Behind the Scenes at Minky Muffins: Kitchen Wins and Recipe Improvements

Behind the Scenes at Minky Muffins: Kitchen Wins and Recipe Improvements

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind in the Minky Muffins kitchen. We’re nearly caught up on orders, but keeping up with demand has been no small feat. Luckily, I’ve had my mom by my side, diving into the kitchen and making this journey a team effort. I couldn’t have done it without her!

As I’ve settled into the rhythm of running a small-batch snack business, I’ve learned a lot, especially about how much time and effort goes into perfecting our muffins. And let me tell you, the learnings have been worth every minute.

Two Major Wins This Month

In addition to launching Minky Muffins, we’ve had two significant breakthroughs recently:

  1. Streamlining Processes in the Commercial Kitchen
  2. Partnering with Two Food Scientists to Improve the Recipe

Let’s dive into how these wins are transforming our muffins!

Win #1: Improving Efficiency in the Kitchen

Running a food business involves so much more than baking—it’s about optimizing every process. Over the last few weeks, I’ve worked on refining my kitchen routines, learning how to operate more efficiently in a commercial kitchen environment. The improvements are already saving us time and helping us deliver orders faster.

Win #2: Game-Changing Collaboration with Food Scientists

Through my incubator program, I’ve connected with two incredible local food scientists who are now helping me elevate our recipe. One of the first recommendations was a simple but powerful change: swapping coconut oil for olive oil.

A Simple Ingredient Swap with Big Results

Initially, I was skeptical. I had tried using olive oil with a previous recipe developer, but the results didn’t meet my expectations. However, this time, under the guidance of my food scientist, I gave it another shot, using the exact type of olive oil he recommended.

The result? The best muffins we’ve ever made.

This one change brought moisture back to the muffins, enhancing both their flavor and texture. Plus, olive oil has several added benefits:

  • Cost-effective: Olive oil is cheaper than coconut oil, helping reduce production costs.
  • Convenient: Unlike coconut oil, which needs to be melted, olive oil is ready to use, saving valuable time.
  • Healthier: Olive oil lowers the muffins’ saturated fat content, making them an even healthier snack option.

Real-Time R&D: The Perks of Small-Batch Production

One of the biggest advantages of running a small-batch operation is the ability to test and implement changes quickly. Within days of receiving the recommendation, I was able to tweak the recipe, bake a test batch, and taste the results. This agility allows us to stay responsive and continuously improve our product.

I’m currently working on ensuring that the olive oil swap doesn’t impact the muffins’ shelf life. Early indications from our food scientists are promising, and I’m hopeful this change will soon become a permanent part of our recipe.

What’s Next for Minky Muffins?

The journey doesn’t stop here. I’m experimenting with a few other ingredient tweaks and even working on a new flavor (stay tuned for updates!). Having the flexibility to conduct research and development in real-time has been a game-changer for our business.


Final Thoughts: Gratitude and Growth

Launching Minky Muffins has been an incredible experience, but the real magic lies in the ongoing journey of improvement and innovation. Every small tweak brings us closer to delivering the perfect muffin, and I’m grateful to have the tools and support to make it happen.

Thank you for following along as we continue to grow and refine Minky Muffins. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share what’s next on this exciting adventure!

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