Is Your Home Totally Gluten Free? How Do You Prevent Cross Contact?

As a celiac, eliminating the possibility of cross contact is of critical importance to me, both personally and for my small business. Therefore, we have zero wheat flour in the home. However, I do stock premade cereals and pasta that contain wheat in my home.

I take extensive precautions to eliminate cross contact. This includes fresh and clean clothing, I pulled my hair back and keep it covered. In addition I scrub my hands and nails as well as surfaces, utensils, baking pans and mixers prior to baking. The floors and cabinets are cleaned and wiped down before and after baking. We also restrict who can be in the kitchen when I’m baking.

UPDATE – Products Made at Proud Mitten Shared Kitchen

Rolling Scones recently started selling their products at Cantoro’s, Red Dot Coffee Co, and Ground Control Coffee Roasters. However, to do so, they must be made in a licensed kitchen.

Therefore, Rolling Scones started producing some of their scones at the Proud Mitten Shared Kitchen in Plymouth. To protect gluten free customers, they took the steps to certify these commercially baked products as gluten free.

New Gluten Free Certification – Under 5 PPM

‘”Every space that we store ingredients and equipment inspected, but so were all of the areas that we use for prep and baking. When tested, after being baked in the shared kitchen, following our own strict procedures, and protocols, our products tested at LESS THAN 5 ppm!” You can find out more about our certification by clicking this link.

“While” we do use a shared convection oven, before we bake, that oven is dismantled and cleaned out; this involves removing and cleaning all of the racks as well as all of the inside and outside surfaces.”

“Our commercial partners are aware that we do bake in a shared kitchen, and we do share all the same information with them.”

Our cottage food baking for farmers markets, public events, as well as in state orders and deliveries are still done in our gluten-free kitchen at home.

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

When I received my Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2012, giving up gluten-laden tasty breads and baked goods was difficult and unsatisfying. I turned my attention from mass produced, store bought items to home baked goods at local farmers markets.

My husband and I often visited the farmers market in Plymouth on Saturdays, always on the lookout for a gluten free treat I could REALLY sink my teeth in. However time after time I left disappointed with the selection, the taste or the price!

Gluten Free Scones that AREN’T Dry and Crumbly

Frustrated, I studied gluten free baking, learning all I could about the pros, cons, ins, outs, and dos and don’ts. As techniques and products have evolved, so has my baking. My first non-cookie bake was scones. I figured, scones are supposed to be dry and crumbly so how could I possibly mess it up with gluten free flour!

Surprisingly, they were tasty and moist! Not at all what I expected. I expanded my flavors and to my delight, my kids LOVED them. My family encouraged me to sell them at the Farmers Market. Therefore, The Rolling Scones Gluten Free Bakery was formed! I have since diversified our menu to include cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, rosemary focaccia and bagels, with more to come.

What Other Allergens are Your Baked Goods Free From?

Our baked goods are free from peanuts and sesame. (as well as no fish, nor shellfish.) I can make dairy or egg free scones upon request.

Our only tree nut-containing scone is our Almon-Delite which contains almonds, almond paste and natural almond extract. I make this scone LAST on bake day to prevent cross contamination; as I would do with any special allergen specifics bakes/requests or products that in the future might contain nuts (granola).

Our scones that contain chocolate chips of any kind also list soy lecithin as an ingredient which MOST soy-sensitive people are ok with. Our Smore’s scones also contains NON-vegan marshmallows; also indicated on the ingredient label.

What steps do you take to ensure that your ingredients are gluten free?

I verify that all our products are certified gluten free and follow purity protocols when required. This includes flours made by King Arthur, Namaste and single flours like rice, sorghum, and tapioca.

Do you use oats or oat milk? -I use Chobani Oat milk in my non-dairy options and I’m starting a line of gluten free granola snacks using certified gluten free oats, from One Degree Organic. At this time, I do not bake with oats.

Can you share a testimonial from people who have purchased Rolling Scones gluten free baked goods? 

I had a repeat customer at the Plymouth Farmer Market place large orders of mini scones for her mother who was homebound and needed to eat gluten free. She said her mom looked forward to their visits a little more, knowing she would get our scones. That made me feel so good!

In addition I had a customer who previously lived in Paris. She said our scones were better than the ones she got at the local Parisian patisserie near her home. That was a HUGE compliment!

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

I put a lot of time, effort, love and research into each and every Rolling Scones gluten free product I make. Everything I prepare is made in small batches using organic, locally sourced produce whenever possible.

Recently, I transitioned from artificial colors to natural colorants from organic produce whenever needed. For example, for my red velvet cake I use beets and beet juice, and no longer use Red No. 40. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and I look forward to sharing new products with my “Rolling Scones groupies”!

Rolling Scones

Livonia, MI – Find them at the Plymouth Farmers Market on Saturdays (May-Oct)

Also takes special orders

Home based business- NO storefront

Preferred method of contact – Email

You can use their website to order online

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Rolling Scones 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. 

Originally Published June 2025

The post Rolling Scones Gluten Free Baked Goods in Livonia Michigan appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Who Own’s Sister Sue’s Bakery? Does it have a Storefront?

Macee Patrick owns Sister Sue’s Bakery. She started this business after baking for her father who has Celiac Disease, and her own gluten intolerance. Her passion to create excellent gluten free baked goods even inspired her to attend culinary school.

It does not have a storefront. Macee bakes out of her house.

Is the space where you make your baked foods 100% dedicated gluten free?

The only gluten we have in our home is store bought bread, for other family members. We keep it in a completely separate compartment in the fridge.

We also have a small amount of non-gluten-free crackers stored in a separate cupboard away from all baking products. No wheat flour is present in our house.

What inspired you to become a baker? 

I’ve always loved baking, even when I was younger. I constantly experimented with recipes and trying fun flavor combinations. Recently, I created an orange lemon poppyseed “cinnamon” roll flavor and was thrilled with how they turned out!

I attended Escoffier School of Culinary Arts online for Baking & Pastry Arts through their two-year program. I completed all of my assignments with gluten free, and dairy free ingredients.

That training taught me so many new techniques that helped me grow both creatively and professionally as a baker. The program gave me an even deeper understanding of baking science and helped me continue improving my recipes and products.

It took a lot of trial and error (and definitely some tears along the way), but now I have recipes that I’m truly proud of.

What’s Your Background in Gluten Free Baking?

I started focusing on allergy-friendly baking because of both my dad and myself. My dad has had celiac disease for 23 years. Personally, I’ve lived with a gluten intolerance for the past 11 years. Over time, I realized how difficult it can be to find desserts that are both safe and genuinely enjoyable to eat.

What’s the Story Behind the Name of Your Business?

Another huge inspiration for me was my brother, Cayden. Sadly he passed away from cancer when I was 12 years old. He was always encouraging me to never give up and to keep pursuing the things I loved.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much that encouragement shaped me. He’s a big reason why I believe I can pursue my dream of owning a bakery someday. He’s also the inspiration behind the name “Sister Sue’s Bakery.” Growing up, he always called me “Sister Sue.” I wanted him to still be part of this journey with me in some way.

One of the things that pushed me toward gluten free baking was frustration with the lack of good options available in stores. So many gluten-free desserts I tried were expensive, dry, crumbly, or disappointing. I missed being able to enjoy things like soft cookies, birthday cake, and fun desserts that actually tasted good.

Because of that, I spent about two years testing recipes and experimenting with ingredients before ever selling anything. I wanted people to try my desserts and genuinely say, “Wait… this is gluten free”? I wanted my baked goods to feel exciting and comforting — not like people were settling for less.

Do you only use certified gluten free flours? 

I make sure all of my ingredients are certified gluten free whenever possible. I avoid ingredients that contain wheat or gluten entirely. Personally, I prefer using products that are clearly safe and that I feel fully confident serving to others.

1. Do you use oats, oat flour, or oat milk in your baked goods? If so, which brands?
   • I only use oats in a few recipes, such as my oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and the oats I use are certified gluten free. I also use Chobani oat milk, which is certified gluten free as well.
2. Do you use certified gluten free wheat starch in any of your baked goods? 
   •  No, I do not use certified gluten-free wheat starch in any of my products.

What Other Gluten Free Baking Precautions do you take?

All of my baking ingredients and supplies are kept separately to help ensure safety and avoid cross contact. I also fully clean and sanitize the kitchen before baking.

Are your baked goods free from other allergens?

All of Sister Sue’s Bakery baked goods are gluten free, dairy free, peanut free and tree nut free. My mom has a severe nut allergy, so we don’t keep nuts in our home at all. I also have items that can be made vegan upon request.

What customer feedback has brought you the most joy? 

I’ve had a couple really meaningful experiences with customers that have reminded me exactly why I started Sister Sue’s. One person told me they hadn’t been able to enjoy a birthday cake in years because of their allergies. Being able to finally have one again truly made their day. Moments like that mean everything to me.

I’ve also had customers tell me they couldn’t believe the desserts were gluten free because they tasted just like — or even better than — traditional baked goods. One order was for a birthday party and another was for a Christmas gathering where many guests didn’t have food allergies at all. I was told multiple people preferred my desserts over the “regular” options.

That’s always my goal with baking. I never want people to feel like they are settling for less because something is gluten free or dairy free. I spend a lot of time testing recipes, techniques, and ingredients to make sure my products feel exciting, comforting, and delicious for everyone.

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

I want consumers to know that Sister Sue’s Bakery is built with so much passion, care, and intention. I use quality ingredients and put a lot of thought into creating desserts that not only taste amazing, but also leave people feeling good after enjoying them.

Everything is made with love, and I’ve truly poured my heart and soul into this business. Creating Sister Sue’s has been one of the proudest accomplishments of my life.. It means so much to be able to provide comforting, gluten free desserts that everyone can enjoy together. I also have an incredible support system, and I’m so grateful for that.

If you sell at markets, do packaged goods have labeled ingredients and your business name?

You can find Sister Sue’s Bakery at the Ovid Farmers Market. That market starts June 4th from 3-7, and runs through October 1st. All packaged products include my business branding as well as full ingredient labels.

How should customers place a special order? Do you ship?

Customers can place special orders through my Instagram or website. I typically ask for at least a week’s notice for standard orders. For larger events such as weddings or bigger gatherings, I prefer at least 3 weeks notice if possible. The sooner the better!

At this time, I do not ship products.

Sister Sue’s (Gluten Free) Bakery Contact Information

Laingsburg, MI

Cottage Law Bakery – No Storefront/hours

Contact me through my email, website, or Instagram

517-899-5053 / Email

Website / Facebook / Instagram

Sister Sue’s Bakery in Laingsburg, MI 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

*There is another Sister Sue’s Sweets in Portage, Michigan that is NOT gluten free. Please make sure you are contacting the right business.

The post Sister Sue’s Bakery – Gluten Free in Laingsburg, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Who Owns Tru Pizza?

Many Michiganders know that Tru Pizza originally started in 2014 as Renee’s Gourmet Pizzeria. Opened in Troy by Gabe Hertz, he started the restaurant due to his daughter’s Eosinophilic Esophagitis, which prevented her from eating gluten and nuts.

In May 2019, Achille (Ace) DiNello purchased the business. He changed the name to Tru Pizza, but maintained the dedicated gluten free kitchen and menu. Since taking over the business, he has offered franchising options to independent owners to expand the brand.

Achille DiNello owns quite an impressive business portfolio. Aside from Tru Pizza, he also owns Melting Moments, New York Pizza Pie, and recently acquired Halo Burger in Flint and Cops & Donuts in 2026.

What’s On The Menu at Tru Pizza?

Despite the name, Tru Pizza serves more than just pizza. They also offer calzones, wraps, pasta, salad and even soups! Their menu also includes appetizers such as chicken wings and fries. Oh, and they offer both New York Thin Crust and Detroit Deep Dish pizzas.

Tru Pizza Locations

Troy – 1937 W Maple Rd Troy, MI 48084

The original restaurant is still owned by Achille. However, general manager Jake DeFisher runs the day to day operations. It’s located in the Cambridge Crossings Shops plaza.

You’ll find it on Maple Rd between Crooks Rd and Coolidge Hwy. It offers a dining room that seats up to 50 people. The original Troy location is open 7 days a week, and they offer delivery. Open Monday – Thursday 11 to 8:30 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 -9 pm , Sun 11 – 8 pm

Plymouth – 41116 Five Mile Rd Plymouth, MI 48170

This franchise location is owned and operated by the same family who owns and operates Rumi’s Passion. In fact, there is a walkway between the two locations so you can shop at the bakery while you wait for your order to be prepared!

This Plymouth Tru Pizza location operates mainly as a take out pizza business. The shop includes 3 tables for seating, and guests are welcome to sit at one of the tables at Rumi’s Passion during normal business hours. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am – 8 pm.

Wyandotte – 3144 Biddle Avenue Wyandotte, MI 48192

Anthony Cipolla opened the Tru Pizza Wyandotte franchise location in January 2026. For those familiar with the area, the business operates in the former Frank’s Family Pizzeria storefront.

Anthony is closing this location as of August 30th, 2026. It will transition into a different pizza place. While it will have gluten free options, it will not be a 100% dedicated gluten free business.

Food Truck – Pops Up at Various Locations

Anthony Cipolla opened the food truck in the summer of 2025. Someone within the Tru Pizza chain is looking to take over the food truck, as Anthony is leaving the Tru Pizza franchise.

Follow them on their Facebook and Instagram to see where they will be next. They often pop up for Detroit Street Eats and at the Eastern Market.

They maintain a smaller menu than the restaurants due to limited space. They offer breadsticks, 3 grilled wraps, 5 flavors of calzones and pizzas, and their popular cinnamon sticks and elephant ears.

Is the Menu the Same at all Locations?

As mentioned above, each location offers a version of the original menu. Each location uses the same Tru Dough recipe. However not all options are available at each location.

The Plymouth location offers pizza, fries, pasta, salads, wraps and elephant ears & cinnamon sticks for dessert. They are experimenting with wings & chicken strips, but they are not available just yet. They do not offer soup because Rumi’s Passion makes it next door.

Is their Menu Free from Other Food Allergens?

Tru Pizza uses no peanuts, sesame, or fish in any of their menu items. You can see their complete allergen list on the original Troy website. The allergen list discloses menu items that contain eggs, dairy, soy and corn.

A disclaimer on the Troy website states “*Vegan cheese uses coconut oil. Cake rolls and cookies are produced in another facility that may contain tree nuts and peanuts.”

What Type of Oil Do They Use for Cooking?

The Troy location and Plymouth location both use canola oil. The website for the Wyandotte locations claims they use “use 100% canola oil in all fryers. Chicken and dairy products are cooked in dedicated fryers separate from vegan items.”

Do They Have Vegetarian or Vegan Options?

The dough for their pizza and calzones contain no animal products. They offer vegan cheese for pizzas, calzones and pasta dishes.

Do They Have Dessert Options?

Yes! Tru Pizza is famous for their gluten free elephant ears and cinnamon sticks with frosting. The original location in Troy also offers a S’mores Pizza.

Do They Serve Alcohol?

No.

Do They Offer Weekly Discounts?

The Troy location offers three different lunch combos from 11 am – 2 p m, Monday thru Friday. For $8.99 you can order 2 slices of pizza with a foundation drink, or 1 slice of pizza with a drink and either a side salad or a cup of soup.

The Plymouth location lunch combo is 2 slices and a can of pop for $10.

The Wyandotte locations offer a lunch combo from 11 am – 2 pm. Combo options include Two Slices of Pizza + Drink for $9.99 or a Chicken Wrap + Fries + Drink for $15.99.

Do They Deliver?

The Troy location utilizes third party delivery companies to deliver to local areas . The Plymouth location offers 3rd party delivery through Uber Eats, Doordash & GrubHub.

Tru Pizza is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

Find Tru Pizza on Social Media

• Tru Pizza Troy, MI Facebook | Instagram
• Tru Pizza Plymouth, MI Facebook | Instagram
• Tru Pizza Food Truck Facebook | Instagram

The post Tru Pizza Co. – 100% Gluten Free Pizza in Michigan appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Who Owns Simply Sweet Gluten Free Bakery?

Katie Haege is the owner and baker behind all the delicious gluten free baked goods you’ll find through her business. She’s a student at Northern Michigan University, studying business and entrepreneurship. She runs her business in the summer when she’s home on break.

What inspired you to become a baker?

I’ ve always had a huge passion for baking and being able to be creative in the kitchen. Doctors diagnosed my Celiac Disease at age 9, courtesy of my mother discovering a link to my symptoms.

After my Celiac Disease diagnosis, I began to realize just how much those with food allergies have to miss out on when it comes to good food. I always felt left out when everyone around me was able to get a sweet treat, and I was left with no safe option. Truly the worst feeling.

Why Did You Decide to Start a Gluten Free Baking Business?

Fast forward to college, I began baking and experimenting a few summers back and realized that this was what I truly wanted to do. I made the decision to switch my major and focus on business, in hopes of turning my small home bakery into a full time business.

I wanted to create a bakery where those with celiac are able to get baked goods that are 100% safe and mimic a gluten texture to the best of my ability. It is important to me that those who have allergies are able to be included and not left out when it comes to good food! I got tired of the crumbly, dense, and limited gf options, so I pride my bakery on being the complete opposite!

Are your baked goods free from other allergens?

My home bakery is 100% free from any gluten and nut containing ingredients! I use dairy products as well as eggs in my baked goods. However, I am able to accommodate for dairy free upon request. If a customer requests dairy free baked goods, I sterilize all utensils before baking.

Do You Use Certified Gluten Free Flours?

I make my own flour blends for all of my baked goods, using Bob’s Red Mill products. Any of the other products that I use have to either be certified gluten free, and if they lack a certification label while still saying gluten free on them, I will call the company to ensure the facilities process. I would never use an ingredient I would not eat myself!

• Do you use oats, oat flour, or oat milk in your baked goods? If so, which brands?
  • I use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free oats in some of my baked goods. I can substitute sorghum for those who are oat intolerant.
• Do you use certified gluten free wheat starch in any of your baked goods? 
  • I do not use certified gluten free wheat starch in any of my baked goods. 

What’s Your Most Memorable Interaction with a Customer?

I had a lady reach out to me regarding making her daughter some cookies for her birthday. Her daughter was turning 9 and was obsessed with a TV show called Blaze and the Monster Machines. She requested cutout cookies that looked like Blaze the monster truck.

She had told me that her daughter was allergic to nuts, dairy, as well as living with Celiac Disease. I was able to accommodate her daughters’ dietary needs as my kitchen is both 100% gluten and nut free. In addition, I am able to make anything dairy free. She had later messaged me stating that the cookies I had made were super delicious, and how appreciative she was that her daughter was able to enjoy cookies without any worry.

What Should Customers Know About Simply Sweet Gluten Free Bakery?

I want my customers to know that my main priorities are safety and taste. My baked goods include quality ingredients that are 100% safe, no matter the dietary restriction.

Taste and texture are also something that I take very seriously. I strive to undue the the stereotype that gluten free food is crumbly and dry. Not everyone wants a dense cake donut all the time, and that’s why I have a wide variety of items available!

Do You Participate in any Michigan Farmers Markets?

This summer I am currently planning to attend the Ortonville farmers market for 3 dates, from 9 am to 1 pm.

• Saturday June 20th, 2026
• Saturday July 11th, 2026
• Saturday August 1st, 2026

How should customers place a special order?

All of my products are currently sold through private orders, except for the market dates I mentioned above. Customers can contact me via email or Facebook messenger if you want to place an order. I currently do not ship.

I am open to catering arger venues as well such as weddings, birthday parties I would ideally like to grow my business as much as I can during this summer, before I head back to college in the fall. I prefer 3-5 days notice for small special orders, whereas larger order require at least a week.

Simply Sweet Gluten Free Bakery

Oxford, MI

Preferred method for customers to contact you -Facebook direct messaging. Email also works just as well.

Phone / Email / 

Website / Facebook / Instagram

Simply Sweet Gluten Free 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 Simply Sweet Gluten Free Bakery – Oxford, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Every person should visit Marquette at least once in their life. Located in Michigan’s majestic Upper Peninsula, it’s located on the banks of Lake Superior, and home to Presque Isle Park. It’s also home to the iconic Ore Dock, which is popular with photographers.

For those with Celiac Disease, a new “must visit” is the recently opened, Honey Haven Baking Company. This dedicated gluten free bakery gets its name from its popular Honey Sourdough Sandwich Bread made with local honey.

I recently communicated with Bailey Knight, owner of this new gluten free paradise. Read below about the mission of her bakery, and where you can find her gluten free goodies.

1. What inspired you to become a dedicated gluten free baker?

I have loved baking for as long as I can remember. It is very fun to experiment and
taste test all at the same time. My focus for gluten-free is because I have Celiac
Disease.

I was diagnosed at 24 after struggling my whole life without a clue what was causing my issues. I knew our area needed more gluten-free options and that a bakery could bring so much joy to those who can’t have baked goods from non-dedicated gluten-free bakeries.

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

All of our baked goods are gluten, dairy, egg, peanut, sesame, and soy free. We
do not use nuts in our baking, but do not label ourselves nut-free due to Coconut
Oil being in our buttercream and muffins. (Technically coconuts are a fruit.) We recently switched from oat milk to rice milk in our baked goods, so our baked goods would be accessible to those who are oat intolerant.

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

We are a dedicated Gluten-Free bakery. All of our products are gluten-free,
and there is a strict no-gluten policy for all staff who work here. We only use certified gluten free flour blends, including King Arthur’s Measure for Measure flour blend. We are also in the process of seeking gluten free certification for our bakery.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by Honey Haven Baking Company?

For this, I would like to share the story of my son and how I started to get back into
baking. I had given up bread and all things baked goods when I was diagnosed with
Celiac. When my youngest son was no longer able to have dairy, both of our lives
changed drastically.

My then 2-year-old is a huge chocolate lover, specifically milk chocolate. I knew I needed to come up with a solution so that he could still have the things he loves, like chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake, that I could safely bake without using regular flour. Through this journey, I created my first round of Gluten, Dairy, Egg, and Soy-Free bread and chocolate cake.

The joy on my son’s face when he got that first chocolate cupcake is something I will never forget. Now, my son will never have to miss out on a cupcake for his birthday, a slice of fresh bread at dinner, or a chocolate chip cookie as a treat.

5. What would you like consumers to know about Honey Haven Baking Company?

I would like for people to know that we are very dedicated to offering inclusive
options for those with food allergies. Our mission is to make sure that all can feel
included in any occasion. We hope to start offering shipping in the months to come.

Also, we hope to encourage local restaurants to stock our gluten free bread and buns. So far, Slap Shot Negaunee offers our gluten free bread for sandwiches. Hopefully we’ll be able to update you soon on restaurants that offer our buns for burgers!

Honey Haven Baking Company Location and Hours

603 N 3rd St. Marquette, MI, 49855
Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
906-251-8043 – (Best contact method for ordering)
Website (coming soon) | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Honey Haven Baking Company 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 Honey Haven Baking Co. – Gluten Free Marquette appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

National (Gluten Free) Donut Day

These gluten-free chocolate SunButter donuts are a stroke of last minute inspiration. Some of my most creative and tasty creations stem from a stroke of momentary genius. (Or momentary need for chocolate.) The first Friday in June is always National Donut Day. As a result, I’m baking these gluten-free chocolate SunButter donuts on Thursday. But you Celiac Disease, Food Allergy mommas know all about that “last minute baking”, right?

I was first introducced to Jessica’s Natural Foods Chocolate Cake Mix years ago in a gluten free subscription box. I pondered a creative way to use this mix, which could easily be shared with my husband’s co-workers. Cha-ching! Gluten-free chocolate SunButter donuts! In addition, since my husband’s school is a nut-free zone, I whipped up a homemade SunButter frosting that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!

The Secret to Gluten Free Chocolate Baked Goods

Like many gluten-free bloggers, I bake my donuts. One, because I’m terrified of frying anything in oil. Secondly, because these Wilton donut pans are the easiest thing ever to use! The batter for these gluten-free chocolate SunButter donuts are super easy too.

I prepared the Jessica’s Natural Foods Chocolate Cake mix according to the directions. Well, mostly. If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I like to “adjust” things every once in a while. I subbed two of the tablespoons of oil with applesauce, and added a teaspoon of espresso powder. Espresso powder is the secret to deepening the chocolate flavor in any recipe, and it’s perfect in these gluten-free chocolate SunButter donuts.

Peanut Free Sunbutter Frosting

While my gluten-free chocolate SunButter donuts were in the oven, I whipped up this easy frosting recipe from Baked By An Introvert. I simply substituted creamy SunButter for the peanut butter called for in her recipe. I LOVE this frosting. It reminds me of the Mackinac Island Peanut Butter Fudge I devoured as a young child. I can imagine putting this in ice cream and on all sorts of delicious things!

Sunbutter Frosting Tips

I wanted to make it as thin as possible to make for easy donut dipping. As a result, I microwaved the SunButter frosting after all the ingredients were combined. While dunking, I ran out of frosting and had to make another small batch.

I used a little bit more butter than it suggested the next time. I think this will be a substitution I will consistently make in the future, and will share below. (As well as the ingredients for a larger batch, so you won’t have to make more.  I’ll stop yammering now so you can jump in the kitchen and make a quick batch of these gluten-free chocolate SunButter donuts!

More Gluten Free Donut Recipes

Not a fan of peanu butter/ Sunbutter? Try my easy Mocha Donuts, which also start from a mix. Or my Two Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts. Looking for a “from scratch” gluten free donut recipe? Try my Basic Gluten Free Donut Recipe. It’s a small batch and makes only 6-8 donuts. Don’t have a donut pan? Try my Gluten Free Donut Muffins!

Print

Gluten-Free Chocolate Sunbutter Donuts

Delicious gluten free chocolate donuts topped with a SunButter gananche.

Course Recipes

Keyword donut, gluten free donut

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1 package Jessica’s Natural Foods Chocolate Cake mix
• 3/4 c. milk
• 1/4 c. canola oil
• 2 tbsp applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp espresso powder optional
• 3/4 c. boiling water

For the Frosting

• 4 tbsp SunButter
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 4 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

• First, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. (This is the temperature listed on the Jessica's Natural Foods cake mix. If using another chocolate cake mix, bake at the temperature suggested.) 
• Next, grease and flour donut pans. (I coated mine with rice flour. Jessica's mixes contain no rice products, so use an alternative starch if you're sensitive to rice.)
• In a large bowl, add mix, milk, oil, applesauce, eggs, vanilla and espresso powder. (DON'T add boiling water yet!) Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• Now add the boiling water, and mix on medium speed for 60 seconds. The batter for these gluten-free chocolate SunButter donuts will be thin. Therefore, I allowed the batter to rest for 10 minutes.
• Pour or scoop (I used my Pampered Chef 1 oz scoop) gluten-free chocolate donut batter into prepared donut pan wells.Or, place batter in a gallon size ziploc bag, trim a bottom tip of the bag, and pipe batter into the donut pan. 
• Finally, time to put the donuts in the oven! Bake donuts for 8 minutes, then rotate pans 180 degrees and bake for 7 minutes longer. 
• Remove from the oven and use a PLASTIC knife to GENTLY separate the baked donuts from the edge of the pan. Allow to cool for 3-4 minutes, then remove donuts to a wire rack to cool. The batter makes enough for 20 donuts, so you'll have to wash and grease your donut pans again to bake the remaining batter.
• Lastly, prepare frosting by placing creamy SunButter and butter in a microwavable glass bowl. Microwave for 20-30 seconds. Stir briskly, then add powdered sugar. It might be lumpy.
• Add cream to bowl and whisk thoroughly. I placed the frosting back in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make it thin. (It will set upon cooling.) Stir quickly and then gently dunk donuts in frosting to coat. Return to the cooling rack to allow frosting to set.

Notes

If you are not allergic to peanuts, you can use peanut butter instead of SunButter

What’s your favorite gluten-free donut? Do you prefer to fry or bake your donuts, or buy premade ones? Leave me a note in the comments below!

**This post is not sponsored. However, it does include include Amazon Affiliate Links. Purchases made through those links provide me a small commission. However, this does not influence the cost of your purchases. Thank you for helping to support this website!**

The post Gluten-Free Chocolate Sunbutter Donuts appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Helping Teachers Learn About Keeping a Nut Free Classroom

Most of my blog focuses on educating individuals and families about Celiac Disease. With a degree in Elementary Education, teaching comes naturally to me. Sometimes, this involves teaching my fellow educators as well. Today, I deviate a bit from my gluten-free guidance to discuss maintaining a peanut free classroom. With some training, we can make this process smoother for educators and parents alike.

1 in 13 Children Live with a Food Allergy

Educators have to be a jack-of-all-trades these days. Educator. Counselor. Sometimes we supply basic needs like socks and food. Because we do so much for our students, we constantly educate ourselves on new methods. We should also be educating ourselves about food allergies. One in 13 children live with some type of food allergy, so preparation on this issue is important.

Food Allergy Training for Teachers

Working hard to maintain a food-allergy or peanut-free classroom becomes “easier” when you realize the risk at hand. Educators (and all school personnel) should learn the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, as well as how to administer epinephrine in case of emergency.

FARE, the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, has a website full of resources for educators. This includes free online training. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team also offers training for school personnel. In addition, the CDC offers guidelines on their Food Allergy Toolkit for schools.

Sunbutter as a Peanut Butter Alternative

America lives on peanut butter. From PB& J to peanut butter cups, Americans consume more peanut butter than probably any other country.

Insert SunButter, which is made from ground sunflower seeds. It is an excellent replacement for snacks in any peanut-free classroom. Not only is it peanut-free, it’s free from the 9 most common allergens, which comprise 90% of food allergies.

SunButter also contains less fat and twice as much fiber as peanut butter, however still contains the same amount of protein. SunButter even has a food service section to their website, so school cafeterias can use their product while maintaining federal nutrition guidelines.

Other Peanut Butter Alternatives

Other nut free spread options include WowButter (made from soy beans) and 88 Acres. 88 Acres products are made from sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Food Allergy Bullying Awareness

The words we use to address food allergy situations are key. When we say “We can’t have (insert food here) because Johnny’s allergy requires us to keep a peanut-free classroom,” it may trigger food allergy bullying.

While this statement may indeed be factual, placing “blame” on Johnny may cause students to harbor ill feelings towards him. Upwards of 2 million children with food allergies experience bullying every year.

When having classroom parties, try to focus on foods that are free of the 9 most common allergens. (I share a list, here.) These include fruit cups, popcorn, or celery with SunButter. For a list of other peanut and tree nut free suggestions, visit the SnackSafely website.

Challenge: Eat Peanut Free for One Week

My husband’s school district made a bold move. They required all teachers to maintain a peanut-free classroom. (The district allows peanuts in the middle school and high school cafeteria.) It posed an interesting challenge as I daily packed my husband’s lunch. I’ve made a concerted effort to never pack foods containing nuts in his lunch.

I pack things like the Buddha Bowl pictured above, which uses a satay sauce made with SunButter.  I would encourage educators everywhere to eat peanut-free at school, even if just for a week. It truly creates an awareness of what your students might be experiencing. I use sunflower seeds instead of nuts in his trail mix, make SunButter and jelly sandwiches, and even make Asian food dishes using SunButter in a satay sauce.

Classroom Communication and 504 Plans

In spite of global social media connection, humans still struggle with true communication. Creating a peanut-free classroom takes communication from both teachers and parents. Parents should meet with the teacher at the beginning of the year to outline their student’s needs. Composing a letter to send home to other parents in the room helps as well.

I highly recommend having a 504 plan on file. This puts all concerns in writing so both sides know what to expect. Teachers can be proactive in telling parents about upcoming activities that include peanuts, so parents can bring alternatives to school. As a substitute teacher, I always appreciate communication about children who have food allergy issues.

Are you a teacher that maintains a peanut-free classroom? What tips would you share with fellow educators about keeping kids with food allergies safe? Does your child have a peanut allergy? What would you want their teacher to know? And if you have any SunButter recipes you love, please share them with me!

*This post was sponsored by SunButter. However my thoughts and passion for the safety of all with food allergies and intolerances are completely my own.*

Originally Posted March 2017

The post Helping Educators Keep a Peanut Free Classroom appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

What’s Special About Oh MI Organics Chocolate?

Oh Mi Organics, owned by Megan and Brent Hurst, meets a very important need in this world. Chocolate. Not just any chocolate, but chocolate that is free of gluten and many common allergens.

It’s exciting to see a small Michigan business tackle an issue that’s usually only contemplated at major companies. They’re just one more company that makes me proud to be a Michigander.

Where Is Oh MI Organics?

A visit to their store in St. Johns is like a step back in time. They don’t have a business phone and they don’t offer Wi-Fi. Instead, the Hurst’s have board games and a nice quiet atmosphere to enjoy them in. This has attracted many kids from the community. In an age of prolific technology, teenagers actually set their phones aside, enjoy a conversation and play a game!  

Oh Mi Organics even offers sidewalk chalk and coloring pages for those that want to get creative. This chocolate shop has quickly become a local place to create memories with one another. Learn more about this magical place in Megen Hurst’s own words.

Does Oh MI Organics Take Credit Cards?

When Oh MI Organics first opened, they were a cash only business. However, they started accepting online orders and digital pay during the pandemic. Our customers really enjoyed having the option of paying with a card, so we continued with the digital register.

​What​ inspired you to become a gluten-free ​chocolatier​?​

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was 31. I eliminated many foods to help limit the inflammation in my body. Foods on the no-no list now included gluten, dairy and preservatives.

The thing I missed the most was chocolate, because it was tough to find them without those ingredients. Therefore, my husband and I came up with a gluten-free chocolate recipe that was safe for me (and so many more) to eat! You can read more about the birth of Oh Mi Organics on our about page.

Are Your Chocolates Free From Other Allergens?

As of 2019, all of our products are free from the top 9 allergens. Our products are free of artificial colors and flavors as well. Our chocolates are made from Fair Trade certified cocoa. As our name suggests, we use organic ingredients.

All of our products are dairy-free, and we never use cow’s milk. We do use a dairy free coconut based caramel made by Bloom Caramel in Portland, Oregon.

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

We do a lot of research! We have thoroughly researched and/or contacted our ingredient supplies  to verify that they are 100% gluten-free. We’re very transparent, and you can watch us hand-make and package our sweet treats in our Chocolate Studio Observation Window.

What Local Michigan Ingredients do you Use?

We source our maple syrup and pure mint oil from Livingston Farms of St. Johns. We obtain our raw honey from Gearig Apiaries in Ithaca. Our Bean Bean chocolate has two roasted coffee beans on top from Blue Owl Coffee in Lansing, MI.

How Do You Create All Of Those Amazing Chocolate Flavors?

Our unique flavorings come from a business in Baltimore, MD. All of their flavorings are gluten and dairy-free, all without propylene glycol.

How Flavors of Gluten Free Chocolates Do You Make?

To-date we have now made over 250 flavors of chocolate. We rotate our flavors, and keep 50 in stock in our display case at all times.

Our most popular flavors are Neapolitan (the flavor changing chocolate), English Toffee, Super Swirl Ice Cream, Coconut Macaroon, Mint, Raspberry, all of the caramel filled chocolates (dairy free caramel of course), and our customers with nut allergies really enjoy the “PB” filled chocolates (made with sunflower seed butter)

Can You Share About Your New Line of Gluten Free Baked Goods?

All of our baked goods are also vegan-friendly, because we use flaxseed instead of egg. We make a variety of cookies – Snickerdoodle, Sugar, Chocolate Surprise, “PB” (made with sunflower seed butter), and Oatmeal Cranberry.

Some of our products do contain oats. Our Jammy Bars contain rolled oats, from a dedicated gluten free facility. Our oat flour comes from a company that is very allergy friendly and also batch tests for gluten and other allergens.

Our Cookie Pies are very popular as well. Two soft baked cookies with handmade dairy free buttercream frosting sandwiched in between. Flavor varieties are:

• Chocolate Vanilla
• Cinnamon Roll
• Blackberry
• Raspberry
• Toffee Crunch
• Banana Cream
• Lemon Cream
• Mint Chocolate
• Maple
• Red Velvet Cake
• Coconut Cream
• Lemon Lavender
• Fudgie
• and “PB” Chocolate.

We also make caramel filled brownies, and delicious Jammy Bars (an oatmeal bar with natural fruit preserves).

What Customer Feedback Has Brought You Joy?

We have met many people at our storefront that have food allergies, mainly dairy and gluten. When they look over our glass case of over 50 flavors to choose from, it’s a joy to see the smiles on their faces when they realize that they can once again enjoy an array of chocolate flavors.

Many people have told us that we have “ruined store chocolate for them.” One customer stated that she had a bite of a known brand name of chocolate, threw it out her car window, and drove straight to our store to get a Sea Salt Caramel because she liked ours better.

Can You Share More About Your Lunch Options?

We offer a variety of grab-n-go lunch options like vegan mac-n-cheese made with brown rice pasta, Basmati Rice Bowls such as Shawarma, Sweet & Sour, and Taco. All also vegan friendly, as we used seasoned roasted cauliflower in place of meat.

In the summer, we offer Asian Chopped Salads, Taco Salads, and we make side salads like Broccoli Salad, Sweet Potato Salad, and Italian Pasta Salad. All made with vegan dressings as well.

In the fall and winter we offer a wide variety of soups like Split Pea, White Bean Veggie, Tom Kha, Cheesy Veggie with Rice, Mexican Quinoa Stew, Taco Soup, Red Lentil Curry, and Butternut Squash Bisque. All are vegan friendly as well. We also make gluten free cheesy garlic biscuits to go with the soups.

What Else Would You Like My Followers to Know?

We create our products with food allergies or diet restrictions in mind. In addition to our chocolates, we have many raw, paleo and keto diet options. These include our no-bake energy bites, which are made with sunflower seed spread, gluten-free oats and ground flaxseed. We lightly sweeten them with pure Michigan maple syrup.

Our newest product, “You Dip It”, is an organic, vegan-friendly all-purpose dip that goes great with fruit slices, pretzels, cinnamon pita chips, graham crackers, and more!

We also created the Fall FEASTival, held in downtown St. Johns every year in September. This outdoor festival features only Michigan-Made food.

Oh MI Organics Location, Hours and Contact Information

Oh Mi Organics
109 W Higham St
St. Johns MI 48879
Open Mon- Fri 8 am – 6 pm, Sat 9 am – 2 pm, CLOSED SUNDAY
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Email

**While this is a sponsored post, all of my thoughts and opinions are my own. I’m excited and proud that there’s a chocolate company in Michigan that’s so forward thinking about food allergies!**

Originally Published February 2017

The post Oh Mi Organics – Michigan’s Allergen Free Chocolate 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.**

No More Belly Aching has been on my horizon for quite a few years. I first visited their Lee Rd. location in 2013. Since then they’ve moved to a new location. However, their dedicated customers have followed them to their new Grand River Avenue store. It’s understandable. Not only can it be hard to find gluten-free fresh baked goods, but even harder to find ones there are dairy-free as well.

No More Belly Aching carries a variety of baked goods. My husband really likes their rye-style bread. They offer pizza crusts, as well asdairy-free cheese to make your own pizza crust. And for dessert they have lemon bars and cupcakes. Read more about No More Belly Aching from Randy Howell, the baking genius and operator of this bakery, in his own words.

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

A friend of ours owns a local health food store. While she was vacationing in Canada, she stumbled upon a dedicated gluten-free, dairy-free bakery. Being gluten free herself, she was very impressed with the product, and inquired as to whether the bakery could supply her store. Ironically, the bakery was actually up for sale. She asked us if we would be interested in operating a gluten-free, dairy-free bakery. We eagerly jumped at the chance!

So, we began commuting and hour and a half, weekly, to the bakery in Ontario Canada. There we learned the art and science of gluten-free, dairy-free baking. After several months, it was time to move that facility from Canada to Brighton. It wasn’t a simple task, but we succeeded and here we are!

2. Are there other highlights of your products? Low sodium, fat free, etc?

We are dedicated gluten-free and dairy-free facility. No More Belly Aching does not use any peanuts, tree nuts or soy, but are not certified “free” of those ingredients. Our baked goods include a range of products that are also vegan, as they are free from eggs. We do not use any preservatives.

3. What steps do you take to ensure that your baked goods are truly gluten-free?

Being a dedicated facility, we source our ingredients only from suppliers who are certified gluten-free. Additionally, we track our supplier’s ingredient lot tracking codes and keep daily production logs that link directly to each batch of our products. This means, for example, we can tell you what specific batch of flour was used in any specific batch of our products. In the event of a contamination issue we can quickly determine and communicate what products have been affected.

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

There have been so many over the years! To put it simply, there is no better feeling than when a a customer with food restrictions looks you in the eye and tells you that you have saved their life! This is a statement not taken lightly. Likewise, the appreciation from their family members impacts us greatly. It gives our daily efforts true purpose! You can read some of our reviews on Facebook.

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

Wo offer more than just baked goods. We sell products from other Michigan small businesses, such as Old World Gluten Free pierogi and Full Flavor Foods sauce mixes. We also sell dairy free cheese, so you can build your own dairy free pizza with our crusts. Outside of our own storefront, you can find our products at Natural View Market and Busch’s in Brighton.

We are baking five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday. Stop in and chat with us. We hope to see you soon!

Location, Hours and Contact Information

No More Belly Aching
10049 Grand River, Suite 100
Brighton MI, 48116
Tuesday thru Friday 10am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY
(810) 225- 9773

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Email

No More Belly Aching 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 bakers in Michigan, as well as an interactive map!

The post No More Belly Aching: Gluten & Dairy Free 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.**

Grand Rapids has always been one of my favorite cities. From  visiting the museums, and shopping at the farmer’s markets, I could visit every weekend and still never take it all in. The have an amazing list of gluten free restaurant options, including Amore Trattoria Italiana and the new dedicated gluten free eatery, Papa Chops Eatery.

However, it’s also the businesses like Kind Crumbs, that keep me going back. This gluten free bakery makes gluten-free donuts, cupcakes, cookies and more that are AMAZING. For years they faithfully donated to the Michigan Gluten Free Camp, and the kids loved everything owner, Rebecca Duiven, sent. Read more about Kind Crumbs in Duiven’s own words.

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

I started baking gluten-free when I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2009. At the time of my diagnosis, I felt most of the commercial options I tried were pretty bad. I’ve loved baking all my life, and was up for the challenge of creating gluten-free products that actually tasted good.

I started out baking from home under the Michigan Cottage Law, and selling from farmer’s markets. Over a decade later, Kind Crumbs now has a staff of seven and a we sell to over 40 wholesale accounts! I’ve proved that gluten free baked goods could be as good as the traditional versions or even be better!

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

Kind Crumbs products are free of gluten, dairy, peanuts and soy (except for our rainbow sprinkles), and we have plenty of vegan options. In fact, the majority of our products are egg free. In addition, many of our products are also free of corn. We use minimal additives, and use natural coloring whenever possible. Also, we use certified gluten-free purity protocol oats in our baked goods.

We are working on some exciting projects in 2021. We are working on both third party gluten-free certification and kosher certification. We are adding nutrition panels to our products, which will better serve our sugar-restricting customers, and also allow us to ship outside of Michigan.

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

Since October 2017, Kind Crumbs has been operating out of our own 100% dedicated gluten-free production facility in Walker, Michigan. As mentioned above, we are not yet certified gluten free, but hope to be by the end of 2021.

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

We get feedback from customers on an almost daily basis. The most appreciative customers are those with multiple food allergies, as we can now allow them to eat things they thought they could never eat again.

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

Our mission is to make really delicious, soul-nourishing baked goods for folks with food allergies and intolerances. We love serving the vegan community as well. We believe food allergy and plant-based consumers working together can really help increase availability of good allergen-free products for everyone. I believe no one should have to be stuck with mediocre-tasting treats due to dietary restrictions. A cupcake should taste like a cupcake!

6.  Where Can You Find Kind Crumbs Gluten Free Baked Goods?

While we do take special orders, most of our business is through wholesale accounts. That means you’ll find our products at stores like Harvest Health and Bridge St. Market in Grand Rapids, but also Foods for Living in East Lansing. We also sell thru various coffee shops, like 205 Coffee Bar in Holland and Rowster Coffee in Grand Rapids. Most notably, our gluten free goodies are available at Frosty Boy on Plainfield (in Grand Rapids), and in Rockford, to make delicious ice cream treats. Find a complete listing of “Where to Find Us” on our website.
We also ship within the state of Michigan. You cans order some items through our website, here.

Kind Crumbs Location, Hours and Contact Information

Kind Crumbs
4751 3 Mile Rd NW Suite I
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49534
Hours Vary, Please Call
(616) 881- 6388

Website | Facebook  | Instagram | Email

Kind Crumbs is one of many great, dedicated gluten-free bakeries across the state of Michigan. Click this link for a comprehensive, statewide list of all the bakers as well as an interactive map!

The post Kind Crumbs Gluten Free Bakery: Grand Rapids appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.