And I'm not a business. lol Sooo, I make cakes for friends, for family. I'll bake a cake for my friend's children as their birthday gift, and I post pics on my facebook page.
My MIL has requested me as a friend and I refuse to let her be my friend (she's an evil witch). Last week, she was asking my husband if I still bake cakes, etc and DH told her that yes, that I do it as gifts, etc and that I'm now a WMI at Michaels.
Well, yesterday I got a phone call from the Dept. of Agriculture- I wasn't here so they left a message asking me to call them back re: some complaint.

What a waste to time. I wonder if they'll have to come to my house to check I'm NOT a business. Insanity is that woman's middle name.

Monster-in-laws, should all be drowned at birth lol

AnneMarie- lol And the funny thing is that up to my DH ALL of my MIL LOVED me. even now they still mention me and I exchange x-mas cards with a couple of them. LOL

Keep us posted as to what the Dept of Ag says when you call them back. I feel so bad for you.

well.... now the person will look like a fool for "reporting" when there was NOTHING to report.... hope this all ends soon and without too much hassle for you sweetie...

(big sigh!) making all of us GOOD mothers-in-law look bad just becuase we all have the same MIL title!!

Thanks everyone. I do hope they don't make me jump thru hoops to prove I am not nor have I ever been a business.

Debi- I know not all MILs are monsters in law, but mine is a witch with no broom.

Well, your in upstate NY, You do know that the department of Ag will license you. If you have no zoning restrictions, and if you don't have animals, why not get your cert to be a home processor. That would really piss your MIL off

AnneMarie- that's true. Poor woman. lol

Peg- I know I'm actually going to ask how hard it'll be. Even if I only make 2 cakes a year, just knowing she won't get me in trouble will really pi$$ her off.

its not hard at all if you are not zoned against it. Check with your local zoning. I know the only major thing other then the zoning is your water, if you are on well water you have to have it tested if you have town water your good to go. You can't use any perishable fillings and you can't use milk in your icing. The law states loosely what can be done and decorated cakes really isn't in it. But non hazardous baked goods are allowed. Cream pies aren't allowed. And selling directly to the public except at farmers markets isn't allowed. Or at least that was the rules when i checked it out about 10 years ago.

Good luck to you.

Thanks Linda for the information. I have no idea what the requirements are here in Westchester County. If they have teh separate kitchen then it won't be happening any time soon. lol

Peg- thanks for all the info. I'll definitely look into it. The guy from the Dept of agriculture hasn't called me back.

Do people really have time to chase cake bakers? Give me a break. I wish you all the best, and let us know any updates.

Hi!! So I finally got a hold of the inspector and he gave me a rundown of what I need to be able to bake form home. Well, I can't bake to clients only to a company or at a farmer's market and the cakes can't have any fillings or frosting- basically pound cakes. LOL I'll go thru the motion of calling the zoning board and find out if I qualify, but I don't see this happening. Too many restrictions not just not to sell directly to clients but I mean NO buttercream?- heck no. lol

Thanks everyone for the support and the ideas,

Soooo can you still bake cakes for family and friends as gifts or just because you want to and not charge?

Peridot, I'll keep on baking for my family and friends. I'm planning my DD's 3rd birthday party right now. I want to make a wedge cake in a Hello Kitty theme.