Sunday, February 15, 2004

Mom finds recipes for success

Home kitchen is birthplace of a business

By Mary Forsell
For the Poughkeepsie Journal

Darryl Bautista/Poughkeepsie Journal Stacey Hawkins of Time Savor Gourmet, with her products in her kitchen in Balmville, has turned home-cooking skills into a business that covers two states.

Like so many stay-at-home moms, Stacey Hawkins was concerned with providing nutritious, flavorful meals for her family without spending hours in the kitchen. The mother of two and former business consultant was also a little restless about being out of the workplace.

After several months at home, Hawkins realized she didn't have to choose between two worlds. Using the recipes and cooking techniques devised during her full-time mom sabbatical, she launched Newburgh-based Time Savor Gourmet, a two-year-old company whose product line features 10 herb and spice blends,flavored oils and other condiments.

"A pinch of this and a pinch of that," Hawkins said. "That's how the company began. I was constantly preformulating combinations of things and writing them down to make the recipes consistent."

Hawkins realized she was on to something when friends began complimenting her cooking and seeking recipes. To refine her methods, she took several continuing education classes at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.

Then it was a matter of doing the research to find suppliers for raw materials as well as private label manufacturers. She also located a source for Italian jars. Using glass rather than plastic was important to her, Hawkins said, because plastic imparts an unwanted flavor.

Expands the franchise

With all her ducks in a row, she threw a party to debut the product and attract a free-lance staff.

Today she has five representatives, whom she calls "independent cooking consultants," covering New York state and Pennsylvania. Reps purchase product from Hawkins at wholesale prices and sell it to customers at gatherings in their homes, called "gourmet experiences." The host or hostess makes a few simple items such as dips and tuna salad using the products, while the consultant takes on more elaborate chicken, meat or chili dishes flavored with Hawkins' repertoire.

Customers receive a recipe card detailing ways to use the products in dishes ranging from appetizers to desserts.

Adaptability is key. For instance, a balsamic condiment can be used in an oil-free salad with fresh fruit or as part of a pound cake dessert. A cinnamon blend works as well in French toast as in coffee. Many of the herb and spice mixtures also come with recipe cards attached.

Passes the taste test

"People are surprised by how good you can make food taste using a spice blend," said Trista Polo, the company's Hudson Valley representative. "They can't believe that it's all natural, so you don't have any guilt about serving it."

A loan officer, Polo took on the business as a second career and has been actively involved since November.

So far, Time Savor Gourmet has sold about 2,500 products.

Hawkins hopes to add more representatives and get her product into small retail stores, especially natural food stores. New creations are also in the works, including finishing sauces, pesto, and Asian seasoning.

Customers can also visit the Time Savor Gourmet Web site to learn about the product and then order via phone or e-mail.

"One of the best things about the products is that they're low sodium or sodium free," said Kristen Cullen, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with clients throughout the Hudson Valley. "We're born with a liking for sweetness and not saltiness, so by giving kids a low-sodium diet we start them off on the right foot. Also, there is so much childhood obesity, so it's refreshing to have products with minimal amounts of fat."

While dieters following low-fat or low-sodium regimes make up a large proportion of her clientele, Hawkins said people ultimately like her products simply because they taste good.

"Using these products can make people think you're a gourmet cook," she said.

PROFILE TIME SAVOR GOURMET

 

Stacey Hawkins

Age: 33.

Hometown: Newburgh.

Professional background: Owner of Hawkins Consulting, which specialized in the development, setup and management of professional businesses, from 1990 to 2002.

Education: Graduated from Marist College in 1992. Attended continuing education courses at Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.

Family: Married with 2 children.

Company founded: 2002.

Product distribution: 5 independent cooking consultants.

Location: Newburgh; phone 845-565-8532.

Web site: www.timesavorgourmet.com