What do I need to do to set up a small business in New York state

new small business start up in Long Island, NY: I plan on opening a business from my house that involves baking cookies. I have a full time job so I dont plan on "making it rich" initially. Therefore i dont plan on doing everything that most small business do to start up. Is there any absolutes that you can recommend that can avoid me being vulnerable to litigation. I feel like if I file a corporate certificate that I open myself up to many other issues that I just don't wish to involve myself in but I was told that if I don't have a corporate identity that customers can sue me for my personal assets? What are the absolute basics I need to do? - Is this your question? Add additional information