BUDGET-CONSCIOUS ELECTION TREATS FOR POLITICAL VOLUNTEERS

TREATS TO KEEP POLITICAL VOLUNTEERS COMING BACK FOR MORE

first published 2017

Political Volunteers will love any of the above! 

Courtesy of Pinterest News  and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

If there is one thing that is welcome during an election campaign, it is home-baked treats -- cakes, cookies, brownies.

One of the nicest things that happens in constituency offices during an election is perfect strangers dropping by with contributions to keep the troops going. Sometimes, it's a tray of M&S sarnies or a selection of cheeses or a basket of fruit.  Other times, it's home-made cookies and cakes.  

They are always welcome.  

Only offer to do treats if your  baking usually gets a good response.  You might have a word with the Political Agent to check it's okay to bring in treats.

It is perfectly in order for the ward/constituency to cover some or all of the costs of ingredients - especially if it involves lots of treats on election day.  In the run-up to the election, however, most bakers will cover the cost of their contribution as part of the political effort.  

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

• Bring plenty of napkins

• 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)

• 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.  Stacked cookies should have a small square of greaseproof paper separating the cookies.

• 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.  Try Wilko or Nisbets or Amazon.   Large plastic boxes will take several layers of biscuits or bars. The lids are airtight and 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.

• OR pre-order paper bakery boxes (from the net); they have time-saving lids. The boxes range from 12inches/31cm to 16inches/41cm square.  They cost £5-£8 per 5 boxes, including lids. 

• OR bake cakes/bars in disposable metal pans lined with greaseproof paper; once the indulgence is cooked, iced and portioned, the disposable pans act as containers 

• Large rolls of cling film for household use from Nisbets (catering firm on the net & at  Cambridge Circus end of Shaftesbury Avenue) are excellent value and last a long time

• 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 cupcakes.  A 9inch x 12inch/25cmx30cm pan will provide 32 pieces.  If not using disposable baking trays or a storage box, nestle each portion into a flattened cupcake liner.   

67's popular budget-conscious treats

Easy-Peasy

4-ingredient shortbread

1-bowl Lemon Madeira Cake

1-bowl Chocolate Madeira Cake

Irish Coffee Cheesecake

Low-fat Raspberry Cheesecake

Bake & freeze in advance

Chocolate Chip Thins, make-ahead; dough can be frozen for a week

Chocolate Cinnamon Orange Ice-box Cookies


Bake the day before:

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

Sensational Spicy Ginger Cookies, guys love 'em
Hot Choco-Nutella Brownie, prep-ahead knock-out indulgence 
Swedish Fruit Cake, fresh plums, nectarines or cherries make it fabulous but tinned, drained fruit will also do
Brownies

Bake on the day
Easy-peasy chocolate cake or cupcakes, one bowl; kids can make it
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

Walnut & Cinnamon Twists

Also see Nav Bar: Recipes I/Bakery/Cakes/Cookies/Bars

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