Bake For You in Albany–“Cookies make everyday better”

I was wandering around a local outdoor market last week and came upon Linda Kindlon, Bake for You, selling delicious looking scones, brownies and cookies.  I talked with Linda about her business. She is definitely following her passion and I got a bit jealous listening to her explain how she manages the choice she has made to do something she loves (baking) almost every day. For the past two years, she has worked out of a commercial kitchen at a church in Albany, NY,  as the sole proprietor of Bake For You. We discussed the wonders of fresh eggs and she shared that she uses free-range eggs, organic sugar, Vermont butter and local ingredients when available.

Her signature cookie is a White Chip & Craisin creation, pictured at top from the batch I brought home. I’ll be honest. I am not a fan of white chocolate anything. After a first bite I thought they were a bit too sweet but cripes, they are a cookie. They are supposed to be sweet. After overdoing it and eating a few more, I was addicted. The texture of every cookie sampled was incredible–buttery, moist and if a cookie can be flaky, hers are!

I was inspired and that afternoon whipped up a batch of chocolate chip cookies for my son who is heading to college, but I failed miserably at replicating the texture of the Bake for You cookies. I would like to blame it on the humidity.

When discussing out of work activities with new acquaintances, I am sometimes reluctant to mention my cookie baking obsession. I’m also passionate about old houses, historic preservation, newspapers, photography and a long list of other hobbies, and cookie baking seems so “small” in the scheme of world affairs.

After meeting Linda at Bake For You, I no longer feel inhibited about sharing updates about my compelling (manic?) desire to bake.  She is an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your terrific baking gifts Linda. I will be back for more.

Bake For You
For more about Linda, her bakery specialties and to order: www.bakeforyou.com

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