Deer Buzz

Christmas Gifts 2010: 9 Gifts That Give Back

In the frenzy of holiday shopping, many look for presents that reward a lot more than just department stores.

This year, there are tons of opportunities to support charities that have given back all year long. Put down the checkbook and pick up yoga bags, year-round produce or votive candles to give a gift that keeps on giving.

#5 Friends won’t feel guilty receiving sweets when they know the proceeds go to helping homeless mothers and children find jobs and homes. Dancing Deer Baking Co.’s Sweet Home Pick for $35.95 includes cookies and a dark gingerbread cake, and 35 percent of the price will help people who need a sweet lift.

Grateful Giveaway #8 – Dancing Deer Giveaway

I love baking during the holidays.  I make a HUGE selection of cookies.  I love to have them when we have guests over and also to bring with me when I visit others.  But with the girls getting bigger and busier, the time for baking is getting less and less so it’s nice when goodies arrive at my door to share with my friends and family.

Needless to say I was very excited when I received a BIG box from Dancing Deer Baking Company for our review.  I immediately dug into the box and separated what I would keep for us (sorry but I can’t share everything!) and what I would share with my family over Thanksgiving.

In our opinion, everything was delicious!

Their products are perishable and made without artificial preservatives or other ingredients because they believe in the principles of purity and freshness in food. Their products are always all-natural, baked from scratch and Kosher.  I like that!

Dancing Deer Baking Company is offering their Holiday Cake and Cookie Collection to ONE lucky reader. The collection includes…

  1 Chocolate Espresso Cake
  1 Deep Dark Gingerbread Cake
  8 Brownies
  18 Chewy Molasses Clove Cookies
  9 Sugar Cane Lime Cookies
  7 Mountain Cookies
  Holiday Shortbread Stars
  Peppermint Shortbread Snowflakes
  Lavender Nuggets

AND is valued at $99.95

Cool Runnings

Cool Runnings profiles businesses large and small that have mastered critical business challenges facing small-business leaders today.

Dancing Deer Executive Leaves Post: She led local store to national renown

Trish Karter, the cofounder and chief executive of Dancing Deer Baking Co. for 15 years, resigned yesterday, saying she hopes to pursue passions outside baking.

“In my next chapter, I’d like to have a bigger impact working with a product or concept that’s more in the field of sustainability and social justice,’’ said Karter, 53. “I’m not ready to talk about it more firmly, but I’m a builder and I think I’ve got one more big build in me.’’

Frank Carpenito, whom Karter hired from Fairfield Farm Kitchens to become the company’s chief operating officer, will take over as chief executive. Company officials said in a statement that Carpenito “significantly improved profitability’’ in the past two years and “laid the groundwork for excellent growth going forward.’’

Karter helped the company grow from a storefront operation in West Roxbury to a nationally recognized brand with its preservative-free baked goods, like its signature gingerbread cake and molasses clove cookies. Business has slowed in recent years as the economy sputtered, and in January, the company laid off seven workers. The company expects $10 million in revenues by the end of the year.

The company currently employs 72 permanent and 150 seasonal or holiday workers, she said, and is currently rehiring.

“The recession certainly slowed us down,’’ Karter said. “It makes it harder to do all the great things I dream of when you’re struggling to make the numbers work.’’

A self-described social activist, Karter employed urban workers, allowing them to become stakeholders in the company. The company currently operates out of a Hyde Park industrial building that was retrofitted to be more energy efficient.

While no longer running Dancing Deer, Karter will continue to have a “very significant’’ equity interest in the business, according to a statement issued by the company.

Brownies: Dancing Deer Baking Company

The Dessert Darling reviewed our Peanut Butter Brownies on her blog and gave us her highest rating of 5 Cherries - read her glowing review here:

“Love free samples at Whole Foods! Without them, I’m not sure I would have discovered these beyond-delicious, all natural, Peanut Butter Brownies by the Dancing Deer Baking Company!  These dark fudge brownies lay beneath a drizzle of peanut butter and have roasted, salted peanuts mixed throughout the batter to give it the perfect sweet-and-salty combo that makes the best treats addictive and crave-worthy. Mmmmmmmm, an easy 5 Cherries!~~”

Click here to read more reviews by the Dessert Darling