Last week, Café Jonah & the Magical Attic officially opened its doors.  Right now this unique coffee shop (owned by Souper Jenny) is serving an assortment of Sally’s Bakery gluten-free muffins, including banana chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, and almond carrot walnut muffins, which are all dairy and egg free too.  The Almond carrot walnut muffins are also soy free.  Yes, please.

Check out how cool Cafe Jonah looks inside…

Inside Cafe Jonah

So, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, head to Café Jonah & the Magical Attic for a latte and a gluten-free muffin.  Sounds like the perfect Saturday morning to me.

I'm envisioning myself in that chair, coffee in one hand, book in the other.

If you love the hamburger buns at YEAH! Burger than you’ll want to keep reading the following press release from Pure Knead…

We are *delighted* to announce that our retail shop will open on Saturday, February 26th!  A few of the many products you will see include our well-known buns (both original and multigrain), hoagie rolls, rosemary bread braids, olive boules, baguettes and croutons! Of course, you can’t have a great bakery without great dessert! You haven’t had bread pudding until you’ve had our Pure Knead bread pudding, and our brown sugar chocolate chip cookies are simply heavenly! Ok, now that your mouth is watering (mine is), here are some details…

We will be open from 9am to 1pm, with both fresh and frozen options for you. The bakery address and phone number are at the bottom of this message.

We will have monthly specials to take advantage of our amazing local agriculture system, so sign up on our facebook page to get the inside scoop on those offerings!

You can certainly call ahead and place an order for pick up, or simply come on Saturdays and see what strikes your fancy!

Many of you have asked us for products that are free of allergens other than gluten. Just a quick reminder that all Pure Knead products are certified gluten-free, and are also free of dairy, soy, nuts and shellfish- we don’t use them in our facility. Most of our current products do contain egg and corn. In the bakery, you can look at the ingredient list for every product we sell; we are proud of what we put into our products, and think you should know what you are eating. For the Opening, we will not be offering specialized products, but I promise that we are working on egg-free and other options for you! If you have a question, please don’t ever be shy about asking!

The Grand Opening is special to me for so many reasons, and we are going to celebrate! You will be able to sample many of our products on the 26th- try before you buy! And the first 20 people through our doors will go home with a special goodie!

We are so excited to welcome you to the bakery; so much time and care has gone into this effort, and I can’t thank the Pure Knead staff enough for helping me make this a reality! Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday- and bring a friend or two!

So here’s where to find Pure Knead:

186 Rio Circle, Suite C – Decatur, GA 30030 – 404-377-5567

If you are familiar with Dekalb Farm’ers Market, we are just down the street. Rio Circle is just off of Laredo Drive, which runs directly into the Farmer’s market. Look for the signs for Southern Sweets bakery; we are located in the same building (Suite C in the back half of the building). Mapquest will find us, so use it if you aren’t from around the Decatur area!

Recently my kitchen has been stocked full with gluten-free breads from a local, Atlanta bakery, Old World Artisan Bread Company.  Owner and founder, Thomas Sergio, began his career baking gluten-filled breads and bagels, but has realized there is a need for yummy, gluten-free breads in the Atlanta area.  Sergio has done just that and developed a recipe that is flavorful, texturally bread-like, and more importantly, perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese and even French toast.  Prepare to wow your friends, as they won’t know this bread is gluten-free.  (Nor will they be overcome by a weird after taste, either!)

I have been enjoying the gluten-free whole grains bread for lunch in a variety of ways.  Grilled cheese is hard to resist on a lazy Saturday afternoon, but I must admit, my favorite combination is Old World’s bread toasted and topped with peanut butter and homemade jam.  I never get tired of peanut butter, thank goodness!  I know it’s not fancy, but it’s so good.  And, it takes truly delicious bread for me to forego my rice cakes and use GF bread.

My Favorite Jam...

Old World’s cinnamon raisin muffins are particularly delicious when enjoyed with cream cheese and jam.  A perfect afternoon snack or morning breakfast.  Just heat the muffins a little in the oven, slice in half and let the cream cheese work its magic.  I prefer this combination to a thick, gluten-free bagel anyways.  (Gluten-free bagels involve way too much chewing for my liking.)

Cinnamon Raisin Muffins: Envision with Cream Cheese

I always keep soup, stews and chili in the freezer for a quick weeknight dinner, so last week, I enjoyed leftover beef chili (made by David), Brussels sprouts, and an Old World dairy-free, gluten-free dinner roll.  These rolls taste delicious with honey or butter and made the dinner more filling.  I just love corn bread or a roll with soup.  (It makes me feel more normal.)

Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Final Verdict: Old World Artisan’s gluten-free offerings are not to be missed and even gluten eaters will enjoy these products.  Buy a variety and store extras in the freezer.  Stay tuned for more info on their gluten-free hamburger buns.

Check out Old World’s gluten-free offerings on their website.  You can find Sergio’s gluten-free products at Return to Eden (Atlanta) and Atlantis Natural Foods (Dunwoody).

Local bakery, Sally’s Bakery just added Cinnamon Rolls (with icing!) to their menu.  These rolls come six to a pan, for $9.99.  Perfect for a Sunday brunch or a lazy morning breakfast.  Sally’s cinnamon rolls are gluten, dairy, soy and egg free.  Amazing!

Sally’s has also decided to make their dinner rolls and pecan pie part of their year-round menu, not just for the holidays.  Head to Sally’s and stock up on your gluten-free goodies.  Remember, you can always put items in the freezer to enjoy at a later date.

Sally’s Bakery – 5920 Roswell Rd. Suite 108A- Sandy Springs, GA 30328- 404.847.0211

Jennifer Levinson, owner of Souper Jenny, is opening a new restaurant, Café Jonah and the Magical Attic, in February.  Levinson envisions this new restaurant to be a gathering place and coffee shop, inspired by old-fashioned European cafes.  Open for breakfast and lunch, Café Jonah will offer daily frittatas, sandwiches and salads.  The frittatas and most of the salad options will be gluten-free.  Most excitingly, Café Jonah will be selling freshly baked, gluten-free goodies from Sally’s Bakery, featuring Sally’s muffins.  Café Jonah won’t be offering gluten-free sandwiches on the menu at first, but hopefully eventually.  Check out this article in the AJC to learn more about Café Jonah and the inspiration behind the concept.

Stay tuned for more information about the opening date!

Café Jonah and the Magical Attic – 3188 Paces Ferry Place, Atlanta GA

A local, Atlanta bakery, Cecilia’s Bake Shop offers gluten-free and vegan desserts to their customers.  Their treats are also dairy-free and egg-free too.  Last night I tried their chocolate chip cookie dough and these cookies were amazing.  So chocolatey, perfectly gooey, and no weird textures or after tastes.  David devoured two!  I didn’t tell him until afterward that they were dairy and egg free, in addition to being GF.  He had no idea.

Also, when I ate that remaining, lonely, cookie this morning with my coffee, it still tasted delicious!  It didn’t harden overnight and again, no weird aftertaste.  These might be some of the best GF chocolate chip cookies I’ve tried, which is crazy, since they’re free of so many other things.  Good work, Cecilia’s!

I love supporting local businesses, so if you’re in the Atlanta area, you should definitely check out Cecilia’s.  You can find their cookie dough at Whole Foods and Sevanandah, or you can order directly from them.  If you call ahead, you can stop by their store too.  Cecilia’s sells cookies, cakes and ‘raw pies.’  I’m itching to try their gluten-free carrot cake.  Yum!  Check out all of Cecilia’s offerings by clicking here.

A pack of cookie dough would be a great last minute holiday gift for a gluten-free friend!  Always a treat for us gluten-free folks to easily bake something that requires no prep time: just preheat the oven, put dough on cookie sheet, and bake.  Tastes like homemade, because it is!

Last Friday, I received a package from Katz Gluten Free Bake Shoppe.  I felt like it was Christmas as I dove into the package full of goodies!  This certified gluten-free bakery offers a huge variety of different treats to order.  Not only are Katz’s items gluten-free, but also dairy and nut free.  Many folks who stay away from gluten, also try to avoid dairy, so Katz is the perfect option.  (I try to limit my dairy, but it’s not completely banned for me…I love ice cream and cheese too much.)

Recently Katz came out with two new products, which I got to sample: Rugelach and Chocolate Cupcakes.  For those of you that don’t know, rugelach is a traditional Jewish dessert, involving a crescent roll with some type of filling.  Katz sent me the vanilla and cinnamon varieties, but they also sell a chocolate flavor.  These sweet treats are perfect with my afternoon cup of tea.  I’m particularly a big fan of the cinnamon and I really enjoy the texture.  Our friends, Scott and Meredith, (who are gluten eaters) also enjoyed trying them!  The Rugelachs are a great item to bring to a party, if you don’t have time to make your own.  It’s a little something different than the typical holiday cookies.

The chocolate cupcakes (with sprinkles!)  were also a nice Saturday afternoon treat, but I could taste the ‘dairy-free’ aspect of them more than in the rugelach.  After letting mine thaw, I heated it in the microwave for a few seconds, which was a nice touch.  Definitely chocolatey and the cake part was nice, but I usually go for a creamier frosting.  (Since Katz ships their items, this isn’t necessarily an option for them.)  My favorite GF cupcakes are from Buzz Bakery and Cake Love in Virginia, but if I can’t get them fresh from the bakery, Katz is a nice option to have.

I also have a loaf of their marble cake in my freezer now that I’m going to wait and enjoy in 2011, when I return from all of my travels!  I love looking forward to treats!

I definitely suggest checking out Katz’s website to see for yourself just how much they have to offer.  And, for those of you that want to stock up, they offer free shipping for orders over $30!  (Remember, you can freeze GF baked goods easily so you don’t have to worry about items spoiling.)  Their cinnamon strip looks absolutely ridiculous.

So not only did I get to sample Katz’s items, but I want YOU to try them too.  I’m hosting a Katz Giveaway on Gluten Freedom for a free sample pack of Katz items.  If you comment on this post, or become a fan of Gluten Freedom on Facebook, you will be entered in the raffle.  I will do the drawing for the Katz gift pack at noon on December 31^st.  (I’ll be in Japan between now and then!)

And, there’s an even bigger giveaway!  Drum roll, please…

Click here to enter Katz’s January 3^rd raffle, for your chance to win a goodie box, with one of everything Katz makes.  That’s a lot of stuff.  Amazing, right?

In the midst of all of the holiday parties, full of glutenous items, I’m thankful to have my supply of Katz goodies to keep my sweet tooth satisfied.

Are you hosting a gluten-free Thanksgiving this year?  I am!  David’s family is joining us in Atlanta for the holiday and we can’t wait to have a gluten-free Thanksgiving feast in our new house.  While I’m going to make most of the items myself, I’m looking to Sally’s Bakery to supplement my own culinary goodies.  I’ll be ordering their pecan pie and some dinner rolls for our feast and of course sandwich bread for turkey sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving.

Don’t be daunted by the thought of gluten-free holiday entertaining.  Check out what Sally’s is offering for the holidays and make your special orders:

Sally’s Bakery Holiday Menu:

9” Pumpkin Pie – $12.99 – As a holiday staple, this favorite will round out your Thanksgiving meal or make a great breakfast the next day…if it lasts! – Our pumpkin pie is gluten free and soy free.  Contains dairy and eggs.

Owner, Sally Owings, showing off one of her amazing pies

9” Pecan Pie – $14.99 – Our best ever pecan pie is a must have in our house.  No one will ever know it’s gluten free.  We’re using fresh south Georgia pecans to top this pleasantly sweet southern favorite. – Our pecan pie is gluten free and soy free.  Contains dairy and eggs.

Cornbread – $9.99 8×8 square – Our cornbread is a gluten free version of our grandmother’s old-fashioned southern recipe made with eggs and buttermilk.  The only thing missing here is the iron skillet!  It’s perfect for making stuffing or toasted with warm soup. – Our cornbread is gluten free and soy free.  Contains dairy and eggs.

Yeast Dinner Rolls – $5.99 package of 6 rolls – These classic yeast dinner rolls will be a great addition to your holiday menu and are sure to melt in your mouth. – Our dinner rolls are free of gluten, soy, dairy, and eggs.

These additional offerings will be available from Monday, November 15^th through Wednesday, November 24^th by special order.  Place your order by phone, via email, using the contact form, or in person!

And…perhaps some muffins for breakfast later in the weekend:

Chocolate Chip Muffins – $5.99 – These moist muffins, made with an applesauce base and a hint of cinnamon, are perfect for anyone who likes a little chocolate in their life.  Vegan chocolate chip so these muffins are dairy free. – also free of gluten, and eggs.  Contains soy lecithin.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins – $5.99 – If you’ve had our banana bread, then you’re sure to love these muffins.  They’re made with the same moist and flavorful batter but we’ve added vegan chocolate chips to spice things up! – free of gluten, dairy, and eggs.  Contains soy lecithin.

Double Chocolate Chip Muffins – $5.99 – These muffins are similar to our chocolate chip muffins but are more decadent with the addition of good old-fashioned cocoa powder.  Chocolate for breakfast… yes please! – These muffins are free of gluten, dairy, and eggs.  Contain soy lecithin.

Almond Carrot Muffins – $7.99 – These muffins are the only item on our menu completely free of any refined sugar.  They’re similar to carrot cake but much healthier!  With just the right mixture of almond meal, agave, and a hint of cinnamon, they are sure to please your palate. – Our almond carrot muffins are free of gluten, soy, dairy, and eggs.

Stay tuned for more details on what I’m making for the holiday!

Georgia is now home and while I love being an Atlantan, there’s something about Virginia, that I just can’t tear myself away from…especially Virginia in the fall.  I get to spend two weekends in Virginia this month and I feel like one lucky girl.

Even though this past weekend was unusually warm, it still felt like fall in Charlottesville.  Leaves were starting to change; everyone wanted to be outside; I had no responsibilities for the weekend except hang out with college friends.  Beautiful.

While I miss so many of the gluten-filled places I frequented as an undergrad, Saturday morning was a reminder to me that there are some gluten-free places for me in C’Ville.  Desperate to enjoy the beautiful weather, I wandered downtown to the Farmer’s Market, where of course, you can find table after table of beautiful produce, all gluten-free.  I even unexpectedly ran into three college friends while perusing the market…so fun!

It didn’t bother me that the cakes and breads at the market weren’t GF, because I headed right over to The Baker’s Palette and ordered myself a few of their gluten-free pumpkin muffins.  Baker’s Palette also sells GF banana muffins and biscotti, but I always stick with the pumpkin variety.  (They keep them frozen so I had to exercise major patience while I waited for my first one to thaw.  It was worth the wait.)

Baker's Palette: Just a quick walk from Charlottesville's Downtown Mall

A wonderful, gluten-free, morning.  Sure, when I got to the morning reception I attended, I couldn’t eat the Bodo’s bagels that were set out, but by that time I had my perfectly thawed, delicious pumpkin muffin.

I didn’t have a lot of time to eat out at restaurants this trip because most of my meals were at University events, but on Sunday morning I discovered a new found love of smoothies.  Now, I’ve never really been into the ‘liquid diet,’ but on Sunday morning they looked so good, and it was delicious.  My friend, Nina, and I went to Calvino Cafe, at the Main Street Market, next to one of favorite lunch spots, Feast.

I inquired about the yogurt Calvino puts in their smoothies and they use the Kroger generic brand, so I didn’t take a risk.  Instead they subbed milk for yogurt and it was so yummy.  (My smoothie still tasted nice and thick, not too icy.)  Calvino also offers soy milk as an option, in case you prefer to go dairy free.  We sat outdoors, enjoying our breakfasts, before taking a walk ‘on grounds.’  (That’s what we, UVA folks, refer to as ‘on campus.’)  A perfect way to end my Charlottesville visit before heading back to my family in northern Virginia.  And, I’ll be back up in the Commonwealth of Virginia this weekend too!

On Saturday, I spent the morning at Atlanta’s Gluten-Free Vendor Fair with my GF buddies, Jen and Anne.  I attended last year and was blown away by the number of GF vendors, but this year it felt like even more options and yummy treats to enjoy.

It’s a bit overwhelming to walk into a room with over 75 tables of GF options.  Where to start?  We decided to begin with savory dishes and end with sweet.  Well, we were really good about following our plan initially, but by the end, we were sampling whatever looked good to us.  We also took a break after about 45 minutes of tasting, which allowed our tummies to semi-digest what we’d already tried and go back for Round Two.  It was really great this year to have all of the vendors in one room, and not allowing strollers inside for the first part of the day, made it much easier to navigate.

There were many favorites this year but some of our top “New Discoveries” were:

My GF buddies, Jen & Anne enjoying PF Chang's lettuce wraps.

P.F. Chang’s: Oh wow.  P.F. Chang’s was our first stop on the gluten-free tour and I could have been sufficiently filled up just from what they had to offer.  I have to admit, I’ve never actually been to a P.F.Chang’s but I now know where I’ll be going when I’m craving Chinese food or on the road and looking for a place that I know will be gluten-free and yummy.  Their chicken lettuce wraps were one of the best savory items I ate all day and their Triple Chocolate Mousse mini-dessert is the perfect bit of GF goodness to finish off a meal.  Check out their gluten-free menu online

Figo Pasta: A local favorite of mine, I’d never sampled their delicious GF dessert before, Crespelle, two gluten-free pancakes with Nutella in the middle.  So good.  Of course I love their pasta too.

The American Grafrutti folks and their assortment of treats.

American Grafrutti: Known for their vegan and gluten-free cakes, this Marietta based company, introduced me to their caramel crunch this weekend.  I love trail mix/granola/sweet and savory combinations and that’s exactly what their caramel crunch was.  I could have eaten the entire bowl, and sort of wish I had.  You will soon be able to find their caramel crunch in Whole Foods.  I’ve mentioned this before but you can get American Grafrutti cupcakes at the Atlanta Braves

Pure Knead: The makers of Yeah! Burgers' buns...now serving GF hot dogs too.

Pure Knead: The Pure Knead folks are bringing gluten-free baked goods to the restaurant world.  They are the people that bring you the Yeah! Burger buns and now serving Farm Burger in Decatur as well.  You can order directly from Pure Knead.  Hands down, these are the best buns I’ve ever tasted.

Creators of the "Flaxy Lady Cookie." What a great name.

Mrs. Madewell: These sweet, yet savory cookies are gluten, dairy, soy and egg free.  I loved their Hummingbird Cookie and Mrs. Madewll also had the best named cookie: “Flaxy Lady Cookie.”  I love a good dose of flax any day.  Why not slip it into something sweet.  Their Amazing Oat Bark was another crunchy, sweet and salty treat.

Peacecake: Best new baking mix discovery

Peacecake: This company’s baking mixes make incredible gluten-free treats, from brownies to cookies to muffins.  When I tasted these bites of deliciousness, I couldn’t believe they came from a pre-packaged mix.  I will definitely be ordering some online.  You can also order frosting too!

Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this event happen, especially the Atlanta Metro Celiac Group.  I know many hours go into making this a successful event.  Thanks to the vendors for all of the yummy free samples!

This is just a ‘taste’ of what we sampled at the Gluten-Free Vendor Fair this weekend.  What were your favorites?  Please share!