In a world of Almond Joys, A&J is Mounds...

My nephew, as well as many others, has a nut allergy.  For some time, he was also allergic to egg.  Many of my students have gluten allergies.  As a parent, I can only imagine how difficult it is to find safe and tasty foods for their kids.  Until now...

A&J Bakery in Cranston, RI is one of the area's only nut and gluten free bakery.    Joe and his wife Amy  opened up 4 years ago after their son was diagnosed with a mild nut allergy. Both are graduates from the Johnson and Wales Culinary school, so you know they have the know-how.  But it is still quite the undertaking.   They have dedicated two separate kitchens, down to the air duct system, one for nut free and the other for gluten free.  But it has been worth it.  A&J's biscotti has been featured on Rachel Ray's show as the Snack of the Day in February and September of 2010.   Now they ship around the world.  It is well worth it.

Though neither of my boys have allergies (though we tend to stay away from artificial dyes) , we knew we had to taste test some items.  So selfless of us I know... Of course, we got some Double Chocolate Biscotti and also some Lemon Chocolate Biscotti.  Yum with a good cup of joe!

Mudge picked out a huge chocolate chip cookie, which he devoured the minute we got into the car, without sharing a crumb.  Boog chose a chocolate cupcake which you would have never known it was allergy friendly; it was moist, light, almost angel food in texture.  And I went for the Bomb, Chocolate Bomb that is.  I couldn't resist.  Joe told me it was a like a yodel with the icing mixed into it.  It was awesome.  We also picked up some incredible brownies that were so rich, we cut into quarters to serve them.

But they might be best known for their Allergen Friendly Gingerbread House Kits.  Most popular during the holidays, their kit includes allergen friendly handmade gingerbread as well as hand picked allergen friendly candies to decorate.  They send just about everywhere and their packaging holds up to the milage.

So if you or someone you know has a food allergy, visit A&J's Bakery either in person in Cranston or online, to get something safe and delicious.  If you don't have the allergy, try something anyway and you will be quite suprized that it is allergy friendly.