This last weekend I finally participated in my very first pop-up! Just before it, I was both nervous and excited! Excited to show off my bakes and nervous, well to show off my bakes. There's always that thought that goes thru my mind, "Will they like my bakes?" I compared it to a first day at a new job, excited for the new job, and nervous about whether my new co-workers will like me. LOL But of course in the end, it was a great event! I met other ladies in the area that were doing the same as me, baking and selling their treats. I met everyone that came thru the pop-up and slowly but surely shared my love of baking with a new crowd. People were buying my bakes! I was in the flow of things.
This was not only a pop-up, it was also a dessert contest! My entry was Portokalopita! Did you get that? Porto-ka-lo-pita! Once you've got it, you've got it. But for those of you still struggling, it is an Orange pie with phyllo.
Anywho, my intent all along was to present an entry that defined my bakes. Much of what I share and create is based on my Greek heritage. So even if it wasn't the actual Greek dessert, I wanted it to reflect flavors that one might associate with Greece. Luckily for me, I found something that worked in its original form. No need to tweek. There are so many villages, towns, islands in Greece, that there will always be something new to learn about and try. Portokalopita was one of these! (You got it this time right! ) I first had this about six months ago when my mom made it. Before that I did not even know it existed.
I decided I needed to give it a go before making my final decision! So I made it. OMG! Ok so it's very easy to make, that's a plus! But once you take a bite, you are met with an orange custardy filling , the simple syrup made with OJ and just a refreshing bite that melts in your mouth. The best way I was able to describe this to people coming thru and trying it, was to compare it to an American bread pudding. (Of course way better) But something like that, were instead of bread we use ;phyllo dough. And whole Oranges go into this. Once it's baked you pour over the simple syrup and let it sit until all they syrup is absorbed into the phyllo. I decided right then and there,that this would be my entry. And really everyone that came thru loved it! You could read it on their faces as they tasted it and how they loved how it just melted in their mouth. How refreshing, but not overly sweet it was.
No, I didn't win the contest, but that's okay. I got my name out there. I met new people, and potentially new clients. I was able to sell quite a few pieces, but what sold the most was Tsoureki. Of all the items I prepared for this event, it was the Greek sweets that sold more than anything.
As you might be able to see in the above photo, because this was Mother's Day weekend, I thought it be nice to have some cakes made, What better to gift your mom, than a Bundt cake with flowers! If you get the reference you get it, if not you've got some catching up to do!
My take aways from this pop-up... Don't make to many different items! Offer a limited selection, because if they like one thing, it is likely they'll try other items, or if they order you can always pop in a new item as a thank you. Also, while you want to have enough and not run out, don't overdo the amount you bake, so much so that you have alot leftover. It also depends of course, on how many others will be present at this pop-up, if it's just you, and no competition, sure making extra is ok, but also know your customer base and what they might want. And if there is a way to advertise what you are presenting, get the word out there. Lastly, be more organized. As I mentioned previously, this was my 1st pop-up, so I really didn't know what to expect and what to bring. So I brought more that what I really needed. And when it came time to look for things, I may have looked a mess. If I find myself prepping for another event like this, I may put a bin together just for necessary items, and a list of any other items I should make sure I bring along. Presentation is key afterall, so investing in some platters and display cases or dishes would be helpful.
Should anyone have any other suggestions or tips, I would be most appreciative in learning! Until then, I'll continue to create and bake.
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