Is a verbal contract valid?

I am a lawyer in CT and practice in this area of the law.  A verbal contract is as enforceable as a written contract as long as there is an agreement/meeting of the minds.  If you had an agreement on dates and price and the bakery cancelled your agreement, you may be able to collect damages on the money lost if you can show that you could have made money somewhere else on those dates or agreed that you get paid regardless.  I suggest that you take the company to small claims court to collect on your verbal agreement.  hiring a lawyer will eat up the money and you will probably break even.  the complaint for small claims court can be found on line in the state court that the bakery is located.