Memory loss and Blondies

I've been a terrible blogger this month. I completely forgot to bring my camera to the Punk Rock Flea Market, and therefore have no pictures to show you. However, the day went really well. I sold out of almost everything, met some really great people, and had a fun day with Better Butter and the Fanciful Fox. But the best thing about the market? Throughout the day several people came to my table to buy a snack, tried it, and then came back later to buy some more! There were a lot of other bakers there selling goodies, so this meant a lot to me. Thanks to everyone who came by and bought a treat. I really appreciate it, and hope you enjoyed it!

I also went to a cookie review party at the beginning of this month, and forgot my camera. Thankfully other people had that one covered. To see pics from the party, go here.

I brought some of my famous Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pecan Blondies. Argue if you will about whether or not bars fall into the cookie category, but I live on the edge and brought them anyway. Barry, my fabulous blogger friend over at Foodrulez who hosted the party, posted the recipe last week. I don't normally give out recipes for things I think will be added to my product line, but I guess Christmas time has me feeling the spirit of giving. To get these into your belly, check out the recipe post on Barry's page here.

Punk Rock Flea Market- Holidays 2010

 Oh my. Don't I ever learn my lesson? It's time for the Punk Rock Flea Market again, and I'll be there slinging the goodies as usual. This time, I'm not gonna let it send me over the edge.

Last year's holiday market fell in the middle of a record breaking blizzard that dropped 135 feet of snow on Philly (FACT). The summer edition early this year was smack in the middle of a nasty, gross, 10-shower-a-day heat wave. For this Saturday there's no snow in the forecast and the temps look like they'll be in the 40's. It should be the perfect day to come out and finish up your holiday shopping. And snack on some tasty treats.

I'm sharing a table with some of my favorite gals, who happen to own some of my favorite businesses: Amanda from The Fanciful Fox and Marina from Better Butter. It's going to be a trifecta of awesome. You'll want to find us. Marina's got that delicious peanut butter, now in adorable variety packs. Amanda will be bringing her amazing soap, and whatever else she can fit in the car. There might be some hand-knit items. There might be some books and clothes and other random bullshit. And what will I have? I'm so glad you asked!

Chocolate Chip cookie sandwiches.

Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Lots of whoopie pies (Pumpkin, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Gingerbread with an eggnog filling).

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Blondies.

Chocolate Chip Cookies. And if you're really lucky, some Pumpkin roll.

Make the flea market a part of your day on Saturday. It's always a treat, and you're sure to check some people off your list!

Punk Rock Flea Market- Holiday Edition
Saturday December 11, 2010
10 AM- 5PM
$3 Admission


at the Punk Rock Flea Market-Dome
461 N 9th St
Philadelphia PA19123

Post-Flea Market Hangover

So, the flea market was Sunday. I'm still recovering. It was a little intense. My friends and I all agreed that at our tables, which were all the way in the back, the temperature was probably at least 110 degrees, no exaggeration. We stepped out into the 95 degree weather outside, and it felt cool and chilly. The delicate flower that I am, I had a rough time with this.

I guess I'm getting older and not as punk rock as I used to be.  Well, really, I was never very punk rock.  I dabbled for a minute in high school and again in college, but I've really always been an indie rock girl at heart. I'll take Modest Mouse over the Dead Milkmen anyday. But let's get back to the market.

It was hot. It was dirty. It was sweatier and smellier than ever before. Who wants to eat baked goods on such a gross day? Hardly anyone. I've got a lot of cookies left over. But sales were low everywhere because it was too hot to even THINK. Thankfully small children will always want a cookie, no matter what the temperature is, and my wallet thanks their hungry little bellies. A big thank you to the rest of the people who said YES to the Lil' Whoopies and heat be damned.

Let's take a look at everything. (Note: all the desserts you are about to see are vegan)

I was pretty proud of the table display. I thought it looked extra cute.

I had mini-donuts in a couple of different flavors. Plain with glaze or sprinkles. Lemon donut with blueberry glaze. And a donut version of the Casbah cupcake: Cardamom donut, rosewater glaze, dipped in pistachios. Yumskers AND fancy pants.

Zucchini Muffins and Blueberry Muffins

Lots of different cookies. Chocolate Chip. Oatmeal Raisin.

Oatmeal Cream Pies: So much better than Little Debbie's. These sold out first.

Grapefruit Shortbreads. And the Dirty Money cookie, which has oatmeal, banana, coconut, cinnamon and walnuts.

There were some Lil' Whoopie Pies too. Chocolate with vanilla and Chocolate with peanut butter. They were a pretty big hit.

I didn't even realize until I set it all up, but almost everything was mini. Unintentionally ADORABLE. So sue me.

There were so many tables, and the heat made it really hard to stop and look at much. But I ran into blogger friend Angela over at Brave New Baker, and her stuff looked great! I'm a total dummy though, and didn't take any pictures of it. Oh well. Hope you unloaded all of those cupcakes, Angela!

Now that the market's over, I can focus on the next big project: a dessert table for my friend's wedding! More to come on this soon...

Punk Rock Flea Market- Summer 2010

I know, I know. I've been slacking on pies in July. I haven't gotten that crust tutorial to you yet. (It's almost done! Really! There's just so much I want to share!) But I've been preoccupied. The Punk Rock Flea Market is this Sunday, and I've got a table.

Are you in Philly, or can you easily get to Philadelphia? Then you should definitely be there. Don't let the name fool you. It's more than just punk records and old ramones t-shirts (though you probably will find plenty of those). There's tons of vintage clothes and accessories, hand-made items, screen-prints, art, random old appliances and decorations, and all of that regular flea market fair.

R5 has a bigger location this year, so it's going to be huge. There's over 250 tables. You won't find any grandmas selling ceramic nicknacks, but you will find cute girls peddling delcious treats. Like me. This is why you should come. I'll have things like this:

and this:

and this:

and some of these:

definitely these:

and maybe, if you're lucky, some of these:

And a couple of other things I don't have pictures of. It's probably going to be ridiculously hot there, so I had to ditch cupcakes, peanut butter cups, things dipped in chocolate, and any other baked good I figured would be too delicate. But I'll still have some pretty delicious stuff for you to choose from!

So seriously guys, no excuses. This is the best flea market in Philly. It's worth the trip. And when you're weary from looking at all that stuff, come find me. I'll have a donut waiting for you.

Punk Rock Flea Market- Summer Edition
Sunday July 25 10am-5pm
At the Punk Rock Flea Market Dome (461 N 9th St- Right across from Starlight Ballroom)
Just south of the intersection of 9th and Spring Garden
All Ages to Enter/ 250+ Vendors/ Re-entry all day long!
$3 Admission Donation

Kitties and Flea Markets

Exciting things are happening around here. The temperature's gone down, so baking is a very real possibility again. Which is good, because my summer schedule is really filling up with baking orders for which I need to start trying new recipes. I'll be making a lot (13 dozen!) of muffins for a scooter rally on the 4th of July, and I've got some savory corn muffins I'm planning to try. Oh, and did I mention I'm making the desserts for my friends' wedding? Don't worry, you'll be hearing more about both of these soon. 

I'm also doing the Punk Rock Flea Market again! The summer version is happening this July, and unlike the Christmas one, I'm starting to plan way in advance. I'm thinking about what I should make, and I've got lots of ideas. Cookies are always a big seller, and my chocolate peanut butter cups went really fast at Christmas. I'm also thinking about homemade pop tarts and pocket pies. Cupcakes and brownies. Lots of ideas swimming around my noggin' right now. 

And while I'm brainstorming and preparing signs and packaging and business cards, I thought I'd give you guys a chance to put in your two cents. So, what do you guys think I should sell at the market? Or, more importantly, what do you guys want to buy from me? I'm interested to know!

But the most exciting news of all? I finally broke Ken down, and there's a very real possibility that we'll be giving a kitty a forever home by the end of the week! I've been looking on the PAWS website at all of the sweet little cats that need a good home, and I want them all. I'll have to settle with one (for now), but I'm still really happy about it (this little guy in particular seems to be calling my name). 

I'll keep you posted on the new addition to the fambly! And while you're waiting for that, leave me a comment with your flea market goodie suggestion!

Punk Rock Flea Market, Holiday Edition

I've been baking all day. For Real. Y'know how people say things like that: "i've been working all day"... "i've been playing video games all day"... "i've been thinking about how the Eagles crushed the Giants all day", but usually it's hyperbole. You weren't really doing those things all day, just for a long time, or longer than usual. No, no my friends. Baking. ALL DAY. I've peed a couple of times, and took a shower. Other than that, the kitchen has been my prison. Mixing, rolling, stirring, measuring, scooping, baking. Non-stop, like a machine for about 16 hours. 

It's not for Christmas either. It's for Philly's Punk Rock Flea Market. Which is later today (Sunday), from 10am-5pm at the Starlight Ballroom. Where I'll be selling lots of cookies (vegan and regular), vegan chocolate peanut butter cups, and some pies (sweet potato and vegan chocolate peppermint). I've also got some hand-made crocheted goodies, and some random stuff that's been lying around for awhile. Like some clothes I've never worn, some gifts I never liked, and a New Kids on the Block wood-backed poster circa 1989.  If those reasons aren't good enough for you to venture to the shady area north of Chinatown, honestly I'm not sure what you're doing with your life. 

(crocheted headbands)

And I'm sure you're thinking, "but there's 27 feet of snow outside, why would anyone brave those conditions for a flea market?" Did I mention I was baking all day? That, and there are lots of vendors with tons of awesome stuff both handmade and vintage. And it's the weekend before Christmas, and I'm sure there's at least someone on your list that you still need to buy for. Or maybe you want to treat yourself to a homemade sweet potato pie with a pecan streusel topping made by yours truly. Whatever your deal, brave the cold and the snow, and come browse. If you're really nice, I might even give you a cookie...

(oatmeal chocolate chip! Notice the hole in the middle where Ken stuck his finger to claim ownership of the last one...)

Saturday December 19th and Sunday December 20th 10:00am to 5:00pm
At The Starlight Ballroom (460 N 9th Street - 9th & Spring Garden-ish)
All Ages / 21+ To Drink / $3 Entry Donation /

THE PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET – TWO DAY HOLIDAY EDITION !

It's that time again for the bi-annual (twice a year) PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET. R5's most popular reoccurring event/show/whatever (by far). They had over 4000 visitors and 100+ tables of  old records, clothes, art, music, food, junk, bicycles, stereo equipment, instruments, automobiles, tools, posters, furniture, computers, skateboards and lots of other stuff this past July. It's all going down at The Starlight Ballroom (right below 9^th & Spring Garden Sts)

To meet the increasing demand of people wanting to sell their stuff at this – they have spread it out over two days. Each day will have entirely different sellers . Your admission donation is good for both days (so you can come in and out as many times as you would like over the weekend -  In addition There will be much more room to shop compared to flea markets in the past

All proceeds raised will goto the purchase of necessary equipment and supplies to ensure that all ages shows continue to remain a reality at The First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia - mainly an annual payment for their liability insurance policy. Do not let the "name of the event" lead you to believe that it's just punk records, clothes etc. - it's a full on flea market with everything from furniture, to laptops / computers , to stereo equipment, to handmade apparel, to vegan treats, information from various non profit groups, book stores, artists selling their work, bicycles & skateboards and whatever else they can fit onto the ballroom floor at The Starlight Ballroom

In addition to the normal flea market stuff there will also be a full bar and food service kitchen to make the day go by a little faster as well as a rotating shift of WKDU DJs

 TAKE A LOOK AT THE SELLERS LIST :
http://www.r5productions.com/prfm.html