My DDs school is a polling place. They are planning a bake sale election day because they are expecting record turn out. My question is this... What do I make? How much? What price?

WARNING PTO RANT COMING UP---Now you may be saying to yourself, shouldn't the PTO be able to help her out with this? This is the first time I've been in an Elementary School since I was attending many years ago. I went to the first PTO meeting a few weeks ago, they never introduced themselves, and talked about business like everyone has been with this school for years. I signed up to bring some breakfast items for the teacher breakfast and all I got was an email that said some time this weekend drop off the items at so and so's house. No phone number or address. This is what communication with these women are like. I cannot wait until the next meeting so that I can get up the nerve to say something.

Now with the bake sale, they said whatever you wanted to make is ok, package it in baggies and have it priced and ready to go. They did not mention what has been successful in the past, quantities, or approximate sale price. I've never really baked much, but I can follow directions as well as the next. What has been successful at your bake sale? Do you have a recipe? How much should I charge?

Thank you for your help.

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You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

When I vote at the elementary school, usually brownies in baggies sell for 50 cents, 2 chocolate chip cookies (if larger) or 3 (tiny ones) for 50 cents, would be good. Cupcakes sell, but not in baggies because the icing would stick I think. They also go for 50 cents.
Gee tho, this year with everything going up, maybe it will be 75 cents? But I don't think they would sell as much.

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I just sent something in for a bake sale this morning. After wracking my brain, I ended up making dog biscuits. I know that's a little weird, but everybody loves their dog, right? I made up my own recipe, but you can search for a recipe and find a gazillion. I have a dog bone shaped cutter, and put 5 in a bag with a cute label stapled to it. I hope they sell well.

Rice Krispy Treats - $.50-$1 would probably sell well.

Yeah...I think rice krispy treats would go fast. Also, no bake cookies and chocolate chip cookies. People who don't bake love to have the "classics"!

If the bake sale will be going on the early morning what about some cinnamon rolls? Get the Pillsbury ones in the tube and bake them up. Wrap them individually and sell for .50 each. That would probably go over good with people coming in early to vote before work.
I'd also suggest selling coffee if you're selling baked stuff early.

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It's all about the presentation so make sure your tables are covered with a nice tablecloth and perhaps vases of fall-like flowers on the table.

Something that I always make are cheesecakes and they are really easy when you use the Keebler crusts already made in the foil pans. You can top them with cherry pie filling if you choose. They are really pretty and the lids from the crusts turn upside down and can be used as a dome top when you fill the crust with the cheesecake.

My quick and easy cheesecake recipe is.... Mix together with mixer, 1-8oz Philly cream cheese (softened), 1/3 c. sugar, and 1 teas. vanilla. Gently fold in 1-8oz thawed Cool whip. Spoon into graham cracker crust and top with cherries if desired. Refrigerate. This tastes best when made the night before. Sometimes I like to use the Keebler Shortbread Crust instead.

Good Luck with your sale.

I forgot to mention that I usually charge about $7.00 - $8.00 for one of these cheesecakes and they always sell right away.

It sounds like with it being a polling station, that it is going to be mostly adults buying products, not kids looking for cupcakes--unless DH goes there to vote. Think about what YOU yourself would like to have from a bake sale. A great cinnamon bun, a banana muffin, a loaf of savory bread (or a plate of cheddar garlic biscuits) to bring home for dinner, or perhaps even a whole pie or cake for an after dinner dessert for those who are voting later in the day.

If Linnybop is right, and this is to appeal to grownups, how about chocolate dipped pretzels?

I buy Honey Wheat flavored "Rold Gold" pretzel sticks. They are slightly sweeter, and still have salt. These are thick, not the thin ones.

Microwave some MILK chocolate chips in a bowl (I just keep nuking for 30 seconds at a time, stir, and then nuke again for another 30, until the chocolate chips are a creamy thick smooth sauce consistency).

Dip the pretzel sticks into the chocolate, and then place on wax paper or sprayed foil to dry/harden. You can even put some colorful sprinkles on top of the chocolate before they dry.

I'd put 2 or 3 into a bag, and charge .50 each. Adults like the sweet/salty taste, and they're also very popular treats with kids!

You're a good sport, OP. You PTO is lucky that you're so understanding! Good luck!

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"The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." - Thomas Russell

You could make Blondies. Easy to bake and charge $.50 a bar.

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We're off to never never land

I work at an elementary school that also has seen its fair share of bake sales during voting time. Hot ticket items are Rice Krispy treats, fudge, homemade chocolate chip cookies (all 50 cents) and mini banana bread loaves ($2). Coffee with a donation jar also does remarkable well.

Hope this helps........now I want fudge and Rice Krispy treats

Terri

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Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow

Do you have to bake something or can you bring a dozen donuts? For the people voting early they might sell quickly. Some people would rather buy something store bought if they don't know the person that baked the food.

Fantastic Ideas! Thank You so much! Now that I have so many ideas I need to narrow it down. I also have some ideas to bring up in the next PTO meeting. Thank You for your help!

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You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

Here's an update on the dog biscuits. They were about 4" long and I put 5 in a bag, with a nice printed label. I was thinking they'd be worth 50¢ a bag. Well....the ladies were absolutely thrilled and they charged $1.50/bag for them...and they sold really fast. They were really cheap to make, and brought in $15.00!

Our Election day sale starts early and is by Donation Only. It was too hard to decide on prices so the ladies running it put out a large jar last year and you'd be surprised how well they did! Same thing is planned for this year! Good Luck with yours - Kudos for joining PTO , but especially for Volunteering to participate in the events!!