Question 1

Why don't you use an online form to take orders?

Accepted Answer

I prefer to build relationships with my customers and like to collaborate with you when it comes to decorations, flavors, and customization to ensure your items are what you had hoped for.
 
If you're interested in placing an order or have any questions, I'd love to hear from you!

Question 2

I don't see what I want on your website, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

Get a hold of me by email or through my Facebook page and tell me what you were thinking! I love to try new recipes and designs and working with you to create the perfect cake, pie, bread, or cookie is the ultimate goal of my business.

Question 3

How can I place an order?

Accepted Answer

Please contact me with your order or any question you may have about a custom or one time item you may not see on my website. I love to try new recipes and build my portfolio so I do entertain requests most often.

Question 4

Where did you learn how to bake?

Accepted Answer

I grew up helping my mom and grandma in the kitchen. I watched my mom bake and decorate countless special occasion and wedding cakes as a child and she always had the time to hand me a bag of frosting and a graham cracker to practice piping on. My grandma gives every child in the family a pie crust lesson and is a wealth of knowledge for anything cooking or baking related. The rest I've learned by experimenting, practicing, and watching tutorials. I'm self taught, no certificates or classes.

Question 5

Are your products nut free?

Accepted Answer

I cannot guarantee that my products are 100% nut free as my kitchen is one where nuts and nut products are used. It is possible that trace amounts could be found in items that might not necessarily have nuts on the ingredient labels.
 
I do, however, frequently thouroughly clean and disinfect my surfaces and untensils to prevent cross contamination as much as possible.

Question 6

How can the almond extract be allergen free?

Accepted Answer

I use Cook's brand pure almond extract in my sugar cookie recipe. The bottle is labeled as allergen free. If you are concerned, I completely understand and you can request that I use an imitation almond extract or simply make a vanilla cookie instead. 
 
From the Cook's website: Cook's Pure Almond Extract is made from the the pits of peaches and apricots, which contains the flavor component also found in bitter almonds. It does not contain any of the proteins found in nuts that cause allergic reactions. All of Cook's products and the facilities are completely allergen free!

Question 7

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I bake out of my kitchen here in Bainbridge Island, Washington. You'll sometimes find me selling at smaller events such as the annual Sinterklaas party or King's Day celebrations hosted by Dutch organizations in our area.

Question 8

Why did you start Sammsterdam?

Accepted Answer

Sammsterdam first started as a simple Facebook page where I'd share pictures of Dutch items I would find in stores around the Seattle area. I wanted others to know where they could find sought after treats or pantry items in local stores rather than shipping them over with friends and family. 
 
I noticed after living here for several years that we were filling our suitcases full of items that could easily be made from ingredients found in any grocery store or there was a pretty close store bought alternative available nearby. By starting to make my own Dutch specialties, we freed up our suitcases for those items we truly can't find here in Seattle or have special meaning to us. I want to give that luxury to you as well. Freshly baked bread rolls, cookies, and seasonal items taste so much better when they go right from my oven to you!

Sammsterdam

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS