How to make Cake With Banana Leaves & Going to the Market to Sell

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Banana Leaves:

   • Clean the banana leaves under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
   • Cut the leaves into large pieces that are slightly bigger than your baking pan.
   • Blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to handle. Alternatively, you can pass them over an open flame for a few seconds to achieve the same effect.
   • Pat the leaves dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

3. Line the Baking Pan:

   • Lightly grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
   • Place a piece of banana leaf in the bottom of the pan, ensuring it fits snugly and covers the sides. Overlap pieces if needed.
   • Pour the batter into the pan lined with banana leaves, smoothing the top with a spatula.

4. Bake the Cake:

   • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serving:

   • Once cooled, you can serve the cake directly from the pan or remove it by lifting the banana leaves. The banana leaves will impart a subtle, earthy aroma to the cake.

Going to the Market to Sell Your Cake

Preparation:

• Packaging: Wrap the cake in a clean, attractive presentation, using either additional banana leaves or a cake box. Ensure it is properly sealed to keep it fresh.
• Labeling: Clearly label the packaging with the name of the cake, ingredients, and any allergen information.
• Pricing: Decide on a competitive price for your cake, considering your costs and the market rate.

Market Setup:

• Choose the Right Market: Select a local market or fair where you know there will be foot traffic and potential customers interested in baked goods.
• Booth or Table Setup: Set up a clean and inviting display area. Use a tablecloth, cake stand, or display rack to showcase your cake.
• Engage with Customers: Greet customers warmly, offer samples if possible, and be ready to answer questions about your cake and ingredients.

Sales Strategy:

• Promotions: Offer special promotions or discounts for bulk purchases or first-time buyers.
• Feedback: Collect customer feedback to improve your product and understand your market better.
• Networking: Connect with other vendors and market-goers to build relationships and learn about future opportunities.

By following these steps, you’ll not only create a delicious cake with a unique twist but also effectively market and sell it at the local market.