Cake

The Bakery House

Hello, October! Although the summer days are escaping beneath my feet, I know the return of the crisp air and mulled apple cider will remind me why I love autumn. Fall has many joys- the warm colors of changing leaves, everything to do with pumpkins, and most importantly, the much awaited return of Starbuck’s fall favorites. However, it also brings about my version of eat, pray, love: eat, sleep, school. All the surreal pleasures of this season are complemented by the rather grueling schedule of students. Finding a balance between can seem to be a daunting task- just don’t forget about the beautiful world around us!

Earlier this week, my friend was celebrating her fall birthday with some scrumptious vanilla cupcakes from The Bakery House. In my town, when it comes to baked goods, all the chatter is about The Bakery House. As they say, “Sweetening Life on the Main Line since 1989”. I had heard all about their famous lemon bars and cupcakes. However, I was quick to assume that they wouldn’t cater to gluten-free eaters. I was elated when my friend casually revealed that the dozen ginormous cupcakes sitting before me were indeed gluten-free! Before I divulge any more details, I want to give a shoutout to all my wonderful friends who never fail to think of me and provide gluten-free options. They have all been an important part in helping me discover the endless spectrum of the gluten-free world.

Vanilla on vanilla. Rich and creamy real cream cheese frosting. Fluffy and moist vanilla sponge cake. Hands down the best texture for a gluten-free cupcake. So darn good! To taste like that… I don’t even want to know the quantity of each ingredient! Let’s just say we all deserve a treat once in a blue moon, right?

As soon as I discovered Bakery House had gluten-free offering, I did a little searching to see what else they offered. In addition to the GF vanilla cupcakes, they have GF vanilla cake, GF chocolate cake, GF Rum Bundt Cake, GF Brownie Trays, Peanut Butter Bars, GF Vanilla Sugar Cookies, GF Chocolate Fudge Cookies, and GF Chocolate Chip Cookies. Wow! so many choices! The next time I’m in that area, I will be sure to try another one of their many gluten-free options. Until then, please comment with your favorite gluten-free bakeries!

Cheers,

Anika

Gluten-free Rum Bundt Cake

Birthday Parties

When your friends’ birthdays rolls around again, it may be the best time of year for them. But for you? It could very well be a nightmare.

From the glutinous snacking foods to the greasy pizzas and layered cake with the icinged ‘Happy Birthday!’ in cursive, as others stuff themselves with the party food, you are left to ponder the perfection of each icing letter, until they are gone and in your friends’ stomachs.

Do you allow yourself to go hungry party after party? Or do you bring your own sweet treats? I would suggest informing your friends’ parents. Within the past month, I have attended five birthdays and all of them made gluten-free accommodations. These families were very kind to do so! If you feel uncomfortable asking them to accommodate for you, then please do bring a substitution for yourself. If the host would like to help out in providing gluten-free options, they may ask where to buy gluten-free snacks, pizza, and cake from. Be ready to give specific names of your favorite snacks, local pizzerias that serve gluten-free pizza, and of course the cake!

As for snacks, I would tell the host of a few common items found at most local grocery stores such as Fritos, Snyder’s Gluten-free Pretzels or Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn. In terms of ordering pizza, I strongly recommend Jules Thin Crust Pizza and Bake 425° (some of my local pizza places). And for the gluten-free cake, I recommend Whole Foods’ GlutenFree Bakehouse’s Chocolate or Vanilla Cupcakes. These come in packs of four and are simply delicious! If you would like a small cake, I would suggest Gillian’s Chocolate Cake. It is excellent!

Hope this helps when attending the next party.

Cheers!

 Anika

Aux Petits Delices

Finally, the time has come: my first bakery review! As a fellow gluten-free foodie, you know as well as I do that bakeries contain all the wheat flour filled goodies that we are deprived of. Is this a gluten-free bakery? Sadly no. But it has many gluten-free treats for us to munch on along side with our friends!

This fine French bakery is well known for its pastries, chocolates, and cakes. Located in the heart of Wayne, PA, its one of the “Main Line’s” best bakeries. You absolutely must try the handmade chocolates. Simply ask which ones are not contaminated with gluten. My favorites include the Louvre, a white chocolate with the center of marinated raspberries, and the Hazelnut Diamond, a milk chocolate filled with hazelnut cream and fresh hazelnut. They are simply divine!

You may be thinking, okay, I’ve got to try some fancy chocolates, but any baked goods? Well, of course! The French bakery offers a specialty gluten-free cake menu. I have ordered one of these cakes (made of almond flour and potato starch) almost every year when my birthday rolls around. My two favorites are Citronelle which is an almond cake with lemon filling, and Delice which is a chocolate mousse with hazelnut crunch. I have yet to try all five year-round gluten-free options. And I’ve heard the macaroons (gluten-free) are just scrumptious!*

Cheers,

Anika

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* I finally got around to trying the macaroons and would definitely vouch for them! The vanilla bean and raspberry ones are my favorite.