About us
The Letterbox Bakes story
I decided to set up this postal service for brownies as I have often been disappointed with similar gifts that I have received. I have, of course, received some delicious treats through the post, but each time, I felt that my own brownies would be just a bit better (there is always room for improvement!). I pride myself on using my own carefully developed recipes and I am confident that my brownies and bakes are absolutely delicious - we take quality control very seriously!
My recipes all start with the best possible ingredients, I always use free-range eggs, good-quality butter, chocolate, and cocoa (and never use any additives). Any flavourings that are used are naturally derived extracts. I use locally sourced ingredients and where this is not possible, I use my network of quality suppliers. In terms of packaging, I avoid single-use plastic and use recyclable materials where possible!
Our sustainable working practice
Being a small business owner, I am determined to use fully recyclable packaging where possible. I use plain boxes and greaseproof paper tied with a natural string or raffia when necessary. Not only is this better for recycling purposes, but it also prevents unnecessary expenses from being passed to my customers. After all, this business is about baking and sharing delicious brownies and traybakes. While I would like everyone to enjoy receiving and opening their Letterbox Bakes deliveries, I hope my customers are more excited about their baked goods than the packaging.
Fair chocolate tastes better
We buy our chocolate from Callebaut in Belgium. Their chocolate comes from 100% sustainable cocoa producers, supporting farmers and farming communities in Africa. Callebaut says their work “turns farmers into cocoa craftspeople, empowers female farmers, and develops the next generation of young farmers”. We say it’s the best-tasting, fairly produced chocolate for our money. To find out more, go to Callebaut’s website here.
“Although Brownies cannot be considered a health food, in my opinion, as Chocolate is grown on a tree, maybe it should be classed as one of our ‘Five a Day’! Afterall, a delicious brownie can give one a true feeling of joy.”
— Alison, Owner & Baker at Letterbox Bakes
About Alison
I have been baking for most of my life, beginning with baking with my children when they were small and now with my gorgeous grandchildren. For obvious reasons, they only bake for close family. After all, not everyone appreciates overworked, grey, beaten-to-within-an-inch-of-their-life bakes!
I previously owned a café with my daughter where we baked everything fresh each morning. We found that our customers liked to know that their food was home-baked and that the ingredients were good quality and fresh. We sold a delicious variety of homemade cakes and traybakes, some of which have not made their way to Letterbox Bakes as they would not be possible to post. For example, light-as-a-feather Victoria Sandwiches filled with whipped double cream and homemade raspberry jam, or our very popular Elderflower Sponge sandwiched with homemade plum jam and lemon butter icing. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that these treats would survive the postal system, but you get the picture of what I like to do.
Since then, I have supplied local cafes and venues with bakes, for example, a children’s farm in Wiltshire. I also once worked on a biodynamic farm in East Sussex, where I cooked for the staff on the farm. Every day was always a challenge and great fun as I never knew what ingredients I would have at my disposal until I got to the kitchen. It was a great way to cook and taught me about resourcefulness and flavour combinations. Each day I had to prepare two main dishes and a dessert for about 30 people, including vegetarian options. I have had a varied and unique career in hospitality and baking, giving me invaluable skills and experience. Now, I put those skills to use by baking and posting ‘Letterbox Bakes’ around the country to eager recipients. I hope you’ll try one of my bakes and become part of the Letterbox Bakes story. Thank you to my customers past, present and future. Each order brings me great joy and satisfaction.
