CREATING the perfect dairy free brownie has proved a recipe for success for a Barnard Castle business woman.
For ten years Jill Wilkinson organised and ran the Wiggles and Wobble sessions at a variety of venues across the North East.
The popular weekly sessions, which help a child’s emotional and intellectual development, came to an abrupt stop when Covid-19 pandemic struck last year.
However, during lockdown the resourceful mum-of-three found a recipe for success, creating and shipping luxury, indulgent brownies to chocoholics across the country.
She said: “I did Wiggles and Wobbles for ten years. The sessions were really popular and then Covid came.
“I did try to run the sessions online at first, but I couldn’t see a way to do it safely so we had to stop.
“I resorted to making brownies for the family during lockdown.”
She added: “They’re something I’ve always made for the family and friends.
“All the brownies are dairy free, because I can’t eat dairy myself.
“There was stuff out there that was dairy free, but it
wasn’t very good.”
Perfecting her oat milk and coco milk, locally sourced eggs and rich dark chocolate recipe took about three months.
Mrs Wilkinson added: “I started in August and it took me until around October to get the brownies just right.
“I did lots of trials and my family got a bit fed up. But I think what we have made is very good.”
With help from daughters Ellie and Jenny, a website for Love from Jill was created and boxes of indulgent, gooey brownies have been in demand ever since.
As well as dairy-free, there are also vegan and gluten free versions available. Delivery within five miles of Barnard Castle is free.
Demand for the sweet treats, which are sold in boxes of six or 12, has seen a growing consignment of parcels each week heading out to all corners of the country.
She said: “We are getting the name out there and I’m getting some really good reviews.
“The furthest I think they have gone is Poole, in Dorset. When the lockdown restrictions ease, I would like to do some festivals and markets and have already started looking into supplying shops as well.”
For more information on Mrs Wilkinson’s tempting treats visit www.lovefromjill brownies.co.uk.
