HOW TO...DO TREATS FOR POLITICAL VOLUNTEERS

Political Volunteers will love any of the above! 
Courtesy of Pinterest News  and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Only offer to do treats if your political agent agrees and, most importantly, your  baking usually gets a good response.  

It is perfectly in order for the ward/constituency to cover the costs of ingredients but some bakers are happy to cover some or all the cost as their contribution to the political effort.  

When planning, preparing and presenting treats for volunteers, these tips may help:

• Bring plenty of napkins

• Unless you are staying for the duration, remind the organiser to collect the storage boxes and return them to the constituency office for pick-up later

• Keep portions small

• Don't make the goods too far in advance; fresh is best.  That said, some items can be made the day before they're needed and will taste absolutely great; others need to be made on the day (See list below)

• 2-3 different items will make most stalls happy; if a big crowd is expected, 4 items should do it

• Don't do it all the work yourself; enlist help.  Even if helpers can't bake they can help pack and carry things.

• Getting the stuff to and from the location will be your biggest problem. Unless there's someone to drive you to the designation (often people are too busy), you'll need extra-large carrier bags

• Cookies are ok on their own in a box or tin, stored flat or in oblique stacks.  Each layer should be separated with a large piece of greaseproof paper & a paper napkin. 

• With cake/bar portions, nestle each piece in a slightly flattened paper cupcake liner; it'll be easier for people to separate one piece from the rest. 

• Pack the treats in plastic storage boxes with lids.  Large ones cost about £3 each (Morrisons) and will take several layers of biscuits or bars. The lids are airtight and will stop the baked goods drying out -- some volunteers will take a treat before they set off; others will come back later.  You don't want the goods to be horrible after a few hours.  You'll probably need help to get the wretched lids off, though.

• Cupcakes are more difficult to carry unless funds are available for a cupcake holder.  If storing in a box, 67 advises not using buttercream icing but melted baking chocolate (£1/150gm from Morrisons) mixed with a little milk.  Dip the top of the cupcakes into the chocolate or drizzle it with a spoon; the icing hardens as it cools.  It's then possible to layer the cupcakes in a box with a sheet of greaseproof paper and a couple of serviettes in between.  PS don't make your cupcakes too big; a medium sized cupcake liner 3/4 full is about right.

• Big cakes with gorgeous icing are wonderful because they go so much further than a cupcake.  A 9inch x 12inch/25cmx30cm pan will provide 32 pieces.  Each needs to go into a flattened cupcake liner.  The pieces are a drag to transport as they have to stay in one layer.  Either use a storage box OR the container they were baked in.  

67's most popular treats 

Bake the day before:

Beatty's Glorious Chocolate Cake  Indulgent for sure 
Oatmeal & Date Bars, very popular

Sensational Spicy Ginger Cookies, guys love 'em
Chocolate Shortbread, Easy-peasy
Breakfast Muffins, Healthiest, prep the day before; bake on the day
Chocolate Chip Thins, make-ahead; dough can be frozen for a week
Hot Choco-Nutella Brownie, prep-ahead knock-out indulgence 
Swedish Plum Cake, the plums make it but peaches/nectarines will do
Plum & Walnut Streusel Cake, very popular
Triple Chocolate Truffle Brownies, bellisimo!

Bake on the day
Easy-peasy chocolate cake or cupcakes, one bowl; kids can make it
Mocha Mini-Sponges
Cheese & Chive Savoury Biscuits
Super Choco-Hazelnut Mini-Volcano Cakes a Skinnier Indulgence
Lighter Chocolate Cupcakes, lots of healthy ingredients; great taste
Peanut Butter 'n' Jam Kisses: Low-guilt delight, kid-friendly
Guys' food: Peanut Cookies a la Nigella: my guys loved em

Triple Chocolate & Cointreau shortbread
Walnut & Cinnamon Twists

Also see Recipes (on Nav Bar): Bakery/Cakes


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