If you’re one of those people who is always hearing that “Your

Published 7:00 am Tuesday, May 10, 2011

If you’re one of those people who is always hearing that “Your apple butter is so delicious that you should bottle and sell it at the farmer’s market,” but who demurs on the grounds that doing so is illegal, your excuse is no longer valid. Last week, Governor Gregoire signed into law a bill that will allow people to sell non-refrigerated baked goods as well as fruit preserves, jellies, and butters prepared at home directly to consumers. It will take effect in July.There are a few catches. Most notably, you can’t do your cooking with kids or pets in the kitchen (sorry, moms! And dads!), you have to get a food and beverage worker’s permit (in addition to a “cottage food operation” license), and you have to consent to unannounced inspections. Also, you can’t make more than $15,000 at it, or else you’ll have to go through a separate permitting process. Still, it’s a fine day for amateur bakers and canners looking to take their game to the next level, as well as for their professional brethren who are no longer compelled to rent out commercial kitchen space.Follow The Daily Weekly on Facebook and Twitter.