Celiac’s disease is on the rise, food allergies of all kinds are on the rise, and a general concern for a healthier lifestyle is starting to take route.  So where do you go if you need to cut gluten from your diet?  Whole food stores and even some larger grocery stores are starting to carry some products, however the selection is limited and usually tasteless (which is being kind).  Fortunately, the lack of good gluten-free baked goods is no more.

Residents in and around Hartford are now lucky to have Dee’s One Smart Cookie gluten free, dairy free bakery in Glastonbury.  Owner Diane Kittle has listened to the needs of not only her community, but her body as well.  Diagnosed with celiac’s disease close to two years ago, Diane knew this is what her culinary training was leading up to.

I was fortunate enough to visit the newly opened bakery and sample some of the product.  Although not a sufferer of celiac’s myself, I have two close family friends that live on a very limited diet because of their disease.   (One a child that you just wish could enjoy a cupcake with the rest of his friends!)  In the past, I have attempted to bake gluten free goodies for these friends, but unfortunately, my repertoire is limited to the naturally gluten-free macaroons.  I love to share the fruits of my labors with my friends, and have always been saddened and frustrated with my lack of gluten-free recipes.  Luckily, Diane has fixed this problem for me and I am now more than happy to pop into her inviting shop and purchase some new and exciting products for my friends.

Dee’s has a wide range of products, from cookies to cupcakes, breads to muffins.  Talkative and very welcoming, I listened to Diane speak with her customers as they ventured into the store for the first time.  Immediately she sympathized with their struggles to find edible breads and baked goods.  She commiserated and listened and then offered up samples of everything in sight.  She is excited about her product and proud of the years of research and recipe testing that has lead to a menu of creative and tasty baked goods.  As customers shared their personal stories, they munched on their samples of blueberry muffins, molasses cookies, and French baguettes, just to name a few.  Customer after customer continued to rave about the samples.  People constantly used “normal” to describe Diane’s treats, and while many may not think that a huge compliment, anyone forced to eat the current gluten free products available knows how hard “normal” is to achieve.

So if you are looking for gluten free, or know anyone that is, pass along the word about Dee’s One Smart Cookie.  Not only will you be supplied with tasty breads and cookies, you will immediately find a new friend in Diane.

Dee’s One Smart Cookie
398 Hebron Ave
Glastonbury, CT
860.633.8000
Deesonesmartcookie.com