The Alternative Press

Proprietor Kathie Shwarz of Gluten Free Gloriously in Stirling, never stops. Her little shop on Main Avenue is always bustling with customers coming to purchase a whole variety of gluten free products.

“We freshly prepare everything we bake, and all of it is frozen by the end of the day,” said Schwarz. “We discovered that Gluten Free stales easily, so at the end of the day, all of our freshly baked products are popped into the freezer.”

As folks crowd into the busy little shop, they are very much aware of the large variety of products available on any given day.

I was amazed to see how easy it is to simply open a freezer door, and help yourself to packages of cupcakes, muffins, wraps, loaves of Italian bread, pizzas, and specially prepared desserts.

“October marks three years that we’ve opened Gluten Free Gloriously,” said Schwarz. “At first, I relied on existing recipes, but then I began experimenting with my own creations. I wanted to prepare a delicious product.”

“We’re especially proud of our pizza and our Italian bread. Folks come for our gluten-free-dairy free items, as well as our delicious, fresh, local, pasta and bakeable bagels.”

As one who has baked from home for three years before opening Gluten Free Gloriously, Kathy had been under diagnosed for many years. “Some people may not necessarily have Celiac Disease, but they are gluten-intolerent,” she offered. “Before starting on a gluten free diet, it’s best for you to consult your physician for appropriate testing.”

Basking Ridge resident Colleen Heinemann shops at Gluten Free Gloriously. “You’ll be pleased with the taste of each of the  products” she said.  “I truly feel safe shopping here. I love the ravioli and Linzertortes.”

“Baking at Gluten Free Gloriously is one of the most exciting learning experiences I’ve ever had,” said Gina Bisignani a Trained Pastry Chef. “Folks come from all over the state of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. They really love our freshly prepared products.”

The key to a successful Gluten Free product is how well it tastes. According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, “The key to understanding the Gluten free diet is to become a good ingredient label reader. Please be aware: The following ingredients should not be consumed. They are derived from prohibited grains: barley, malt or malt flavoring (can be made from barley), malt vinegar, (made from barley), rye, triticale, wheat: durum, graham, kamut, semolina, spelt.”

“Distilled alcoholic beverages and vinegars are gluten-free. Wines are gluten-free. Beer, ale, lagers and malt vinegar are made from gluten-containing grains, and are not distilled; therefore, they are not gluten free, with the exception of some gluten free beers that are currently available.”

Please note: Whenever you purchase food, be sure to read the ingredients stated on the label. “If you are unsure about the ingredients in any product, avoid it, or find a comparable product that is gluten free.”

According to Kathie...''Please remember, Eating Gluten Free does not have to mean you have to dine on boring food or feel deprived.” Just know, that the best test for Gluton Free Products are:
* Good Taste
* Good Texture
* And the product has to defrost well.

Please make the effort to visit Gluten Free Gloriously. Speak with Kathie and enjoy her products.

FYI:
What: Gluten Free Gloriously, 267 Main Ave., Stirling
Call: 908.647.7337
email: GFbyKathie@aol.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
FYI: Product Line: Italian Bread: Crusty outside, soft center, in baguette, sub roll or dinner roll size. Sandwich Circles: One size: whole grain roll--cross between a pita and English muffin. Pizza: 9 or 14 inch; plain or pepperoni; pick up a crust and add your own toppings.
Muffins: Banana, chocolate chip, blueberry or seasonal with special dairy free offerings. Wraps; An alternative to flour; tortillas in cheddar or plain; Cookies, raspberry bars, chocolate chip, sugar cookies, brownies, holiday specials; Cheesecakes, cupcakes, pies, and special desserts.
Street and parking lot parking. Accepts orders for special occasion cakes. Offering vanilla, chocolate without nuts, or carrot prepared with fine Italian Chestnut flour... and believe it or not, Red Velvet cake and cupcakes.

Visa and Master Card accepted.

Message from Millicent
Hi! I’d love to know the name of your favorite new restaurant, new chef, or favorite ice cream or yogurt place.
Do you frequent a local local bar that serves serves terrific food, or a bakery or burger place that offers fabulous daily specials?
Do keep in touch. Know that I’m always an email away, and would love to hear from you.
The best for a wonderful rest of the month of September.
Millicent
Mkbrody@aol.com