FAQs
What is a macaron?
What special diets are macarons allowed in? How long do macarons last? What is a CFO? I've seen pictures of or read about different flavors on your website. Why can't I order those? Is it safe to purchase food from a CFO? Is your home kitchen clean? Where are you located? What is your delivery policy? Where do you deliver? What forms of payment do you accept? What are your days of operation? Do you have any specials? Do you do catering? |
Not to be confused with the sound-alike coconut treat macaroon, a macaron is a meringue-based cookie that are sandwiched together with the filling of choice--buttercream, ganache, jams, curds, etc.
Macarons are gluten-free (unless specified otherwise) for those following a gluten-free diet. However, one of the main ingredients in macarons is almond flour so please be aware if you have a nut allergy. The macaron flavors that are available do not require refrigeration and can last 2-3 days. However, as with any other pastry or baked goods, they can last longer if refrigerated for up to 5 days. CFO stands for Cottage Food Operation which allows the sale of low-risk homemade goods that are prepared and/or packaged in a private home to consumers. I am a registered CFO through Solano County, #201253. For more info on CFOs, visit the CDPH website. Since home kitchens are not regularly inspected, then Cottage Food Operators are not allowed to sell goods that require refrigeration at this time. So this includes flavors containing real cream cheese, whipped cream, and other perishable ingredients. Yes. Even though home kitchens aren't regularly inspected, the operators still have to follow certain rules i.e. prohibiting children/pets and the performance of household activities in the preparation areas and always wearing gloves when handling finished food. Yes. As a Cottage Food Operator, I am required to adhere to sanitary procedures and to take a class approved by the California Department of Health. I have completed my approved Food Handler's training course through CA Food Handlers, certificate ID# 2013-824244. Plus, with a background in nursing, I am already very aware of the importance of proper hand washing. I bake out of my residence in Benicia near the Community Park and Matthew Turner Elementary School. I do not have a storefront at this time. Due to CFO regulations, transactions need to happen face to face with customers so I cannot ship my products via mail at this time. Instead, I can deliver personally or you can pick up directly from me. Currently I can deliver in the Vallejo/Benicia area and their immediate surrounding cities. Please contact me if a special delivery or pick-up needs to be arranged. Cash upon delivery/pick-up is preferred. Checks are only accepted if you have a standing account with me. I can also accept credit or debit through PayPal. An email requesting payment via PayPal will be sent or I can swipe upon delivery. A $1 fee will be added to credit/debit payments. Please indicate your form of payment when making a request. I already work a Monday to Friday schedule so similar to bakers who make wedding cakes, I can only book one to two orders a week. It is advisable to put in order requests early to block out your date if there is a deadline, especially for large orders. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks notice for decorated cakes. Depending on the quantity and flavors of already booked macaron orders, smaller orders may be honored. I apologize in advance if I cannot accommodate your order. I plan to have trial flavors and special offers from time to time. Please follow me: www.facebook.com/PresSweets, on Twitter @PresSweets, and on Instagram @Presidential_Sweets for specials and updates (including days I may be unavailable during vacation). Yes. Macarons and mini cupcakes make great favors and a tower and/or cake will make wonderful centerpieces for your special event. You can also personalize with a custom design. Due to the extensive details and time wedding cakes require, I cannot do tiered wedding cakes at this time. I can, however, do small cakes like for a tower topper to go along with your cupcakes or macarons. Please inquire for available dates and book early to block out your date. |