Matthew Davis for his triumph of a book, and to Polished by Tu-anh for executing a picture perfect celebration!

Give me some more!

The poll monkey has spoken- cupcake lovers want "some more" (translation: s'mores)!

Now, I didn't lobby or fix the polls, but I have a hunch as to why the s'more is the clear winner- it's a classic! Sitting around a campfire munching on toasted 'mallow, melted chocolate, and graham crackers- it's as American as apple pie, and as delicious! So, I'll be hitting the test kitchen to create this classic treat in the form of a cupcake. In the meantime, I have a challenge for all you bloggers out there- the answer is worth it's weight in s'mores!

Q: When was the first s'more recipe recorded, and by whom?

Treet Page 6

Pictured from left to right: A life sized cutout of Tara Silver, a signature Silver Star beverage, Treets (Little Guilty Pleasures & The Treet Formerly Known as Brownies"), and Mini Theresa

Psych!!! It's the real Tara! She just looks so picture perfect, and I look like "Honey, I Shrunk the Pastry Chef". Anywho, again, it was a fantastic event, and I hope someday, Tara, lets me borrow her dress :)

Baby Steps....

TGIF! This has been quite a week - full of cupcakes, cornbread, people, menus and leases! So here is the fatty (aka the skinny, but after baking over 100 Treets this week that term doesn't seem accurate):

1. The new Treet menu is up on http://www.treetshop.com/! It's a work in progress, but it's printable, and includes Treets such as "Squirrel's Gone Wild".

2. We finally received the 1st draft of our lease! If you'd like to be kept updated on our Grand Opening progress and location - enter your email info on http://www.treetshop.com/ welcome page :)

3. This week was all about cornbread, "the Treet formerly known as brownies", and cupcakes. It's a fun job...but someone has to do it!

4. As previously mentioned the mass baking was thanks to two special events! Both events were great successes!

At the WODW Dinner the cornbread was the perfect sidekick to Soupergirl's delicious vegan soups! The attendees were asking for more helpings of both, and hopefully will keep doing so!

I'd like to say "thank you, gracias, grazie, merci" to Tara Silver, for including Treet as part of her soiree! The whole event screamed "fun, fabulous, talent"! From the chi-chi ambiance of the Hudson restaurant to the number of outgoing talented people, it was SO worth staying up past my weekday bedtime! I met a wonderful woman, Tu-anh of Polished by tu-anh, she completely embodies the definition of polished from her gorgeous jewelry to her perfectly coordinated wardrobe. I think we will all be seeing her soon on her very own TLC or Style Network show. I'm very excited to announce we will be doing business together shortly, and I'm looking forward to more opportunities to work together in the future...perhaps a guest appearance?

Stay tuned for pictures of the awesome evening!

A Poem.......kinda

Treet can't wait to take a seat
to share something sweet
and meet n' greet
what a treat!

For more of my poetry check out the upcoming blockbuster smash hit, "Shakespeare in Love Part Deux: Thoust Doeth Stinketh"

Seriously though- what has me so excited I've burst out into cheesy rhymes? Tomorrow night, Treet, will be making an appearance at two events at the same time! The first event is the previously mentioned- Women Opening Doors for Women Dinner, Voting with Your Fork! Making Sustainable and Healthy Food Choices. The second event is a cocktail extravaganza at the Hudson Restaurant and Lounge, celebrating the 1 year anniversary of our friend, Tara Silver's, successful PR business, Silver Strategy. Treet's that can expect to make an appearance: X-Ray Vision Carrot Cake Cupcakes, Crem Della Crem French Vanilla & Chocolate Cupcakes, and our super delicious brownies!

Corny, but literally not as a figure of speech

Treet's delectable agave corn muffins are making a special guest appearance at the, Women Opening Doors for Women Dinner, Voting with Your Fork! Making Sustainable and Healthy Food Choices, where our good pal Soupergirl will be a guest speaker. Treet's corn muffins will be served as a compliment to Soupergirl's scrumptious Tamarind soup...oh so good and healthy!

I know it sounds corny, but soup and corn bread is like a match made in comfort food heaven!

crem della crem

Rebonjour!

(or for those of you who took Spanish in High School, "hello again"....btw this includes yours truly)

Today, I made a scrumptious chocolate cupcake topped with a decadent French vanilla buttercream! I have to give big snaps to my gal pal who loaned me her families $100 chocolate cake recipe...it's so good I think it should be promoted to the 1MM dolla cake! Merci, Mary!

Since, I had the most valuable cake in the world on my hands I knew I had to do it justice by whipping up (literally-ha) something magnifique! So, I mixed real organic local butter with Madagascar vanilla beans to create an authentically French vanilla buttercream....miam-miam (TRANSLATION: yum-yum)!

While we are on the topic of cupcake goodness don't forget to vote for the next new addition: Let Them Eat Cupcake!

Au Revoir!

Let Them Eat Cupcake!

The cupcake bonanza continues! Next week Treet has the opportunity to introduce it's mini-cupcakes (a.k.a lil' bites of heaven) to the masses at a Happy Hour event for a publicist, Tara Silver. So, of course our X-Ray Vision Carrot Cake will be in attendance, escorted by My Fav Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting. But, since there is no "I" in team, I think there is room for another addition to the mini-cupcake repertoire. So, I turn to you all out there in blog land to vote for the newest member of the Treet shop. Please click on this Let Them Eat Cupcake to vote for your favorite!

Some Like It Hot

Recently, my friend Leah Stern of Leah Stern Photography contacted me in regards to catering some Treets for her friend's baby shower. Leah gave me free reign to brainstorm fun ideas for the goodies...little did she know there is nothing I love more than "out of the box" thinking! I asked her for some muses so she provided me with the following nuggets of info on the parents-to-be:

1. Big fans of the woods- trees, mountains, wildlife, etc


2. The baby's name was a "labor of love" to come up with


3. They are volunteer firefighters- which is an extremely big part of their lives

Unfortunately, as the creative juices started flowing the intermingling of the woods with anything to do with fire seemed a bit morbid- although I did think that s'mores cupcakes would be divine! So, I came up with a solution of combining #2 & #3- fireman hat cookies with the babies initials on the medallion.

It was a hit with Leah, and an even bigger hit at the shower with the parents-to-be and their families!

A big THANK YOU to Leah Stern of Leah Stern Photography for supplying the cookie pics!

Buzzzzz'd

ME: Hello, my name is Theresa and my father is a coffee a-holic.

CA (Coffee Anonymous): Hi, Theresa! Tell us about him...

ME: Well he is the greatest dad! He flew all the way in from Tucson, AZ just to help his little girl open her Treet shop. Since, he's arrived we've had all sorts of meetings with local vendors for various products from paper to butter. I started getting concerned though when we had an abnormally high amount of meetings with coffee roasters...in fact at least one everyday for the next two weeks! With each meeting my father's eyes got wilder and brighter with the vast amount of samples. From Colombian to Aramaic and Jamaican they are being brewed constantly (I think my coffee machine is almost on the skids)!

CA: Well it seems he is just sampling so he can find the best product for your shop. Why all the concern?

ME: That's what I thought, until I got home yesterday and found him hanging from the light fixture, shaking and holding his twelfth cup of french roast! I tried to knock the cup away from his hand but it seems that the java jacket has molded permanently to his fingers, just like a good pair of Birkenstock shoes! I fear the worst!

CA: We suggest you lock the coffee up and warn the neighbors! Also try making a decision on your preferred vendor ASAP so his supply dries up.

Cheers to "Do-gooders"

Homeward Trails is a local animal rescue organization that is near and dear to my heart. This Sunday, June 7th they are hosting a fabulous wine & beer fundraiser to support homeless animals. Here are the important deets-

This Sunday, June 7th, join Homeward Trails Animal Rescue at Grand Cru Restaurant and Wine Bar for a casual, fun evening, a glass of wine and live music on the patio!

A $15 donation to Homeward Trails includes a free glass of wine or beer. 10% of wine and food sales goes directly to Homeward Trails. The patio space faces into a courtyard, so bring your dogs for some fun canine competitions!

What: A relaxing summer evening, live music, a free drink (with your $15 donation) and some goofy games for the dogs!

When: 4-9pm, Sunday, June 7th

Where: Grand Cru Restaurant & Wine BarIn the courtyard behind Vapianos4401 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203

Why: To help save homeless animals!

The Value of Doing Business

I've developed key values for Treet that I'd like to share:

1) Fair and Square: Treat employees and customers kindly and with respect

2) Never Throw Stones at Glass Houses: Stay focused on your own vision, values and team in order to be successful

3) Be a Horse of A Different Color: Stand out among your competitors offering customers something unique and special

4) You Can Catch More Flies with Honey Than Vinegar: Set the bar for customer service towards anyone and everyone associated with your business (i.e. vendors, lawyers, contractors, farmers, patrons, etc)

5) There is always a "Plan B": No matter what, strive to make your business the best it can be!

...and last but not least

6) Take A Penny...Give a Penny: Take time for causes, give back to the community, and help conserve Mother Nature

...which leads me to the point of this post (finally)...as part of my business each month, Treet will feature a "Do-gooder" (i.e. charitable organization) for which a percentage of proceeds from a special item will go too. I will also assist these Do-gooders with advertising in any way that I can...which leads me to the next post....

The Magic Behind The Happiest Place on Earth

I heart DisneyWorld! Anyone who doesn't like DisneyWorld better be named Bugs Bunny and be out of work! Ok, I get that with all the magic comes the long lines, ridic prices and worst of all - screaming kids. But, if you can see through all those obstacles you can really appreciate all the wonders the place has to offer. As a prospective business owner I view DisneyWorld as a great classroom...

In fact, it makes me a little bitter to know that I spent all that money and four years of time to learn about retailing and marketing when all I really needed to do is buy a year round "magic" pass at DisneyWorld. From a retailing/marketing perspective Disneyland is my sensei and I its lowly Ralph Macchio! From the moment you step off the plane in Orlando, as a consumer, they have you hooked. Informational (i.e., promotional) videos while you are stuck on a bus for 1/2 hour, branded key cards that second as your park tickets and third as a credit card, mazes of branded/themed merchandise you have to walk through just to get out of a ride....the list of marketing genius goes on and on!

I would be doing a disservice to my food oriented blog if I didn't mention the Disney delectables. From Mickey shaped rice crispy treats to filet mignon - Disney has you covered! I recommend the turkey legs and churro (not together)....delish!

I only had two major gripes as a consumer: (1) Disney is renowned for their customer service... yet we could hardly wrangle a "have a nice day” out of most of the greeters. In these tough economic times it is key to pump up the customer service and make sure you are showing gratitude to your loyal customers! (2) The prices were as steep as the Tower of Terror ride! For example, to buy our hilarious picture of our terrified faces from the Tower of Terror a 8"x10" was over $20! To purchase a bottle of Dasani water you're looking at throwing down at least $2.50. I think instead of M-O-U-S-E, Disney should start spelling out R-I-P-O-F-F. Look, everyone expects high prices from the happiest place on earth, but to make us feel better about it shouldn't our totals be followed by an extra chipper "Have a Nice Day"?

Horses of a Different Color

After today's events I think that the best way to describe an entrepreneur is with the "horse of a different color" cliche. Bright and early this morning I did what every good "horse" must do- attend networking events!


SunTrust is my bank, because it truly supports the small business owner from start ups to established companies (unlike the "bank of opportunity"). One major plus of doing my business banking with them is that they host panel discussions on a regular basis covering important/timely topics for small biz owners. Today I attended my first. I was interested to see what the speakers had to say, but it was at the Mandarin Oriental and free breakfast was involved too!



Aside from free eggs and pastries, I learned a great deal from the speakers and the attendees. In particularly, from panel speaker, Steve Strauss, author of The Small Business Bible (of which I am the proud owner of a signed copy). Steve pointed out that increased marketing and innovation is key to your company surviving and thriving through poor economic times. In addition, small biz owners should go back to the 80/20 rule to find what proportion of time they spend on the parts of the business that generate the most revenue. Since, the 80/20 rule is admittedly one of the only things I clearly remember from college, I believe this is solid advice that I plan to keep close in my pocket as I enter the bricks and mortar business world this summer.



Aside from what I actually learned today, I'd like to highlight my favorite quotes from a few of the entrepreneurs in attendance:



"My exit strategy is spelled D-E-A-T-H"



"I'm in the business of making money. I don't do poverty"



"I knew there was something valuable to the chicken manure when I saw the heaps steaming"

It takes all kinds to start a small business...and if there weren't enough "horses of a different color" what a bland world we would live in!

Do Blondies Have More Fun?

Sure! Blondies have a fun name, are a natural caramel color year round, and have great taste! Does that really make them more attractive than Brownies? I say "nay"!

Brownies may not have the sex appeal that Blondies do, but they have something far more valuable! This "something" is so special that Conquistadors brought it back from South America as a precious gift to their King. That's right, I said it - Blondies, Kings! So, what is the precious gift that Brownies possess in great quantities? Chocolate!

So, I think with a word, it's clear who the winner is by taste! But, Blondies still have way more fun with their name. So, I'm thinking that maybe my Brownies deserve a new name. A Blondies worthy name!

Awesomeness? Heaven in a Bite? Chocolaty Goodness? The Treet Formerly Known as Brownies (insert symbol here)?

Ok, it's apparent that I'm totally stuck "in the box" here with my name-storming. Any thoughts?

Remember to take the Near or Far Poll!

NEAR.......................................................far

Anyone remember that skit from Sesame Street? Grover would run up to the screen and teach you that if your nose squishes against glass you are too "near" to that object. Then he would run back, and teach you that your outside voice was totally appropriate when yelling from "far" away. I loved that one! To this day I like to scream "NEAR" at people as they smush by me on the metro- jk!


So, this little side story leads me to my promised poll. As I discussed in my previous post, I'm doing my due diligence when it comes to the quality of my ingredients. I know I have my opinions, but I'd love some insight into my consumers. So, please take a second to click on this poll: Near or Far



P.S. I am proud to have worked in two Sesame Street references in the infant stages of this blog!

Cornbread....ain't nothin' wrong with that

Cornbread- simple, delicious, buttery, golden...the list goes on. I've been whipping this simple bread up lately to test the difference between using local ingredients vs. store bought. My POV is that local ingredients (including some organic) are fresher and often of a higher quality than some store bought items. I also L-O-V-E the idea of helping out my rural neighbors. Plus, going to the farmers market is a really outdoorsy way for me to spend my Sundays (since I basically have two left feet so biking, running, or any team sports are totally out)!

So, I have asked some taste testers to do a blind taste test of the 2 types of cornbread (local and store bought). I'll keep you posted on the feedback, and yes, I realize this is far less exciting than Pepsi vs. Coke, but cornbread needs its 5 minutes of fame too!

Stay tuned for my next poll which will ask your opinion in the great debate of local vs store bought!

the DEPOT

Somewhere, (not far enough away) there is a cold, dark, and chaotic place. Where only the brave with a business license shall enter. In this place there are sights so terrifying that one must keep there eye on the prize, or run out screaming. The sounds coming from inside are so thunderous, and BEEP so consistently that you struggle to maintain sanity. The damp smells oozing from the cavernous interior are familiar, but only in the recesses of your taste buds...the part that remembers vegetables, not desserts.

What is this place? The place that should have an "Enter at your own risk" sign outside? The location that could send grown men away in tears...it is... The Restaurant DEPOT!

Yes, yes, the name sounds innocent enough, but let me give you some perspective. We have all been to Costco, BJ's, Liquidators, etc. These giant purchasing extravaganza's are basically giant wholesale warehouses, where you know you're never leaving without having to strap things to the roof of your car, and spending at least $250. These shopping trips while fulfilling, can be somewhat chaotic since you are buying things in large bulk containers that tend not to fit in the average 4 door sedan. In theory, the DEPOT (as I refer to it in my nightmares) should be similar, but the merchandise is specific for those in the food business. Good idea, right? But something in this DEPOT has gone horribly wrong! Between dodging giant cans of tomato sauce flying of the shelves, and the plethora of fork lifts beeping there way over you teetering with hundreds of pounds of produce, it feels less like a bargain and more like the 5th Indiana Jones movie!

So, what is in this place that makes risking my life worth it? It's cheap, and instantly gratifying since you don't have to wait for delivery. Are these two things enough to keep me going back?
Honestly, not very often. I'm still recovering from my brief encounter yesterday....phewww!

"Inbread" or "How to avoid being flogged"

A good friend of mine texted me a very good question this weekend, "Why are there 13 in a baker's dozen?" Embarrassingly enough I had no idea! So, faced with the verbal challenge "what kind of a baker are you?", I decided to read up on it! And oh boy, am I glad I did!

The official definition of a baker's dozen by 1864 Hotten's Slang Dictionary reads, "This consists of thirteen or fourteen; the surplus number, called the inbread, being thrown in for fear of incurring the penalty for short weight". Since the way "inbread" is used as a baker's term here made me giggle, I decided to read on...

The definition behind the phrase came about centuries beforehand thanks to the strict regulations of the....(ready for this name)....The Worshipful Company of Bakers (I am not yet a member). Starting with Henry II this groups was tasked with the regulation of trade and bakers, which included a statute in 1266 that regulated the price of bread based on the price of wheat. Per this strict law, "Bakers or brewers who gave short measure could be fined, pilloried or flogged, as in 1477 when the Chronicle of London reported that a baker called John Mund[e]w was 'schryved upon the pyllory' for selling bread that was underweight." Note: my next order of research will be on the definitions of "schryved" and "pyllory".

So, there you have it: The inbread saved the baker's from being flogged, and in an effort to become more "PC" it's now affectionately called "the baker's dozen".

Good story!

Pretty Petty Petit Fours

Petit fours are so small minded! They care only about their pretty looks and great taste! How rude! (TV trivia: what annoying middle child over quoted this line on a fav TGIF show?)

Yet, I kinda feel sorry for the little bites of almond joy...since they seem to always come in a far second from the likes of cupcakes. Therefore, I decided to make 3 dozen of them for my very dearest friend's bridal shower this past weekend. Once I committed myself to these pretty little things I knew that not only did I have to bake them and design them, but I had to fly across the country (with layovers) to Seattle to deliver them...in one piece. A few shake-ups, temp changes, and some tips later the little things made it to the bride-to-be! YAY! For once, these pretty petty petit fours didn't only think of themselves. So, it looks like they've earned their way onto my custom orders menu for the shop.

The pictures are a few snap shots I took of the Vegas/Monogrammed themed petit fours from my pals beautiful shower. By the way- if you haven't made your way out to Seattle yet, you should, it's a wonderful city with great people!

P.S. Remember to take poll #3- Paper or Plastic

Have You Hugged Your Tree Today- Poll #3

Today's poll is themed - Paper or Plastic? (click to take poll). I'm seeking a little advice from all of you out there who think that Mother Nature (MN) deserves a little help!

Treet plans to be a proud member of the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) and as such, I am really trying to do my part to take a little bit off of MN's shoulders. In order to become a member of the GRA you must meet 100 points worth of criteria (or more each year of business). The over-achiever in me plans to do much better than 100, I'd like to be the valedictorian of my class so my goal is to earn an A+++ when the GRA inspectors come around. A great place to start piling up the points is in my packaging efforts. I'd like to be as minimalistic, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable as possible. Many of these things are easily achieved now that the world has made being "green" more of a priority, however, some "green" options in packaging (straws, cupcake cups, lids) are still in development or very expensive.

I created this very simple poll for a complex topic, because I need some more view points on the Paper vs Plastic issue. I wish I could enter them both in a WWE Smackdown and see who comes out with their leotard still intact, but paper and plastic have to much dignity! So, please give me some feedback via the poll and comments are always welcome!

Here is the link to the poll again: http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=4576058602

Tea Time

I L-O-V-E the smell of coffee brewing! In fact, I'm pretty sure that if I were a cartoon the smell would sweep me off my feet, and float me toward it. Alas, I am unable to drink the devilishly delicious brew! So, I settle for the next best thing- tea!

It's "tea time" at Treet, and I'm very busy researching and sampling purveyors of fine teas. So, far my search has brought me from Bangkok to Paris and everywhere in-between (from the boring comforts of my home of course-sigh). I'm testing the taste differences in organic, loose leaf, silk sachet, paper sachet, machine brewed, etc, too.

During my most recent search I've come into contact with the people at Honest Tea (based in Bethesda, MD) and Harney & Sons (Upstate NY). I can not wait until I get my samples, so I can be whisked away again with exotic flavors like Pomegranate Oolong (oooh), Dragon Pearl Jasmine, and Moroccan Mint!

Catcha later Lipton!

Baby Steps

Baby steps to learning how to bake, baby steps to deciding to open a shop, itsy bitsy tiny little baby steps to secure a location....

Securing a retail location in a big city is like forgetting to hit the 57 (or hold the pickle) on a Heinz 57 bottle, and waiting in "real time" for the ketchup to slug out! Alas, if patience is a virtue I should be just about ready for sainthood by now.

So, here is my "baby steps" location update - I sent out an LOI (which is a Letter of Intent - oooh, so official sounding) to the Landlord of the location I have been "eyeing" (this is a clue). The LOI is basically your wish list of terms you'd like in your lease. You prepare it for the Landlord, and then they put big read strike-throughs in your wish list, and send it back to you :). That is where I am now - the ball is in their court, which means this could take as long as the NBA playoffs!

GO TEAM!

Sisterhood of Start-ups (SOS)

The old saying "It's all about who you know" is all to real in the start up world. Since I've been living in DC, I have been fortunate enough to meet interesting, generous and well connected people from all walks of life. It's been a fantastic learning experience, and I must say I have never been in a city where everyone really "has your back" and wants to see you succeed.

Recently, through the Homeward Trails organization I had the pleasure of meeting an up-and-coming photographer, Leah Stern, of Leah Stern Photography. She is not only a do-gooder (which I love), but she has a brilliant photographic eye. Via Leah (I'm such a poet), I was introduced to Chelsea, of Simple Pleasures Consulting. Chelsea's start up concept is a holistic approach to wedding planning where it's less about the stress, and all about the well being and happiness of the bride and groom. Chelsea has a 360 degree approach that will turn bridezilla into Buddha (but healthy and beautiful of course :) ). Last, but certainly not least, in the start-up talent pool is Clare, of Flowers by Clare. I met, Clare through a friend of a friend (one of those 6 degrees of Kevin Beacon type situations), and boy am I glad I did! Not only is Clare a wedding veteran (with 24 and counting under her belt), but she is a very gifted flower designer. This combo means she is the perfect person to have on your side for an easy breezy beautiful floral experience at your wedding or special occassion!

So, myself and the other three start ups have decided to join talent forces in sort of a Sisterhood of Start-ups (SOS). The SOS will not share the same pair of jeans, but we will work together to support each other's business ventures. It's such a unique and special thing to have a female support system in business, and I for one am looking forward to the next SOS luncheon!

Q: Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?

A: Thoughts Chickies?

My favorite answer is by Mr. T: "If you saw me coming you'd cross the road too!"

I'm hoping this is the case with a location I've been "eyeing" on Eye St. in the downtown area. The location is in a very high trafficked business district that is also in walking distance of GW University. However, my spot (as I will optimistically refer to it as) is on the shady side. This means that I'd estimate over 80% of the foot traffic travels on the other side of the street; the other side is sunny and has a few lunch destinations. The "shady side" (as in not sunny) only has dine-in places and a wine bar, so people tend to walk on "the bright side".

So, I've given it a lot of thought, reviewed everything I know about retail and consumers, asked advisers and consultants, and here is my solution: hire Mr. T to stand on "the bright side"! What the heck does Mr. T have going on? In the spirit of the A-team I think he should do the "right thing" and help a gal out!

Ok, so that is maybe a long shot, and perhaps should be demoted to Plan B for now (I'll friend him on Facebook later). In the meantime, my plan is to become the destination that would encourage people to cross the road. I plan to do this by grassroots marketing (lots o' sampling), bright signage, and other clever pull tactics. In no time, the answer to my question will be: to go to Treet! YUM!

Little Cupcakes Big World

As a woman, one of the worst feelings in the entire world is the day you unwillingly go shopping for jeans or bathing suits. It is a FACT that no matter what your "real" size is, this size will not fit you. OHHHH NO, hold on to your happy places, because in these garments everything always seems just a bit too small. My personal favorite is when the sales person (in their sad attempt at trying to put a band-aid on a landmine) says something like,"Oh, they run small...European sizes, you know. "

In the food world this is the exact opposite. Size = more, and more = satisfaction. However, in our modern world of Weight Watchers and Yoga, size counts more and more! When I worked in the corporate world, I cannot tell you the number of times we would bring giant cupcakes, cookies, or muffins to a meeting or special occasion. Everyone in the room "oohs and ahhh's" over the goodies, but when it comes to actually eating them (due to the ridiculous size and calorie count) people cut them in half. This action of cutting the made-with-love treat in half is too painful for me to bare!

So, I have decided to go European on my cupcake and muffin sizes! One or two bites of a delicious Treet does a body (and a jeans shopping trip) good!

Baking Powder

I've decided to give myself this new nickname for the following reason:

75 degrees and sunny + sitting outside people watching at downtown location + pasty white skin = I'M VERY BADLY SUN BURNED

Yep, that's right I have a horrible farmers burn since I was wearing sleeves and a v-neck shirt...silly, stupid, pale Baking Powder!

The "sunny-side" of my day, however, was that I was able to do some good research about my potential location. In fact, while I was crispy-crittering my arms, a friendly professional woman decided to share my table with me. So, I asked her what she thought of my concept for the neighborhood. She loved it, and thought it was just what the area needs! She also shared with me some great constructive advice regarding the traffic during August (potential opening month) due to Congress not being in session. In addition, she advised me to target the large building across the street from my spot since it is filled with lawyers looking for a good afternoon snack beyond Starbucks. So, office tastings here I come! I do hope she will be one of my first customers in the future! We shall see...the search continues!

Remember to take the cupcake poll if you haven't already: http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=6702658127

I promise my next post will really be about - does size matter? I just wanted to build the anticipation :)

Poll #2: It's a cake in a cup...discuss

To cupcake or not to cupcake? That is my question!

The Renaissance of the cupcake that started with Magnolia in New York has now spread it's buttery teachings south, to DC. Here, the cupcake is such a dessert phenomenon that I'm surprised they have not commissioned a new mural to be painted on the ceiling of the Library of Congress with buttercream swirls reaching out for the sprinkles of Hello Cupcake, Cake Love and Red Velvet Cupcakery!

In fact, I'm finding it hard to resist the temptation to jump on the band wagon since every time I tell someone I'm opening a bakery they immediately say, "Will you have cupcakes?". Thus, I ask you all for your opinions once again!

Click here to take my new poll: It's a cake in a cup...discuss

One major thing I can agree on with cupcake enthusiasts is the ease of making these cakes in a cup. In fact, the history of the cupcake teaches us that these little cakes where also called "number" cakes due to the easy-to-memorize "cup" measurements required for the recipe: One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour and four eggs plus one cup of milk and one spoonful of soda.

The major argument I have with cupcake people is this- does size really matter? Which brings me full circle to the theme of my next post...stay tuned!

"C" is for Cookie....tic toc tic toc

Hello again, cookie monsters! I just wanted to remind you all if you haven't already to take my 1st cookie poll! Here is the handy dandy link again:

http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=2945957962

So far it is looking like over 70% of you love your soft and chewy cookies! I won't do ya wrong I promise!

This Wednesday, I will be posting my 2nd poll: "It's a cake in a cup...discuss". Stay tuned!

Time to make the donuts

Remember this commercial with "Fred the baker"(click on title to jog your memory)? Do you remember the tired look on the little guys face? That's kinda me right now (minus the stache)after a whirl wind weekend in NYC with friends and family. Now, it's back to the biz and back to baking.

The other reason I feel a kinship with "Fred the baker" is because it's time for me to "rise and shine" before 8am...NOOOO! Yes, I have to do my due diligence with the locations I am considering, which means I need to practically camp outside of them morning, noon and night to watch people traffic. Thus, "Theresa the 'not a morning person' baker" will start by scoping out the downtown area at 7am! Have mercy my morning cup of caffeine.........

We are the champions my friends....

There is no "I" in team but there certainly is in winner!

I am a HUGE supporter of all animals (even "Animal" the Muppet...he just wants to be heard)! So, I attempt to give back and help our friends who are unable to help themselves in any way that I can. Since I've been in Washington I have volunteered with a fabulous organization called Homeward Trails. They are a wonderfully responsible, knowledgeable and caring group who works extremely hard to better animals lives across the DC, Virginia and Maryland areas. They are truly WINNERS, especially in the hearts of the thousands of animals they help each year!

Anywho, my point of this post besides shamelessly promoting my fav charity, is to point out the importance of paying it forward or giving back (does anyone know the difference between these cliches?), because it makes you a real WINNER. For instance, today I had the pleasure of delivering some Treets and soup from Soupergirl (yum-o) to a lovely woman who won a Homeward Trails charity auction item- a catered lunch by Soupergirl and yours truly! This woman is a WINNER in multiple ways- 1)She's really nice 2) She is an adopter of a cutie Homeward Trails pup 3) She is a wonderfully generous soul for winning the auction for charity 4) Last, but not least, she is the first "Treet-setter" (stay tuned for more information on this subject).

To all those WINNERS out there...thanks!

The Ol' Link in the Chain!

Eek there was an issue with the poll link! Please use the new one posted below:

http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=2945957962

"C" is for Cookie- Poll #1

Hello Cookie Monsters!



As promised here is the link to poll #1:


http://www.pollmonkey.com/p.asp?U=2945957962




I will be attempting one poll per week on my blog from this day forward in order to gain a deeper understanding of what makes cookie monsters crave cookies! With your feedback you will help "Treet" create the yummiest most outrageously scrumptious cookies in DC (or even the whole world...woooow)!



So, I hope my powers of persuasion have convinced you to participate in my poll. If not I will have to try harder next time!

Mandel or Biscotti? I call it a draw!

My very dear pal gave me a recipe for Mandel bread to try out. As I reviewed the recipe I thought to myself "Hmm this looks oddly familiar...like a certain cookie I like to nosh on with tea or coffee?" Eureka...Biscotti! Mandel and Biscotti are one in the same, like Finkel and Einhorn(movie trivia)!

So, I made the manscotti (as I will hereafter affectionately call it) and it is ridiculously yummy! No matter which way you refer to it, this deliciously hearty cookie is a new favorite of mine. I think it will be a wonderful choice for anyone looking to dunk and enjoy!

For all of you loyal followers out there, stay tuned for a cookie poll coming to your favorite blog Wednesday, April 8th!

It Takes a Village

Today I spent most of the day in the previously mentioned mystical world of Crystal City. Turns out it is not so mystical after all (i.e. no munchkins, wizards, witches, or flying monkeys), but it is a multi-leveled "urban village"...yep the Southerners have those here!

In all my East Village years I've never heard of an Urban one, but they do exist! This village is only a few blocks long, but extremely dense with business people, government employees and residents. The biggest kicker for me is that the entire place is built over a concourse or "mall" like tunnel; through which people can walk the entire length of the village, grocery shop, drop their clothes off at the dry cleaner, shop, and eat without going outside! What are we turning into Meerkats?

Interesting stuff though....the search continues!

You Know Things Are Bad When...

Brownies become a stronger currency than the dollar! So, in actuality this is a very, very good thing for a gal who prides herself on the deliciousness of her brownies. Lately, as I request the pro bono services of lawyers, graphic designers, contractors and architects, I find myself offering the only form of payment I have readily available at all times, brownies! And so far, so good...it appears that edible payment seems to suffice in this bad economy; THAT IS UNTIL YOU RUN OUT...like I did today...sigh. So, just like money, brownies do have a tendency to go into the red. Therefore, tonight I'll be back to work makin' some sweet sweet mula....

King of The Castle Cookie

I'd like to introduce the newest edible addition to my cookie repertoire...the Bit o' Borat cookie.

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!! I strive to delight NOT fright my customers :)

Going to See The Wizard

I don't think we are in the East Village anymore Toto!

In my search for the ultimate bakery locale in DC, I've been introduced to locations in areas called Glover Park, Georgetown, Downtown, etc. All of which have that cozy relateable namesake, or general direction in their titles which I can Wiki too find out more about. So when a location in....are...you..ready...for...it...Crystal City...was brought to my attention I immediately thought, "Does the Wizard live there? And does he have a good chocolate chip cookie recipe?"

Come to find out (to my dismay) the Wizard does not live there (or maybe he does, but is unlisted), and it is not even in DC! In fact, it is located in Arlington, VA. Crystal City is a small area near the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, and downtown DC. It hosts over 27k commuters per day and 17k visitors per day on the weekend.

So, you learn about somewhere new everyday in this business. And who knows, perhaps if I ride into town with a horse of a different color the people of this "Emerald" City will embrace me?

Tequila!

Just kidding...I'm not adding a hallucinogenic alcoholic beverage to the menu at Treet, and Pee Wee hasn't put back on his white platform dancin' shoes, just yet! But, I am currently creating a healthy, delicious, scrumptious (why isn't this word used more?) oatmeal cookie using agave nectar; which is a main ingredient of tequila. Therefore, as far as I can tell thanks to it's sweet ingredient this cookie still has the joy potential of Pee Wee, right? Hmmm, that is a lot of high expectations to put on a cookie, but this one could handle it. It is not only sugar free, it's fat free, low carb and (amazingly enough) incredibly delicious...yay agave! Due to it's healthy yet nutty nature I dub this winner- The Health Nut cookie!

P.S. Yes, I just figured out how to add images...

P.P.S Aren't you glad my first image was of Pee Wee? Don't answer that!

P.P.P.S Here is the first photo of The Health Nut...that's right it's an exclusive shot you'll on see here and I only had to pay $1 for it...take that Brad Pitt and Angelina.

Monet

Movie Trivia:
Cher: No, she's a full-on Monet.
Tai: What's a monet?
Cher: It's like a painting, see? From far away, it's OK, but up close, it's a big old mess.

And why is this babble relevant to my bakery business? Because the term and definition so brilliantly quoted here describes what it's like to look for the "perfect"(i.e., non-Monet) Treet location in DC. See from the outside the location looks good - foot traffic (check), good window space (check), able to have a bakery on premise (check), etc., etc. But this is prior to opening the doors, or should I say the "flood gates" (insert loud screams of horror here)!

Today, I learned a great lesson from two very wise women "in-the-know". Even if you are in love with a location, if the actual building is a Monet, you have nothing but a "big old mess" - not a profitable business. So, sometimes the "Van Gogh" location is better - at first site it seems a bit confusing and more of a hassle, but after a second look it has great depth of potential, and a lot more monetary value!

Gloppy

So I'm writing my blog late today, because I have been recovering from my recent sugar induced comma due to the my cookie R&D...while I was out, I enjoyed visiting with King Kandy and Princess Frostine...but who the heck is that Gloppy guy (and what exactly is "gloppy")? -Name this game reference and I will send you a new Health Nut cookie!

Seriously, who has time for sweet sweet sleep when I have to get a business up and running by summer...eek! This week besides the R&D, I've been contemplating locations, and I'm close, but no cigar yet! See the biggest issue is what type of business I want to have: A) Daytime office crowd with potential for some college students (weekdays only) B) The after dinner pre-party 20 something crowd (weekends and nights) or C) The "family time" crowd (after school and weekends). What's my preference? I stick with my tried and true motto, "The more the merrier"! But sadly, that does not solve my dilemma this time. So, on tomorrow's agenda- walk through of a type "A"....to be continued

TLC for R&D- today's topic is to PB or not to PB

This topic will have several follow-up posts as I look to my readers for your opinions....

So, today I'm rolling up my sleeves and diving in to some cookie recipe development for my shop. As I flip through my recipes I keep stopping at my old faithful and personal fav, peanut butter (PB). As I contemplate tempting fate, I think about what PB ever did to deserve a bad rap...who's ever heard of King's PB anyways? And I haven't eaten a Reeses or Keebler Elves (those creepy tree dwellers)cookie in years! Alas, whenever I bring up the topic of featuring a deliciously all natural PB cookie in my shop I get an "eek" or "is PB safe". So, I've done a little research in order to help preserve the integrity of my beloved butter from a nut. Here are some helpful links to the FDA in regards to the peanut recall, and to an article about where the evil peanuts first hailed from.

So, now I turn to the readers to see your thoughts and opinions on PB. To PB or not to PB? That is my question!

And the winner is...Whitesnake

Thank you all for your zeal for competition or perhaps your love of brownies, either way I do have a winner who shall remain anonymous at this time :) You will receive your delicious Treet brownie ASAP (good thing you're local)!

"Here I go again on my own(musical intrelude) going down the only road I've ever known"

A free brownie to the person who can name this tune!

Any-who I thought it was appropriate for my first official blog entry. I've also attached a well themed article from Newsweek: "Striking Out On Your Own". It's a very interesting read that encourages those with an entrepreneurial spirit to keep on trucking during these grim times...and that is exactly what I intend to do! I hope it may potentially ignite the ingenuity in some of my readers who have so many fabulous talents and passions they'd love to pursue!

Today "Treet" was officially introduced onto the Information Super Highway (remember when it was called that?). It's just in it's infant stages since I'm in the midst of a photo shoot still...and by photo shoot, I mean me trying to look as slim as possible in my impossibly over sized chef's jacket next to deliciously chocolaty brownies. So in the meantime, here is the link so you can save it to your favorites (remember this blog to...it's a keeper!): http://www.treetshop.com/

In the words of Bartles and James...."I thank you for your support". Remember to keep checking in to see what I'm cooking up.......

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