Archive for August 8, 2014

The Cookie Cottage

International Barter Exchange member, The Cookie Cottage is a delicious made-to-order cookie and dessert company in Sarasota, located 335 Gillespie Ave., in the charming Downtown Village of Sarasota, one block west of Washington St off Fruitville Road.  The proprietor and owner, Cathy Vande Mheen, brings delicious offerings and classes to sweeten the Sarasota Downtown Village section.

In January 2012, Cathy, a former teacher, decided to start her custom cookie business. Offering craft workshops and birthday parties, she held parties for many years as her three children were growing up.  Cathy was involved as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School Superintendent, School Volunteer, and more.  When meeting Cathy you’ll see how dedicated she is in all aspects of the business and especially inviting and gentle with the kids who attend her parties.  Her dream was to open her own baking and decorating company and it has finally come to fruition.

New to the Sarasota area (moving from Nebraska), Cathy was working under the Cottage Food Law of Florida, baking out of her home. She has now expanded her license with the opening of her store in the historic Sarasota downtown area. The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place on June 28th, 2013. All Cookie Cottage cookies and sweets are homemade.

Her latest addition to her inventory of treats are gluten-free and gourmet retail products and gifts.  Her gluten-free flour includes xanthan gum and offers special orders of gluten free and dairy-free cupcakes and cookies.  You’ll definitely want to stop by and see and smell for yourself the wonderful aroma of homemade cookies baking in the oven. Cookie Cottage is now open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.  The address is 335 Gillespie Avenue, Sarasota.

Cookie Decorating Classes, Girl Scout Classes and Birthday party packages are available.  The cost is $20 per person and Cathy has special pricing for larger groups or shorter workshops.  What a great idea for a Girls Night Out (and guys!) Take home cookies created by you and impress your friends and family!  Classes last 1 1/2 hours. All supplies are provided.  Perfect for a ladies group, for a Mother/Daughter Event, or just getting together with friends! October’s Schedule for parties and activities is Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Book your party now for anyone ages 12 and up @ $20 per person and Cathy supplies all necessary ingredients!  You will learn fun techniques with Fall themes as you decorate your scrumptious homemade cookies.

Plan ahead and attend Cookies with Santa on Sunday December 8th from 1 to 3 p.m.  Please register by December 6th for $20.  Later registration will be priced at $25.

Having an important family birthday?  Have a Cookie Cottage Birthday Party with two different prices and the same amount of fun!  First birthday package runs $10 per person, minimum 8 children, maximum 20 children.  Cathy recommends this party for ages 4 and up.  She also plays games with the kids and their cookies are baking.  The kids get to decorate 4 theme cookies. Each child will receive cookies to take home and a drink and snack are included.

The other birthday package is $20 per child, minimum 8 children, maximum 20 kids.  Activities and games are played and cookies are decorated on a theme.  This party lasts 1 ½ hours and drinks and snacks are included.

This is a unique concept and one that brings back important memories of baking cookies with Mom or Grandmom and these memories cannot be replaced. Call 941-552-6914 to speak directly to Cathy and learn all the delicious fun you can have at Cookie Cottage.  It’s a great place to meet a friend for coffee and a delicious treat of cookies and cupcakes.
Visit their website at:  www.thecookiecottageflorida.com.

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