Hearth and Harvest Bakery – Compliant Cottage Food Boundaries
At Hearth and Harvest, we honor Maryland’s Cottage Food Law to ensure every item we offer is safe, compliant, and shelf-stable. While our offerings are rooted in tradition and creativity, certain foods fall outside the scope of what we’re legally allowed to sell. This page clarifies what’s not included in our menu—so you know what to expect, and why. Thank you for supporting our compliant craft.
We Do Not Sell:
Refrigerated or Moist Baked Goods
• Cheesecake
• Cream pies (banana, chocolate, etc.)
• Custard pies
• Moist banana bread
• Cakes with cream cheese or whipped frosting
• Tres leches cake
• Tiramisu
Canned or Jarred Goods
• Pickles
• Salsas
• Sauerkraut
• Chutneys
• Canned fruits or vegetables
• Jams or jellies made with low-acid ingredients (e.g., pepper jelly, tomato jam, mango preserves)
• Sugar-free jams or jellies (including those made with honey or alternative sweeteners)
Dairy & Egg-Rich Items (Refrigeration Required)
• Buttercream frosting (unless shelf-stable)
• Cream cheese fillings
• Quiche
• Custards
• Eggnog
• Yogurt
• Soft cheeses
Meat & Seafood Products
• Jerky
• Meat pies
• Chicken salad
• Seafood dips
• Gravies or sauces with meat stock
Prepared Meals & Savory Foods
• Soups
• Stews
• Sandwiches
• Pasta dishes
• Salads (potato, pasta, egg, etc.)
Beverages
• Kombucha
• Fresh juices
• Smoothies
• Milk-based drinks
• Cold brew coffee
Candy & Confections (Some exceptions apply)
• Moist fudge
• Dairy caramels
• Cream-filled truffles
• Marshmallows (unless shelf-stable and tested)
If you have questions about what we do offer—or if you’d like to request our current compliant menu—we’d love to hear from you. Our offerings shift with the seasons, and we’re always happy to share what’s in the oven. Reach out anytime through the button below.
— Hearth and Harvest Bakery