Serving up gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and vegan baked goods, Red Deer’s newest bakery is officially open for business.
The Maple Tree Gluten-Free Bakery and Cafe on 5 Fir Street in Fairview is located in the former site for the Castle Cone Cafe.
While the business opened on a trial basis three weeks ago, owner Vanessa Darling said the response has been outstanding. Customers have been trickling in from all over Central Alberta and Calgary.
A few years ago Darling switched to a gluten-free diet after learning she was gluten sensitive. She began experimenting in the kitchen and came up with recipes that were both tasty and healthy.
She began serving up her baked treats at local public markets and decided to open her shop because of demand.
Some of her best sellers have been her cinnamon buns, Oreo cookies, breads, granola bars, mini banana loaves and blueberry muffins. There are some festive treats such as pumpkin brownies and pumpkin pie.
“We don’t use xanthan gum or guar gum here,” said Darling. “That’s usually want you find but because that is an inflammatory for the gut for a lot of people we are using psyllium husk, chia seed and flax which are high in fiber and rich in nutrients.”
All goods are gluten-free and some are vegan (no eggs or dairy) and dairy-free. Darling said the bakery and cafe caters to a number of diets. Pre-made healthy gluten-free soup will also be on the menu.
Darling would like to offer lunches in the future. Right now customers can enjoy a cup of coffee while enjoying a snack.
The Maple Tree is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Darling said it will be open on Oct.3 because the weather is supposed to take a turn for the winter.
Starting on Oct.17, it will be open on Saturdays tentatively between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Plans are in the works for a grand opening in the fall. Find The Maple Tree on Facebook for information on the various baked goods.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com