you can stop hurting me now... ([info]ticklebruises) wrote in [info]food_porn,
@ 2008-03-08 20:54:00
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Kitchen Aid Mixer questions & Food porn: Mint Chocolate Cookies
Hey gang. So, in the last couple of weeks I've started a small side cookie business: http://www.patsyscookies.com. Yes, random, I know. And don't worry, I'll be converting that site to HTML text tomorrow night. I just threw it up there quickly to have something up. They're currently selling in a little coffee shop near my house and starting April 1st, I'll also be selling them in a friend's restaurant in 3 different flavours under a private label.

I'm looking for a way to reduce costs of the mint chocolate cookies I'm making. The most expensive ingredients are peppermint extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and Andes candies. I solved the peppermint conundrum this afternoon but I'm still searching for an inexpensive and reliable source of bulk chocolate chips.

Currently I'm using Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips and they cost $3.14/lb if calculated at 19.6¢/oz. The closest solutions seem to be from Amazon.com:

Nestlé Toll House at 19.6¢/oz - OR - Baker's Chocolate Chunks at 19.6¢/oz

Does anyone have any leads on bulk chocolate chips? Oh, here is a picture of the cookies:




On to the Kitchen Aid part...wow, sorry this is so long. Because the business and frequency of baking will grow, a friend suggested I get a Kitchen Aid mixer. I'm eyeing the KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer.

I was originally going to buy the red Artisan line but he said the motor would not be powerful enough for the mass quantities of dough I'll be running through there. The Artisan line has a 325 watt motor while the Professional's is 575 watts. What do y'all have at home and how do you use them? Also, I know the mixers go on sale every once in while, so how much did you pay for yours and when? Is there a particular buying cycle to it? Thanks so much for any input you might have.

posted in [info]food_porn, [info]cooking, & [info]bakebakebake

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[info]tavella
2008-03-09 06:46 am UTC (link)
I like my Professional very much, and how I saved money on it was this: I went online to the Bed Bath and Beyond store, found all the information and order numbers for the version I wanted (5 quart cobalt blue), then took one of those 20 percent off coupons that BB&B mails out like candy to a physical store, and got them to order it for me. I got free shipping, but if they don't have free shipping, you can order it for in store pickup.

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[info]tavella
2008-03-09 06:48 am UTC (link)
Also, for bulk chocolate chips, you might check out costco, they sell big 4 pound bags of Nestle chips.

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[info]lt_kitty
2008-03-09 07:19 am UTC (link)
On the chocolate chips, if you like Guittard's, you can get that in bulk for $2.87/lb at the Online Candy Shop.

They've got a great selection of candy bits for baking or ice cream topping or whatever. http://www.shop.bestbulkproducts.com/category.sc?categoryId=65

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[info]wrmgrl
2008-03-09 07:37 pm UTC (link)
I recommend guittard as well. They're not more expensive than Nestle but the flavor is far superior. If there's a Sam's club around you and not a costco, they often have bulk chips too. I've gotten Ghiradelli there many times, also better than Nestle and cheaper in bulk.

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:01 pm UTC (link)
Thank. You. So much. For that link. I've never tried the Guittard chocolates but everyone seems to rate them extra well. I was trying to find a source that was less expensive than usual. Most of the Guittard sellers were selling them for about $5/lb. Thanks again!

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[info]tranchante
2008-03-09 07:46 am UTC (link)
Congrats on starting your own business! I have been involved in a number of ventures and they have always been very exciting, yet demanding, yet rewarding!

If you are or are expecting to make regular deliveries, I strongly suggest a Hobart. They are more expensive, but I wouldn't trust my business to a KitchenAid.

Finally, if there is one in your area, I would advise on approaching Whole Foods Market. They are very familiar with dealing with new, small, local producers and have many programs to put you in contact with wholesalers and other valuable resources.

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:05 pm UTC (link)
I've had a lot of suggestions for a Hobart but I think that's a much bigger step than I can afford to take right now. If business progresses a lot by the end of the year, I might just finally invest in one. And thanks for the suggestion for approaching Whole Foods. Is there someone with a particular title who I should seek out? You know, such a district manager, distribution manager, etc? Thanks again.

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[info]tranchante
2008-03-09 09:56 pm UTC (link)
Well, Hobarts can be had second hand for 500-800, while a new Kitchen Aid will cost you 300-400. Missing delivery on account of faulty equipment has killed many a small business. It's a fine line balancing cash flow and operations stability.

As for Whole Foods, just approach the bakery in the local store. With a UPC (about $750) they should carry your product, if approved, in about two weeks. Otherwise they'll need to apply for a PLU, which can take 6-8 weeks. Once you are approved as a producer, they have small business advisors, small business loans, and will put you in touch with a whole supportive community.

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[info]lizsname
2008-03-09 08:03 am UTC (link)
Congrats! Starting your own business... you must be so excited!

I can tell you that I am extremely happy with my KitchenAid, but it's not a commercial mixer and I totally lucked into mine. Got it at an estate auction for $80. Doesn't get too much better than that : )

I would look into CostCo or Sam's Club, whichever you have in your area. I don't know how much they cost, but I know our Sam's sells HUGE bags of chocolate chips.

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:19 pm UTC (link)
Thanks for the congrats! Someone else told me that Costco has 7lb bags of chocolate chips for about $12 and ridiculously inexpensive butter as well. They have a one day pass that's free right?

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[info]lizsname
2008-03-10 02:27 am UTC (link)
I know that Sam's does here (we don't have a Costco), but I'm sure that Costco would as well.

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[info]torenheksje
2008-03-09 08:50 am UTC (link)
Congrats on starting your new business! Many moons ago, I managed several Mrs. Field's Cookies stores, and she used a Hobart. While KitchenAid is a fabulous personal mixer (I have one myself), it will not be able to withstand the high demands you (hopefully) will make on it. A Hobart is a real "workhorse" mixer. It's a big investment, but well worth it, IMHO.

Good luck! :c)

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[info]novabuckgirl
2008-03-09 03:12 pm UTC (link)
Hobart used to make the Kitchen Aid lines back in the day, apparently (oh, internet--you're so filled with fun trivia)

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:23 pm UTC (link)
Thanks! For now, I'll be doing 36 3-cookie packages a week just for my friend's restaurant. This will be in addition to the 12 3-cookie packages I currently do for the coffee shop in my neighbourhood. I think the KitchenAid 600 Pro series may be good for now.

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[info]tweezlebum
2008-03-09 12:45 pm UTC (link)
Congratulations on starting your own business! That's my quiet little dream too, so it's good to see folks making it happen.

I use chopped chocolate instead of chocolate chips in all of my cookies. It melts & goes all gooey & yum, and it's cheaper too. Maybe that's an option?

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:24 pm UTC (link)
I was thinking of using that as well but I'm wondering I would need to use baking chocolate specifically or not.

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[info]tweezlebum
2008-03-09 11:21 pm UTC (link)
I tend to just go for a decent-quality dark chocolate for cookies, but that's probably because I refuse to put all that work into chopping it if I can't sneak a little taste...

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[info]raynedanser
2008-03-09 12:53 pm UTC (link)
While I completely adore my Red Artisan, he was probably right. My mother has a bed and breakfast and, obviously, does a LOT of baking and has the 6 qt instead. ;-)

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:31 pm UTC (link)
Oh! She has the 600 Pro series then? How much volume of baking does she make each week? I'm asking for research and for mouthwatering ideas...

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[info]raynedanser
2008-03-09 10:01 pm UTC (link)
After reading other comments, I'm pretty sure you would end up baking more than she does and she bakes more than anyone I know. ;-) She does a lot of breads and desserts and such, but now I wonder if you'd be better off with the other machine that's been recommended although my mom adores her Kitchenaide. ;-)

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[info]novabuckgirl
2008-03-09 03:11 pm UTC (link)
I have the professional and my mom has an artisan. I find hers struggles with thick doughs (especially breads). I also that the professional has a bowl lift vs. tilting back the mixer.
Unfortunately, my mixer was a gift, so I don't know how much it cost.

ETA: are you buying your chocolate from a restaurant supply shop? If not, you might want to find one in your area as the prices will be lower/lb.

Edited at 2008-03-09 03:14 pm UTC

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:32 pm UTC (link)
I'm going to research restaurant supply shops this week in NYC and talk to my restaurant friend/client about adding me to his distributor orders. This may be my cheapest route.

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[info]goose_entity
2008-03-09 03:16 pm UTC (link)
congratulations on the business, and I hope it all goes well for you.

I will, however, let you know that there are ethical problems with Nestle regarding baby milk. www.babymilkaction.org has the details.

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[info]illsmileforyou
2008-03-09 03:28 pm UTC (link)
I bought my professional 600 refurbished from kitchen aid. I haven't had any problems with it, and when we use it, we really really use it. I'll make 12 batches of cookie dough, we'll make four cheesecakes, we'll make dough for 6-8 pizzas. We rarely use it on a small scale, and we love it. It's also considerably cheaper for the refurb'ed one.

http://www.shopkitchenaid.com/product_detail.asp?HDR=outlet&T1=KTA+RKP26M1XLC

I think the pearl metallic is the only one "in stock".


Kitchen Aid also has a few on closeout, which aren't re-furbed, but are more expensive:

http://www.shopkitchenaid.com/product_list.asp?SKW=KTAOUTSTAND&HDR=outlet

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:47 pm UTC (link)
I'm almost willing to compromise on the color to get this one for $299 after rebate: http://www.shopkitchenaid.com/product_detail.asp?T1=KTO+KP26M1XCM&HDR=outlet. It's the cinnamon colour instead of the fancy empire red that I love.

And yeah, the only refurb they have left in stock is the Pearl Metallic. I'm normally okay with refurb stuff but I just realized those machines only have a 6 month warranty...Hrmm.

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[info]illsmileforyou
2008-03-09 09:57 pm UTC (link)
We don't use our machine as often as you'd use yours, but almost a year and a half later- we haven't had any problems. When we use it, we use it a lot. But we don't have a daily use for it, either.

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[info]snobahr
2008-03-09 03:57 pm UTC (link)
I have a Professional 600, which my husband found through Amazon (and it was eligible for Amazon Prime, which has so totally paid for itself), and yeah, it's a brute. If you can't afford a commercial Hobart mixer at this time, then go for the Professional - that motor makes all the difference. You want more brawn than you need, to make certain it doesn't fail.

As for chocolate chips, I buy mine at Iris Smart & Final, which are scattered all over Southern California. I haven't bothered looking at where else they are (aside from knowing they're not in South Carolina).

Best of luck to you!

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:51 pm UTC (link)
Thanks for the Pro 600 feedback. I'm definitely convinced now that it's what I need/want. My friend kept pushing the motor idea and I know he's right.

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[info]sitcomgirl
2008-03-09 06:53 pm UTC (link)
I bought my professional from Costco a few years back at a really good price. I don't know if they carry them all the time or if it was a random thing, but you might want to check there too.

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[info]roseincognitus
2008-03-09 07:05 pm UTC (link)
Congrats on the new business! I hope you do really well!!
For choc. chips I use the ones from Costco - the Foley brand. They're pure semi-sweet chocolate and I actually like them better than Nestles. They come in an 11 lb. box, and I can't remember how much they are, but they're quite reasonable. I'm thinking about 10.00 for the box, but it's been a while and our closest Costco is two hours away!
Good luck to you!

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:53 pm UTC (link)
Thanks for the brand reference! Everyone kept recommending ones at Costco but remember the brand name.

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[info]laurent_atl
2008-03-09 09:06 pm UTC (link)
Can you do that sort of things without going through a nightmare of licensing paperwork?

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[info]ariamagick
2008-03-09 09:30 pm UTC (link)
i would also like to know the answer to this!!

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[info]ticklebruises
2008-03-09 09:48 pm UTC (link)
I'm kind of working towards that. For now, if this really picks up then I will seek licencing which costs $200 and a shit ton of time. I'm proceeding week to week on this.

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[info]streetstupid
2008-03-09 10:45 pm UTC (link)
While I really do wish you the best, you can't bake and sell items made from your home kitchen without proper licensing and/or paperwork.

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[info]mamajennh
2008-03-10 02:36 am UTC (link)
I ADORE my Professional 6. I bought mine at Mervyn's for Christmas 3 years ago. I paid $249 for it. I really put it through it's paces several times a year and I've got not a single bad thing to say about it.

As far as Costco or Sam's (I belong to both), they have day passes, but you pay 5-10% over the posted price for anything you buy. A small business membership to each place is only about $45. You will likely save this on your first visit, making the membership pay for itself.

You can get butter, eggs, chocolate chips, YOUR ANDES MINT CANDIES!!!, flour, baking soda, salt and probably any other ingredient you would need at ridiculously low prices. You are the kind of customer these places were designed for!!!

Best of luck! I dream of owning a business like yours!

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