Blake Makes

Hello Blake Makers (and Sooper Heroes). A lot’s been happening on Blake Makes lately, and it all started with the Peanut Butter Dulce de Leche - it’s amazing what a little jar of caramel can ignite. We’re preparing for Round 2 (which is going to take place next week), but there are some things I wanted to mention and clarify before I post the sweet stuff and you all go crazy over it. (Make sure to read all the way to the end.)

1. How Round 2 Is Going To Work

Last time, I posted 6 jars of dulce with little warning, and it was all claimed in about 60 seconds. This left a lot my readers without dulce. Sad.

This time, I am going to write a post (and send out an e-mail) announcing when I am going to post about the the dulce. It will be something like this:

“Hello all. If you want a jar of peanut butter dulce de leche, I am going to make them available on BlakeMakes.com at 8pm CST on Tuesday, February 19. The jars are free, but are first come, first served. If you want a jar of the good stuff, make sure to be on BlakeMakes.com…”

I would also recommend using Twitter to be notified of when the good stuff goes live. Twitter will enable you to get an e-mail, text message to your phone or instant message when I “tweet.” Find & Follow: blakemakes

2. The Jars Are Different (Smaller)

Last time, I used square jars that were 4.5 ounces. They were great, and I may end up going back to them, but they are expensive to ship (about $5). Since I am still tweaking the recipe; and I just want to give people a taste (so they can write about it on their blogs); and smaller jars cost less to ship, I’m using 1.25 ounce jars (think baby food jars) this time.

I’m willing to send multiple jars (I can fit 2 in each box) for those of you that want to cook something with it, and need (want) more than an ounce. The new, smaller jars cost me about $2.50 to ship (half the price).

3. “Blake, why don’t you just charge for it?”

I’ve gotten this question a lot. I started this little project to have some fun, and I’m happy to report that I’m still having a blast! My wife, Bridget, is an attorney, and she’s advised me to be careful about moving forward without much protection against liability.

Right now, I’m considering everyone who receives a jar of dulce my friend - after all, I would think nothing of giving you a jar for your birthday. However, I want everyone to have an understanding (which I know you all do) that this stuff is made in my (impeccably clean) kitchen (with my own impeccably clean hands).

As we move forward (if we reach a tipping point), I’ll have the jars mass produced in a commercial facility. For now, we’re going to keep things casual. I think it’s actually really exciting that we’re at the point where we’re thinking of mass producing dulce de leche. Is this where big ideas start? Maybe.

This is why I’m not charging (and I can’t charge) for the jars, but that leads me to #4.

4. ChipIn Widget

If you look just to the right, you’ll see a small rectangle that says “PBDDL Support“. If you click the little button that says “ChipIn!” you’ll be directed to a PayPal page where you can donate money to BlakeMakes.com.

It isn’t required (in fact, I feel a little weird about it), but it’s just a way for readers to support the site (and help recoup expenses like ingredients, jars, labels, boxes and [most of all] shipping). A lot of you (I’d say 60-70%) have offered to help me with shipping costs, this is a way to do that if you wish. Again, it’s not required or expected.

The more love and support I get from all of you, the more dulce I get to make. The more dulce I make, the more dulce you get, and the happier we all are!

Up Next (just before the Round 2 posts): Sooper Hero Roll Call