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allergen-free

Blueberry Crumble

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Recipe courtesy of Alexander’s Bakery
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

Savor the last of this summer’s delicious blueberries with this blueberry crumble that is free from peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, and is gluten-free and vegan.  

Ingredients for the filling:

  • 1 ½ cups Local blueberries
  • 2 Tablespoons cane sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons non-GMO cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract

Ingredients for the crumble:

  • 1 cup gluten-free flour blend (ex. King Arthur Cup for Cup)
  • ¾ cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • ½ cup (packed) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter substitute (ex. Earth’s Balance buttery sticks) cut into ½ inch slices
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions for the filling:

In a small heavy saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch and water.  Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until blueberries begin to break down, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and add gluten-free vanilla. Set aside to cool.

Instructions for the crumble:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan
  2. In a large bowl, combine gluten-free flour, gluten-free oats, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the cold butter substitute and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs about the size of small peas. Place ½ the mixture in the bottom of the 9×9 pan and press down lightly. Spoon filling on top then sprinkle remaining crumble on top.
  4. Bake 50 – 55 minutes until the top is lightly browned and filling is bubbling.
  5. Allow to cool at least 30 minutes.  Serve warm with your favorite safe vanilla ice cream.  Enjoy!

Alexander’s Bakery Makes Allergen Free Treats Its Focus

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By Mariah Rankin

 

Vicki Brignati always loved to bake. But when her son Alex was diagnosed with severe allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and peas, her baking took on a different meaning.

“Her life became devoted to learning everything there was to know about food allergies and keeping him safe,” says Kristen Poulin, who co-owns Alexander’s Bakery with Brignati. “Alexander’s Bakery was created with a simple premise – everyone should be able to enjoy baked goods safely.”

Brignati and Poulin brought Alexander’s Bakery to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market this year. At their stall, located on the north end of High Rock Park on Wednesdays, they offer a range of baked goods, all of which are free of such allergens as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. They also sell at the market’s Clifton Park location on Mondays.

Alexander’s Bakery’s goods also are vegan and gluten-free. In this sense, Brignati and Poulin represent a small but growing group of prepared food businesses that are dedicated to creating foods anyone can eat.

“We quickly realized that we were filling a gap,” say Brignati and Poulin.

“We have been so warmly received by people with food allergies and sensitivities. They have told us many times how happy they are that we exist. We’ve also been well-received by many people who do not have food allergies or sensitivities. They simply love our products.”

Among the favorites is a whoopie pie that also is vegan, gluten-free, and made without the major allergens that plague many residents of the Capital area and others nationwide.

In addition to eliminating allergens, Brignati and Poulin try to take advantage of local, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. They debuted an iced blueberry lemon cookie at the market’s blueberry festival in late July. As fall approaches, they’re looking forward to unveiling iced pumpkin spiced mini muffins and apple cinnamon granola. The latter features locally grown apples that Brignati and Poulin dry themselves.

The pair describes the summer and their decision to sell at three farmers’ markets as a big step. They look forward to continued growth through the fall and next year.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at High Rock Park. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and check us out on the FreshFoodNY app. E-mail friends@saratogafarmers.org for volunteer opportunities.