Recently in Bakery Category

Deerfields Bakery sent us some samples of their gluten free products.

Cupcakes are a favorite here at Chicago Bites and we're always searching for the best cupcakes in Chicago. So when Deerfields Bakery offered to send us samples of their mini chocolate cupcakes to try, we took them up on it. It’s always a good idea to test what’s new on the cupcake scene, right?

Not this time. The Mock-olate frosting on these baby cakes leaves a funny aftertaste, and the cake itself is so crumbly that it doesn’t stand up to a good forking. If you want good gluten free cupcakes go to Swirlz Cupcakes. Their gluten free ones often trump their “regular” cupcakes, and you can’t go wrong.

Now, even though Deerfields mini cupcakes got a solid “thumbs down” all around, some of the other baked goods they sent were quite tasty. There was no way that Tammy and I could get through all the sweets on our own, so we invited friends over to my place and chowed down, liberally swapping opinions as we nibbled.

Here are the highlights:

• The cheesecake was a favorite (although some thought it would be even better with fruit), and the blueberry cream cheese coffeecake was nice too. My favorite? The lemon button cookies – a frosted lemon puff that goes well with coffee.
• The triple chocolate brownie and the chocolate cookies weren't very popular. I’ve tried enough gluten free things to realize that the taste of chocolate is very hard to replicate. However, I enjoyed the non-chocolate things I tried and I think that the folks at Deerfields really know what they’re doing.
• Deerfields greatest strength is their variety of baked goods. They offer people who eat gluten free dessert choices they rarely get, and that alone makes them worth trying.

City dwellers who won’t be in Schaumburg anytime soon can get Deerfields Bakery cookies at Whole Foods in Lincoln Park and the Loop.

Have thoughts on eating gluten free or on Deerfields Bakery? Know of some other gluten free cupcakes we should try? Drop us an email or leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you!

Deerfields Bakery - Gluten Free
25 S. Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60193

Related Chicago Bites Posts:
Blue Sky Bakery & Cafe
Swirlz Cupcakes
Twisted Sister Bakery

Making a grab for the wonderful cookies at Blue Sky.

We joined the Chicago Dining Out Meet-up for a light, summer dinner at Blue Sky Bakery & Cafe. They don't normally do dinner, so this was a chance to try the baked goods as well as offerings they picked up from the local farmer's market. It was a warm evening and the cafe was hot. Despite that, they made a good show of light salads, artisanal cheeses, and delicious cookies.

Normally, Blue Sky provides a rotating selection of freshly baked pastries, salads and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Their granola looks tasty too -- it's on my list the next time I go by. Blue Sky is more than food, however. They also provide job training and opportunities for disadvantaged kids in the Chicago area. Youth work the counter, bake, cook, and come away with a job history and references.

If you're in the neighborhood, drop by for a cup of coffee, granola, or one of their fabulous scones. It's a great deal for you and for the people learning the business.

Cheddar and jalepeno scone available at Blue Sky.

Blue Sky Bakery and Cafe
4749 N. Albany Ave.
Chicago, IL

See more photos from Blue Sky Bakery & Cafe here.