Ask a Member: Jen of Batter Bakery

{Photos by Belathee Photography via Apartment 34}

We're so happy to have you as a member of The Collection. What is it about The Collection that inspires or excites you? The minute I walked into The Collection last fall I knew I had to be a part of it. The aesthetic, creativity and warmth of the space drew me in immediately. It is the perfect combination of professional resources and welcoming hostesses nestled into an immaculately-designed shop. I could spend hours there looking through all of the vendor binders, admiring the familiarity of the space, chatting with The Collection gals. As a bride I would want to feel the exact same way walking into a wedding planning studio.   Most importantly though, the collection of vendors are amazing! I would be happy to refer any of my brides to any of The Collection vendors, knowing they would find individuals and companies truly passionate about their products and the customer experience.

Tell us a little bit about Batter Bakery— How did you get into the industry? I grew up baking. My mother would stand me on a chair next to her for as long as I can remember, allowing me to watch, mix, taste. I baked non-stop throughout high school and college, to the point where family and friends were barely able to eat fast enough to keep up!

After college I started a "sensible" job in public accounting but would sit there thinking about what I wanted to bake that night. I started with one corporate client in Menlo Park thanks to a connection through a close friend. The minute I dropped off my first delivery, I knew that was it— I had to have my own bakery. I grew Batter on the side while I worked on the start-up team and as the buyer for Blue Fog Market, a small specialty grocery in Cow Hollow. I made the transition to full-time in May of 2008. Nearly four years later we have our shop, our kiosk and a steadily growing team!

{Photos by Chuck Ortiz via Acquired Taste Magazine}

What is your signature style? Handcrafted all-American treats. Everything we do is somewhat nostalgic, approachable and reminiscent of what you might have eaten growing up. I am a home-baker turned professional and I think that our products speak to my background. You won't find anything fussy or overly designed at Batter— just delicious, slightly rustic and crafted with amazing, fresh ingredients. On display, especially for dessert bars, I want our treats to look entirely irresistible so you and your guests can't wait to dive in. When it comes to packaging, I can't resist making things look adorable. I stay away from pink and frilly, but rest-assured if you order a gift, favor or special treat from us, it will be done up in a way that will make you smile. 

What extra-special desserts are Batter Bakery known for? Our Sand Angel cookies, Lavender Sea Salt Shortbread and Devil's Food Brownies are definitely the items on our menu that have gained a cult following. The Sand Angel is our signature, proprietary cookie that launched Batter. Chewy and cinnamon-y deliciousness. 

Is there a particular bride that gravitates toward your work? Creative, fun-loving brides who are open to having some non-traditional aspects of their wedding. Most of the couples I meet with admit that they have a huge sweet tooth, have several favorite desserts as a couple, and want to offer their guests more than just one piece of cake. The feel of the weddings ranges from rustic/vintage to elegant. Feedback from any style of wedding, though, has been the same - that guests absolutely love dessert bars! People stand in front of the bar excitedly, making their treat decisions, devour them, dance, grab another treat, dance some more, grab some treats for the road. 

Tell us about your favorite custom design ever. Some of the most stunning setups have been at outdoor venues on amazing rustic tables with gorgeous cake plates & platters. One of my favorite weddings was for a close friend who had only two requirements for her dessert bar: no wedding cake and plenty of Sand Angels. We created a selection of the bride & groom's favorite desserts, additional cookies & cupcakes for the after party, and as a surprise to them, I build a mini tiered Sand Angel wedding cake as the centerpiece. They loved it! 

{Photos by Chuck Ortiz via Acquired Taste Magazine + Belathee Photography via Apartment 34}

What is your idea of the perfect day? Wake up after the sun rises {rare occurrence}, breakfast, coffee, yoga or long walk. Hit the Ferry Building market for ingredients. Test-out some new recipe ideas while overhearing customers ooh and ahh over their favorite treats at the shop. Style something delicious, crafty and creative: a children's party, shower, wedding, lavish dessert bar for a party. Have a dinner, wine and games night with friends. Not too far off from reality, but a few luxuries are tucked in there! 

And lastly, if you could have anyone cook you dinner and dine with you tell us who and what's on the menu? David Lebovitz. This would require me going to Paris to check out his new kitchen {sigh, rough trip to have to take, I know!}. We would definitely hit the market during the day and shop for whatever was in season. Then, he would create a feast. It's highly likely that at least 60% of our meal would be made of ice cream and sweets, since both of us seem to have ridiculously sweet teeth. Everything he writes has so much dry wit and humor, I know it would prove to be a highly entertaining evening. David, do you hear me over there?!? Invite me to dinner!

{Photos by Chuck Ortiz via Acquired Taste Magazine}

Batter Bakery is a member of The Collection Event Studio.