Before we get into this weeks gluten-free news, I want to remind you about the two, count ’em two, parties at gluten-free bakeries tomorrow:
- 2B Whole European Gluten-Free Bakery is celebrating its two-year anniversary with a spooky-themed party from 8-5 p.m. with cookie-decorating, a costume contest, and a special Fright Fest Carnival Menu: Pumpkin Pie by the slice, Pumpkin Spice Bars, Pumpkin Waffles, Almond Butter Cups (with pumpkin), Popcorn, Cupcakes and Mini Cheese Pizzas.
- Gluten Free Cutie is having its grand re-opening party at its new location from 2 to 4 p.m. with free samples, giveaways and prizes! Pumpkin hand pies, cookies, cupcakes and more await party goers. The bakery also sells a nice selection of dye-free, nut-free candies from Candy Tree, Surf Sweets, Torie & Howard, etc. perfect for trick-o-treaters.
Head over to Aldi and stock up on gluten-free fried onions for green bean casserole and two types of stuffing (chicken and turkey). These holiday items are incredibly inexpensive and easy to use to 
create a gluten-free Thanksgiving spread the whole family will enjoy whether they eat gluten free or not.
Just learned that I owe Jennifer Paul, executive pastry chef at Canoe, a big hug because their warm pumpkin cake with fall spiced pumpkin ice cream is gluten free. The cake is made with almond flour, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin seeds and topped with housemade white chocolate ganache and candied pumpkin seeds. I see a trip to Canoe just for dessert in my future.
Stop by Whole Foods or order a set of spooky Halloween pops from Pop Stars before it is too late. Candy corn, pumpkin and chocolate gourmet pops are the perfect addition to this festive time of year and they bring with them no gluten or dairy. Made with coconut milk and all natural ingredients, these pops are also available ‘spiked’ for catering and private events. Get yo’ pop on! 
Seven Sisters Scones in Johns Creek is accepting Thanksgiving orders and offers a nice selection of sweet and savory gluten-free items for this festive occasion. Choose from: quiche (hashbrown crust), roasted tomato and goat cheese dip, chicken blue cheese dip, salads, sweet potato casserole, cranberry relish, and save room for brownies, scones, macaroons, chocolate mousse and apple, pumpkin or pecan pie. This is not a dedicated gluten-free environment, but they take all necessary steps to avoid cross contact.
Shake Shack recently opened at 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road in front of Perimeter Mall in the former location of Soma. While the restaurant has signs asking customers to inform them of food allergies, they clearly aren’t set up to accommodate requests with actual food. The restaurant doesn’t offer gluten-free buns, the fries are prepared in a shared fryer and the chicken is breaded. Gluten-free diners can order a hot dog or burger sans bun, which really isn’t much of a meal considering Farm Burger is just down the road and they offer gluten-free vegan buns, snacks, salads, and appetizers.
Have a tasty and safe weekend.
