This great photo comes from the King Arthur Company.  We here at Cakes rely on them for the flours we use in our desserts--both because of their quality and (as a B-Corp) their commitment to sustainable and socially-responsible business practices.  This photo reminded me that 3 sets of my great-grandparents were farmers (on two continents) and that farmers have the huge responsibility for feeding us all.  With changes in our climate, their jobs get harder and more uncertain.  I especially want to honor those who have taken on the added challenge of producing high-quality organic products, in an effort to sustain our Mother Earth and help us to become healthier.   We couldn't do our work without you--Thank you!

It seems appropriate to start this post with an image of the cake that launched our business.  Our Orange Sunrise Bundt (based on a favorite recipe from my Grammom) remains one of our most popular cakes because it's composed of fresh organic ingredients, and tastes as good as it looks!  I have used this cake as a benchmark of quality for all of our Cakes  products. 

We've noticed that many clients have been coming to Cakes because they are looking for a source of delicious organic desserts.  Organic desserts are our specialty!  In fact, one of our customers recently alerted us that we are now the only purveyor of organic cakes and desserts in the Triangle!  Just Google "organic cake" to see for yourself!  And that includes cakes from a certain well-known natural food store chain (read their labels). 

Since launching Cakes just over 2 years ago, our recipes and ingredients have evolved with us.  While we've always been committed to using high-quality and organic ingredients, we have steadily moved towards using organic ingredients almost exclusively.  We now even make our own organic equivalents of some commonly used (but traditionally not organic or additive-free) recipe ingredients, like evaporated milk.  As of this post, all of our cakes and virtually all of our other desserts and specialty items are now either fully organic, or are available special-ordered as fully organic.  If you aren't sure,please just ask us. 

We are committed to continue to grow and improve as a business.  Our promise to you, our cherished customers, is threefold: 1) We will continue to make the delicious desserts that you've come to love and expect; 2) You'll always have a choice and will know what you are getting (organic or not) with any of our desserts; and 3) We will continue our mission to include even more organic ingredients!   

So, if you want organic: talk to us.  YES, WE DO THAT!! 

We want you to be completely satisfied with your Cakes' products!  We use organic ingredients, including seasonal produce (like the fresh red currants shown here), and our products are preservative-free.  We deliver everything fresh to you, and to the retailers who feature our desserts and snacks.  That means that (unlike many commercial desserts) most things should be enjoyed within a few days of delivery.  Please let us know if you ever have a problem with one of our products--including items purchased from one of our featured retailers!  Please save the product and call or contact us right away so we can make it right: phone 617.699.9503 or email [email protected]

2015 marks the 110th anniversary of an iconic American dessert: the brownie! Fannie Farmer first published her Brownie recipe (no doubt using Boston's own local Baker's Chocolate) in her Boston Cooking School Cookbook.  Her recipe made soft gooey brownies (thinner than those we are used to) and included walnuts, which were plentiful, thanks to the walnut and black walnut trees that grew in the area.  Since Ms. Farmer's time, brownies now come in many variations--but we still love them, and we have her to thank!  Give a cheer for Fannie Farmer!

Really!  Artist Vicki L Rees of Tipping Paint Gallery in Raleigh painted two of Cakes favorite offerings: our luscious Orange Sunrise Cake (my Grammon's recipe) and our killer Key Lime Tart!  Thanks Vicki!  I feel so honored!  Stop by this great gallery and see what else this wonderful artist collective has to offer! 

Cakes With a Conscience is a for-benefit company.  In addition to creating delicious desserts from organic, sustainable and fair-trade products, we donate a portion of our profits each year to causes that we believe will help make our world a better, more peaceful place.  We think addressing gender inequity and violence against women are of the utmost importance in reaching that goal, so we focus our charitable donations on fighting gender violence here in the US and around the world.  We look for charitable groups that have a proven track record for addressing violence and oppression against girls and women, domestic violence, and sexual trafficking (of all children), and primarily choose organizations that offer education initiatives.  This year, we have also donated to organizations that have outstanding records for promoting understanding about gender and cultural diversity.  Here are the organizations we supported this year (in alphabetical order):
Center for Diversity Education (US/NC)
Interact Raleigh (US/NC)
The Malala Fund (International)
No Kid Hungry, Educators "Breakfast Team" (US)
Room to Read International (International)
Teaching Tolerance, SPLC (US)
Urban Ministries of Wake County, Helen Wright Center (US/NC)
Wellesley Centers for Women (International research and action projects)

Click hear to listen to the short Tedx Talk by Robyn O'Brien, author of "The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It."  She explains very clearly how many of our foods are different now than they were when many of us were growing up--and why organic is better!  She also explains the economics about the costs between organic and non-organic foods.  See the About Our Ingredients blog post to learn more about what we do (and don't) put into Cakes products!  All our cakes are made with as many organic ingredients as possible (dairy, flour, eggs, some sugars, nuts, chocolate, coffee, fruits, etc.); we do not use preservatives, artificial dyes or flavorings, and we are moving away from using products like soy (often in shortening)--because we think that even a splurge on dessert should not be bad for your health.  Always check our ingredients labels to learn more about our products.

As of November 25, 2014, Cakes with A Conscience name and logo are now registered trademarks with the US Patent and Trademark Office!

I am often asked if I can make one of our cakes or brownies gluten-free, and my first question is always "Why do you ask?"  Here's the reason: Your health is important to us!  For those of you who are among the 1% of Americans who have the autoimmune disorder celiac disease, we know that ingesting even a small amount of gluten (and certain oat and corn products) can be potentially life-threatening.  If you have celiac disease, reading labels and eliminating gluten is essential for your good health!  That means, you should only buy baked goods from a dedicated and certified gluten-free facility (and Cakes is not).  

But what about the rest of us?  The debate about gluten rages on while "gluten-free" products are now everywhere.  What is gluten?  Do we need it?  What's wrong with trying a gluten-free diet to see how we feel?  and, Is it really healthier to "go gluten-free"? 

For starters, most of us (including children) benefit from gluten in our diets and going gluten-free means eliminating many common and nutritious foods.  Gluten is a protein found in whole grains like wheat, barley, rye, and even oats; it is present in many whole grain foods (including baked goods) that use wheat and other common grains--that includes bulghur, farro, kamut, spelt, and triticale.  All are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron, and fiber and nutrition experts recommend eating whole grain foods, as part of a healthy diet.  Whole grain products may help lower your risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.  Adding naturally gluten-free grains like quinoa, millet, or amaranth to our diets or eating gluten-free meals sometimes can wake up our taste buds and add some variety and balance to what we eat. 

But for those of us without autoimmune diseases and allergies, is going "gluten free" really a healthier option?  The answer depends on how well you read and understand the ingredients in foods touted as "gluten-free".  Some people insist they just feel better completely eliminating gluten from their diets.  If you are among them, here's some food for thought (OK, pun intended): researchers have found that most people who cut gluten from their diets may also be eliminating foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, chemical dyes and additives (a fact that researchers found to be more likely to contribute to feeling better than simply eliminating gluten). 

And what about those gluten-free baked goods that are so popular now?  Are they better for you than traditional baked goods?  Read your labels! Commercial gluten-free flour is actually a specialized blend of starches (usually a combination of potato, tapioca, or rice) which tend to be highly processed and often contain additives and stabilizers in order to imitate the way conventional flour performs and tastes in baked goods.  Any of you who have tried gluten-free mixes or flours know that some are gritty or don't perform or taste the same--in fact, many gluten-free mixes and recipes feature sugar as the first ingredient!

At Cakes, we use organic, certified non-GMO flour in our cakes, along with other organic ingredients.  If you are one of our customers who choose gluten-free desserts as part of a lifestyle choice, we offer several delectable naturally gluten-free (and additive-free) desserts made from traditional, old-world recipes (like meringues, macaroons or flourless tortes).  We also offer a limited selection of desserts using commercial gluten-free "flour" blends that meet our high standards--but many of our specialty cakes can be duplicated with gluten-free flour, so please ask us for recommendations when you place your special order.