What inspired you to become a gluten free baker?

My Dad lived with Celiac Disease. Originally I began working on gluten free snacks to create things he would eat, in hopes of keeping him on a gluten free diet. He had a sweet tooth, and things were not as readily available then as they are now.

Then in my early forties, I received a Celiac Disease diagnosis. Therefore I started cooking and baking exclusively gluten free for my own health. As far as owning a bakery, I’ve always loved to feed other people.

Where did the name “Provisions Snack Club” come from?

My dad would say he was “going to get provisions” when he was going to the grocery store. It always sounded like a really important supply run for essentials. But what it meant was snacks. If he was going, snacks were happening.

My mom was the type of person who spread kindness like confetti. She exuded love in everything she did and always had time for silliness and/or adventure. She made sure everyone always felt loved and at home.

I like to believe that Provisions Snack Club is my homage to what these two beautiful souls taught me – snacking is a lifestyle and love makes the world go ‘round. Clean ingredients, nostalgic nods, and the warm fuzzy feeling that comes from small batch, homemade treats. Welcome to the Club.” (From the business Instagram account.)

Are Your Gluten Free Baked Goods Free From Other Allergens?

Most of what I make is also vegan, with the exception of just a few things which I always clearly label. Unfortunately, my snacks are not nut free. I use Miyoko’s vegan butter, which is cashew based. In addition, I use a lot of almond flour.

Another interesting fact here at the Club – I do not use any artificial coloring in my baked goods. I get bold colors from things like hibiscus, rose and beet powders. And as always, I try to use as many organic and local ingredients as possible.

What steps do you take to guarantee your products are gluten-free?

I use ingredients I stand behind and would only feel safe eating personally. I use all gluten free everything. While I do not call any companies, I do trust the things I have had success with.

Do You Use Oats or Oat Milk in Your Baked Goods?

I do occasionally use Bob’s Red Mill GF quick cooking oats. Sometimes I also use One Degree Sprouted Rolled Oats, which are sold at Costco.

How Have People Responded To Your New GF Microbakery?

On opening day so many people told me how great it felt to go into a place, and be able to have any of the treats. I certainly know the feeling! Therefore, it was really great to know I was providing a little bit of joy for my community.

What Would You Like People to Know about Provisions Snack Club?

My business is a labor of love and is inspired by the love I got from my parents. It’s also fueled by my passion for clean ingredients. My products are small batch on purpose, in order to put the amount of care and love into each and every item I put out.

I don’t have employees. It’s just me in that tiny kitchen, baking my heart out, trying to make things as perfect as possible. I hope everyone feels the love and feels welcome at the Club. Also, I am hoping to have baked goods available at local coffee shops in the future!

Bakery Location, Hours and Contact Information

Provisions Snack Club

2513 Niles Avenue

St Joseph MI 49085

Saturdays 9:30 am – 1 pm (or until sold out)

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Please contact via Instagram Direct Message

Provisions Snack Club is one of many gluten free bakers across the state of Michigan.  Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakeries in Michigan, complete with interactive map! Looking for more local eats? Check out my list of gluten free baked good options at Michigan Farmers Markets.

The post Provisions Snack Club Gluten Free Bakery appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Long Standing Relationship

Truth be told, I’ve been buying from Bake Me Happy for years. I can’t remember who originally introduced me to them. It may have been my friend VegetarianMamma, their booth at the (now shuttered) Columbus GFFA Fest or the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Conference. (P.S. The date for the 2019 conference is November 2nd.) Either way, seeing Wendy’s or her staff’s smiling faces always makes my day.

100% Gluten Free Bakery in Columbus, Ohio

Nothing makes me happier than a dedicated gluten free prep space. Especially in regards to baked goods. It gives me such comfort to walk into Bake Me Happy and know that everything is gluten free. Nothing is off limits. Cookies, muffins, pop tarts. We can eat it ALL!

Treats and Coffee

Over the years, Bake Me Happy has grown greatly. The first time I visited in 2015, their store offered a small counter. Now, they have at least twice the space, and a separate coffee counter. (They serve Thunderkiss Coffee.) When you enter, you’re greeted by a large display of gluten free deliciousness. It’s SO hard to choose!

Gluten Free Versions of Your Childhood Favorites

Bake Me Happy offers nostalgic treats. Miss Twinkies? Their “spongies” are almost identical. Lamenting the inability to order traditional Girl Scout Cookie flavors? They stock gluten free versions of those during the year? Longing for Little Debbies? They make little gluten free snack cakes that will transport you to happy memories.

Other Places to Find Bake Me Happy Goodies

The main Bake Me Happy adorns a corner in Merion Village. However, one can find their goodies at many places in greater Columbus. Their website states they can be found at Raisin Rack, Columbus State, and at the Ohio State University gluten free concession stand. 

Community

Bake Me Happy offers more than just baked goods. They offer community. Literally, there’s a large community posting section on one far wall. But beyond that, they offer other locally made products (even gluten free baked goods) in the fridge in their lobby.

They help build community for those who are on the fringes as well .They donate to non-profits that aide those with autism and Flying Horse Farms, that provides camping experiences for those with disabilities and illnesses. This is definitely a business that believes that we all deserve a place to belong.

Other Columbus Favorites

As mentioned in my Cherbourg Bakery post, I love Columbus. Read that article to find my favorite eats and activities. Also, if you’re driving from Michigan to Ohio, stop at Organic Bliss Deli and Bakery in Toledo along the way! Or rear my latest post about eating Gluten Free in Columbus.

Bake Me Happy Locations, Hours and Contact Information

Bake Me Happy
500 E Whittier St
Columbus, OH 43206
(614) 477-3642
Tues – Fri 7 am – 4 pm, Sat & Sun 9 am – 4 pm (Closed Monday)

6750 Longshore Dr
Dublin, OH 43017
(614) 683-8787
Mon & Tues 9 am – 5 pm, Wed- Sun 9 am – 6 pm

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

**I have not been paid nor compensated in any way for this post. All thoughts and opinion are my own.**

The post Bake Me Happy Gluten Free Bakery – Columbus, OH appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

At first, I hesitated on what to call these. They’re not gluten free Pop Tarts. The phrase “Gluten Free Pop Tarts” invoke the idea of something sweet, not to mention that “name” is likely trademarked. I also hesitated to call them “toaster pastries,” as they require a more gentle touch. Alas, while they may not hold up well reheating in a toaster, one would likely call it a toaster pastry regardless. Therefore, I present my take on gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries.

The idea for these gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries came to me like most others. It often starts with random ingredients in the fridge, and a dash of curiosity, wondering how they can be whipped into something unique. Turns out, my idea for these savory breakfast toaster pastries is not new. In fact, I used the recipe for these Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts from Go Bold With Butter as a guide. Like Solomon says, there is nothing new under the sun, am i right?

See, it all started when Bob’s Red Mill sent me some products to play with a while back. In that box, as requested, they sent me a package of their gluten free pie crust mix. My original intention was to reshoot an old recipe from years ago. However, I spent the week preparing food for my husband in advance of traveling to gluten free camp. Some people think I’m nuts for cooking my husband’s breakfast every day. Call it old fashioned or crazy, but we’re #TeamClegg. At this point, it’s tradition, and I’m not about to stop while he’s teaching his last week of school and proctoring final exams.

In theory, this recipe begins simply. Start with a pie crust recipe, cut it into rectangles, top with filling, and seal another piece of pie dough on top of it. However, pie crust rarely behaves “easily.” Especially gluten free pie crust. Truth be told, the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pie Crust dough took a few tries to roll out correctly. I’ve been used to creating pie crusts with Chebe Bread, which are a bit more sticky. But after a few attempts, I finally got the crusts down for these gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries.

From there, fill it with whatever you desire. Scrambled eggs, scrambled tofu, sausage, bacon, chorizo, cheddar cheese, no cheese. I filled my gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries with sauteed red onions, sauteed red pepper, cooked chicken bacon, scrambled eggs and goat cheese. Because let’s be honest, just about everything is better with goat cheese. Once sealed, I brushed them with beaten egg and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.  Once out of the oven, I topped these gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries with a healthy smear of goat cheese. Because what’s a toaster pastry without some sort of topping?

Now, these gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries taste amazing fresh from the oven. They’ made a great highlight for an awesome brunch. However, most likely you’ll make a batch of these to freeze and warm up later throughout the week. Despite the name, I suggest warming these up in the oven or in the microwave. Not in the toaster. These tarts are delicate, and would likely fall apart in the toaster. And that would be a tragic shame, because you don’t want to waste a single bite of these!

Of course, if you crave something sweet, you can make fruit filled toaster pastries. Want them egg and dairy free? My pal Megan at Allergy Free Alaska has a wonderful recipe for gluten free vegan strawberry pop tarts. My favorite pop tart as a kid was brown sugar and cinnamon. Find this and 6 more Pop Tart Filling ideas at BraveTart’s website. Whether you try savory or sweet, try this baking idea with your kiddos this month, and watch their eyes light up!

Print

Gluten Free Savory Breakfast Toaster Pastries

Ingredients

For the crust

• You can use your favorite pie crust recipe. I used Bob’s Red Mill Pie Crust mix. Prepared according to the package you will need
• 1 pkg Bob’s Red Mill Pie Crust mix
• 12 tbsp butter
• 8 tbsp shortening
• 6 tbsp ice water
• rice flour for rolling

For the filling

• 3 strips AL Fresco Chicken Bacon diced
• 1/2 red onion diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper diced
• 2 eggs scrambled
• 1-2 pkgs 4 oz pkg Aldi Happy Farms Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese separated

For sealing

• 1 egg beaten
• salt and pepper

Instructions

• Prepare your pie crust according to directions. If using Bob’s Red Mill pie crust mix, combine mix, butter, and shortening in food processor. Pulse 10 times. Dump into bowl and knead in ice water. Separate dough into two portions, flatten into discs, and chill for one hour. 
• While dough chills, prepare filling. First, scramble eggs and then set aside in a medium bowl for later. 
• Next, saute red onion, chicken sausage and bell pepper. Sprinkle with a bit of salt, then add to previously cooked scrambled eggs. To that, add 2 oz. garlic & herb goat cheese. Stir to combine all ingredients together. 
• When dough is done chilling, remove from refrigerator. Generously sprinkle your surface with rice flour for rolling. Roll dough out, and cut into 3 inch x 5 inch rectangles. You should be able to cut out 16 rectangles total. 
• Top 8 rectangles with a few tablespoons of filling. Brush the edges of the pie crust with a bit of beaten egg. Top with another rectangle of pie crust, and use a fork to crimp around the edges. 
• Brush the tops of the toaster pastries with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. After toaster pastries have chilled, bake them for 18-20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to slightly cool prior to spreading with remaining goat cheese. To cover all savory breakfast toaster pastries, you may need a second package of goat cheese. Cream cheese also works well for a topping.  

**Bob’s Red Mill gave me a package of their Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix free of charge. I have not otherwise been sponsored or paid to write this post. In addition, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. This page may contain affiliate links.**

The post Gluten Free Savory Breakfast Toaster Pastries appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

Rise Authentic Baking (formerly Rise Grand Rapids) started in a small church kitchen. Since then, they expanded to their own store front near John Ball Zoo. While they offer a selection of baked goods daily, they also take special orders for wedding and birthday cakes. I highly recommend the fritters. They are SO good.

While I definitely come for the food, the atmosphere of their location keeps me coming back, too. As their website states, “We believe that food brings people together, and we’re grateful to have a spot where folks can gather in a space where they feel welcome and valued.” Read more about this great business in owner Nick VanLiere’s own words.

1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?

I became a vegan in high school. Therefore,  I was in charge of making all of my own meals. I enjoyed the challenge of vegan baking and experimenting with different substitutes. Some dear friends of mine must eat gluten-free, and they challenged me to try baking without gluten. I really enjoyed the challenge, and found great success in baking gluten free for other people. Ever since I have continued to experiment with creating new gluten-free recipes.

2. Are there other highlights of your products? Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc?

All of our baked goods are gluten-free, dairy free, egg free, soy-free. Our baked goods are also free from artificial dyes and colors. We have the ability to cater to many different allergies and can make most items soy-free upon request.

3. What steps do you take to insure that your products are truly gluten-free?

We understand the importance of safe gluten free food. We use only gluten free flours and ingredients in our facility.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted Rise?

Many customers comments come to mind. One story that sticks out was a 25-year-old customer who had not had a doughnut ever in his life due to a dairy allergy. He was SO excited to finally have a doughnut! Since then, we’ve met so many customers, and had the pleasure of being part of their life events. You can visit our Facebook page to read more reviews.

5. What would you like consumers to know about Rise Authentic Baking?

Our business is all about creating space for everyone to enjoy celebration, no matter their allergy or dietary preference. We are up for the challenge when customers come to us with special orders that need to accommodate multiple allergies/preferences.

6. Where Else Can You Find Rise Authenic Baking products?

Our products are sold at Bridge St. Market, Kingma’s Market, Harvest Health Foods and South East Market. We also sell our products at various coffee shops in the greater Grand Rapids area. This includes Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar, Outside Coffee Co, and Bodhi Tree Juice Co. In the past we’ve done waffle pop-ups at Roots Brew Shop, and donut pop ups at local cider mills. Stay tuned to our social media channels to see where our products will pop up next!

Coming Soon: Fika Grand Rapids

In Spring of 2025, Rise will open their second location, FIKA. This location will function more like a restaurant. Everything will still be gluten free and plant based. The new address is 1359 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan. The new restaurant is near Creston Market, between Caledonia St and Grove St.

Location, Hours and Contact Information

Rise Authentic Baking
1120 Fulton St W
Grand Rapids MI 49504
616-288-7969
Website  | Shipping | Facebook | Instagram | Email
Open Mon- Sat 8am – 5pm (4pm on Wednesdays & Saturdays), Sun 9 am – 4 pm

Have you tried items from Rise Authentic Baking? What is your favorite item? Find many more gluten-free bakers around the state in my Michigan Gluten-Free Bakers list!

The post Rise Authentic Baking: A Gluten Free Vegan Baker appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

Love can make us do amazing things. Compassion can cause us to go to the extra mile. When it comes to food, it can motivate a baker to play with recipes and experiment with crazy ingredients. It might even push them to burn out a few food processors in the pursuit of excellence. It encourages them to persevere even after many failed attempts. Enter Third Coast Bakery

That’s why Heather Burson of Third Coast Bakery started a gluten-free baking business. She saw the needs of her family, friends. and community. Her labor of love has paid off tremendously. Her customers are happy. The local hospital is eager to carry her baked goods. People are ordering her products from out of state. Because love never fails.

Read more about Burson’s baking journey in her own words.

1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?

Throughout my life, my family and I have been surrounded by health issues and food battles. At the center of it all seemed to be common denominators – white flour, white sugar, hydrogenated fats, chemicals, GMOs, high-fructose corn syrup, dyes, artificial sweeteners and more. Watching so many loved ones struggle, I launched a personal mission to create healthy, delicious options that went against the typical American diet.

Plus, those with Celiac Disease and those with wheat/gluten-sensitivities are an important part of the population that have been terribly overlooked and under-served by the commercial food industry. I saw a gaping need and decided to step up and fill it, not because it’s a fad, but because it’s a real health need.  Now, it’s my daily goal to keep raising the bar for allergen-safe baking. At Third Coast Bakery, we create so that others who are usually left out can FINALLY celebrate.

2. Are there other highlights of your products?  Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc?

Third Coast Bakery is a dedicated, allergen-safe bakery creating 100% gluten, dairy and soy free products. In addition, we offer many vegan specialties. Through listening to my customers, I learned that many people who cannot tolerate gluten also struggle with co-occurring food allergies, especially dairy, eggs and soy.  So, I upgraded my bakery to be 100% dairy and soy free

I also use as many organic ingredients as possible, and feature fresh local fruits as they come into season.  Customers seeking refined sugar free, low-glycemic, or no sugar added are also encouraged to shop with us, as we keep many sugar alternatives on-hand, and create custom orders based on their individual needs.

3.  What steps do you take to insure that your products are truly gluten-free?

We adhere to the strictest safety standards, using ONLY certified gluten-free ingredients, including the often over-looked baking powders, sugars, and extracts.  I interview ingredient manufacturers prior to purchasing. If the manufacturer can’t guarantee the ingredient is gluten-free, then it doesn’t go in our bakery.

Even our gluten-tolerant staff members refrain from bringing potential contaminants into the facility via lunch bags and snacks. No sandwiches, no cereals, no pretzels allowed! :).  I keep careful logs of what we produce, how much we produce, and when we produce it, so we can follow recall safety standards if needed. We have complete control over who/what goes in and out of our doors. (To see Heather talk about this further, check out my video interview with her.)

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

I think the most satisfying part of the job comes when each mother trusts us with her child’s sensitive body.  It takes great faith and courage to hand that trust over to someone else. From the 4-year old child whose weekly highlight is our cookies, to the long distance cake order for a 3-year old, to a family’s favorite vacation memory, I’m reminded why I started Third Coast Bakery. One family in particular has made us a part of several family celebrations, from their daughter’s surprise engagement cake, to her wedding cake, to her baby shower!  The reviews on our Facebook page are also a great place to discover individual testimonies.

5.  What would you like consumers to know about your products and your business?

Our customers are the reason we exist. We bake with intentionality, mindfulness, and respect. And with a dollop of frosting on top, of course. Third Coast Bakery is in this for the long haul. And for special occassions. We make specialty cakes for birthdays and weddings, and other celebrations.

Aside from our storefront, you can also find our products in other local stores, such as Oryana, Olesen’s and nothern Michigan Tom’s Food Markets. In addition, many Traverse City area coffee shops sell our products. Find them all on the “Where to Buy” tab on our website. We also ship anywhere in the continental United States. Order thru the “Shop Online” tab on our website.

Third Coast Bakery Location, Hours and Contact Information

Third Coast Bakery
523 Munson Ave,
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 421-8696
Monday – Saturday 6:30 am – 4 pm
Sunday 8 am – 2 pm
Website / Facebook / Instagram  / Email

Third Coast Bakery is one of many great, dedicated gluten-free bakeries across the state of Michigan. Click this link for a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakers in Michigan as well as an interactive map so you can visit them yourself! Follow me on Facebook  and Instagram and for pictures and live videos too!

Originally Published March 2016

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