2% of the proceeds from our Pink Velvet Cupcakes is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and at Crave Bakery we’ve created a special treat  to promote awareness and help support the cause!

We believe that awareness of all health issues is important, particularly breast cancer.  Nearly 1 out of 8 women will experience breast cancer in their lifetimes, so this is a cause that should be close to everyone’s heart.

Celiacs in particular ought to be aware of cancer issues.  One 2007 study from Italy reported:

“Coeliac patients have an increased risk of developing cancer in relation to the age of diagnosis of CD. … An accurate screening for tumors should be performed in patients diagnosed with CD in adulthood and in advancing age.”

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with our NEW Pink Velvet Cupcakes, created especially by Crave to honor this special month and support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, one of of the most important advocates in the search for a cure.

These special cupcakes are some of our most delicious yet!  In a natural twist on on the classic Red Velvet, our Pink Velvet cupcakes have a light and luscious Cocoa flavor.  They’re topped with an All-Natural, Dairy-Free, Cream Cheese Flavored Frosting to make the experience even more decadent.  No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are used in these cupcakes, and of course, they are Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and made with Organic, All-Natural ingredients.

2% of all proceeds from our Pink Velvet Cupcakes will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation on an ongoing basis.  And they’re beginning to hit stores now!  We’re pleased to announce that these fine retail partners will be launching the product the first week of October:

• Harvest Market – Fort Bragg, CA
• Harvest Market – Mendocino, CA
• Glen Ellen Village Market – Glen Ellen, CA
• Gluten Free Specialty Market – Sacramento, CA

More locations are coming soon, but we need the help of our loyal customers like YOU to get the word out to stores in your area where you’d like to find Pink Velvet Cupcakes and our many other Gluten-Free treats!  Here’s what you can do:

Download and print the form below, and take it to your local store’s manager or baked goods buyer.  Explain to them that Crave fills a much needed gap in the Gluten-Free market: truly top-quality, delicious natural desserts that anyone would enjoy.

Here’s a link to a PDF of our Customer Request Letter, to take to your local retailer.  We have several distribution partners which make our products easily available to nearly any grocer in the Continental U.S., so don’t be shy!

Thanks for supporting Crave, and thanks for helping us to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Here’s wishing you a sweet October!

Crave's Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Toastred Pecan and Dark Chocolate Brownies

As a show of gratitude to our NEW friends on Facebook, we will be awarding a 12-pack of our rich Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Brownies to one lucky customer! We will choose a winner by random number generator on Wednesday, August 31st.

There are TWO ways to enter:

Option 1:  New Customers

First “LIKE” Us on Facebook.
Then, write on our Wall and tell us why you’d like to win.

Option 2:  Devoted Fans

First “LIKE” Us on Facebook.
Then, tell us why you love our products by leaving your comments on our Facebook Reviews tab.

***You must write on our Wall or Reviews tab for us to know you have
entered. Thanks for entering and best of luck!!***

This summer, we’re rolling out a newly re-designed Confetti Cupcake that is more fun and delicious than ever!

To give the cupcakes a new flavor element and an eye-catching visual appeal, we are now making the Confetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Frosting, and All-Natural Multi-Colored Sugar Sprinkles.  The change from Chocolate to Vanilla Frosting gives them a whole new look, contrasting the rich, dark Chocolate Cake, creamy-white Vanilla Frosting, and colorful sprinkles.  Kids will find them more irresistible than ever, and they will be sure to create a buzz at your next party.

We hope you love the new Confetti Cupcakes even more!  As always, they are Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, All-Natural, made with Free-Range Eggs and as many Organic ingredients as possible.  Go with your Cravings and pick up a 4-pack of Cupcakes to take home today!

Check here for Store Locations to find a retailer near you.  And, take a moment to connect with us on Facebook to stay up to date with Crave news and great Gluten-Free Lifestyle information.

Whether you need a stunning and elegant masterpiece for your dream Wedding, a fun, kid-themed cake for a child’s Birthday, Baby Shower cake, or even Graduation cake designed with a school mascot in mind, we can do it! Kelly Zubal of the famed Inticing Creations has teamed up with Crave. There is no end to the range of design ideas that Kelly can incorporate to find the perfect combination of flavors and decoration making your cake truly personal and memorable!

We want to extend a sincere thank you for your patience to our loyal customers, and want you to know our Custom Cakes are back – and better than ever! You shouldn’t have to sacrifice taste or aesthetic appeal just because you have a food allergy or intolerance.

Psoriasis

ADHD

What do all three have in common?  They’ve all been linked to an intolerance to one thing in our diet: Gluten.

As many of you who enjoy our Gluten-Free baked goods know, Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity are increasingly common problems that are not yet fully understood and which, sadly, are shrouded in a lack of awareness.  It’s now estimated that roughly 1% of Americans have Celiac disease – the genetic inability to process Gluten, but estimates on Gluten Sensitivity range as high as 40% of the population.

Recent studies from all over the world have linked Gluten Intolerance – which includes both Celiac disease and non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity – not only to the symptoms above but to many others:

• GERD/Acid Reflux Disease
• Fatigue
• Peripheral numbness and tingling
• Ataxia/Balance problems
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis
• Depression
• Schizophrenia

We talk about these problems as “symptoms” when many of them are widely recognized medical and psychiatric problems in their own right.  That’s the crux of the problem, is that most people, and many doctors, do not know that these problems may actually be symptoms of a body’s inability to digest Gluten.

Recently, we had the privilege of attending a lecture on Celiac disease and Gluten Sensitivity by Dr. Peter Green of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.  His talk, an update on awareness and diagnosis of both conditions, gave us much valuable perspective and an almost mind-boggling amount of information.  Here are a few highlights, and a video excerpt from the talk.  You’ll be amazed by what you hear!

• Medical research in the United States is largely driven by the pharmaceutical industry.  There is no drug involvement for Celiac disease or Gluten Sensitivity, so there is no financial incentive for the research to be done.
• There is no ICD code for Gluten Sensitivity.  What does this mean?  ICD codes are numbers assigned by the World Health Organization to classify and monitor every symptom and disease a human being could suffer.  No ICD code means Gluten Sensitivity is not tracked, and thus not studied on a large scale.
• Given the rise in Gluten Sensitivity, any coincidence that there’s such a spike in ADHD?  Though it is difficult to hear in the video below, he’s saying that 80% of the kids with ADHD that his organization studied tested positive for AGA, or anti-gliadin antibodies, indicating either Celiac disease or non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity.
• Schizophrenia has been linked to Gluten Sensitivity for so long that it was once known as the “Bread Madness.”

All of this stems, essentially, from one grain: Wheat.  This one food item was only first cultivated 10,000 years ago, and took thousands of years to spread throughout the world.  It was only introduced into our diets relatively recently in human history, and it is impossible for any human being to completely digest.  We can see the damage and health issues the Gluten protein has caused for countless people with Celiac disease and Gluten Sensitivity.  It’s important to understand that we are only beginning to understand all of the ramifications of this serious health issue.  So many of the diseases, disorders and symptoms afflicting millions MAY be linked to Gluten.  We have so much more to learn.

We at Crave Bakery are neither physicians nor scientists, and we encourage you to do your own research and to help promote awareness of Celiac disease and Gluten Sensitivity in your own way.  People – in the public and the medical community – need to know how common Gluten Sensitivity is, and the many ways that it can affect your health.

Now, enjoy this video excerpt from Dr. Green’s talk.  We hope you find this information as valuable and insightful as we did.  And please, share your thoughts!

The Gluten-Free bandwagon has really gotten rolling as many well-known celebrities and media figures have come forward as having Celiac disease – we’d name names but you know them already.  Several have become advocates of Gluten-Free living for reasons ranging from clearer skin to increased energy to weight loss, and many parents find their children with Autism and ADHD dramatically improving in cognition and function while on a Gluten-Free diet.  All of these factors have contributed to the increased interest in living Gluten-Free and increased demand for Gluten-Free products, to the point that Gluten-Free has even become referred to as a “fad.”

Yet recent media stories have portrayed Gluten-Free diets as unhealthy – even dangerous – for anyone not diagnosed with Celiac disease.  The reasoning behind this revolves around a few key assertions:

1. Gluten-Free diets are lacking in fiber.
2. Those on a Gluten-Free diet often experience B Vitamin deficiencies since they are not eating fortified or “enriched” flours made from wheat.
3. Those on a Gluten-Free diet often also eliminate Dairy, and therefore may suffer Calcium deficiencies.

We at Crave believe that a Gluten-Free diet can be healthy, and as real people eating healthy Gluten-Free diets, we put it into practice.  Now, much as we might like to, that doesn’t mean we eat our cupcakes every day.  Dessert should most definitely have its place, but healthy eating is healthy eating.  Gluten-Free diets can be as healthy as you make them, and let’s be clear:  The notion of “The Gluten-Free Diet” is somewhat of a misconception.

There is no one Gluten-Free diet.  In fact, all being Gluten-Free means is omitting a few specific things from your food intake.  It doesn’t say anything about what else you eat.  You could exist entirely on alfalfa sprouts or bacon – both are naturally Gluten-Free, though one is much better for you than the other.  Let’s face it, though, either one alone would be hard to take.  We like variety in our diets, and we should be thankful of the abundance of choices most of us have.

It is true that wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives are in much of the processed food available to consumers in the U.S. marketplace.  In simple terms, however, eliminating those three grains from the myriad natural whole foods we can eat is not such a big loss nutritionally.  And enriched, bleached white flour (the primary source of Gluten in American diets) is really not all that good for you to begin with – regardless of who you are or what your condition may be.  The fact is that all of the nutrients that are said to be missing from a Gluten-Free diet can – and should – come from other sources:

1. There is plenty of fiber to be found in fresh fruits and vegetables, and in whole Gluten-Free grains.
2. Green vegetables, bananas, potatoes, eggs, and meat are all excellent sources of B Vitamins.
3. Dark green leafy vegetables are natures best source of Calcium!  And if you can tolerate Dairy, it is also Calcium-rich.

Whether we practice it or not, most of us know what healthy eating means.  Eating a well-rounded diet and making educated food choices that contribute to one’s overall well-being are key to health, Gluten-Free or not.  Gluten-Free specialty products, including baked goods, can be part of a healthy GF diet, but the focus should be on eating fresh, wholesome foods that are naturally Gluten-Free.

The whole world of fruits and vegetables is available to you.  If you eat meat, make sure it is natural and unprocessed, or labeled Gluten-Free, and you’re safe.  Likewise with Dairy products.  Broaden your grain horizons and get to know Quinoa, a versatile, delicious, and nutrient-packed whole grain.  You have a cornucopia of wholesome food choices awaiting you.

If you think you may have Gluten Sensitivity, have a child with Autism or ADHD, or simply want to see how you feel without Gluten in your diet, there is no reason to fear that going Gluten-Free will endanger your health.  Simply continue to make wise food choices, like eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  If you have been diagnosed as Celiac, embrace your lifestyle change and know that improved health awaits you.  Make YOUR Gluten-Free diet a healthy one!

Autumn is here yet again and with it comes our spiced Pumpkin Tart. This year, Crave is offering not only our 8″ Tart but also a NEW 4″ size. Perfect for two people to share.

Serve warm or chilled with vanilla ice cream or dairy-free whipped topping. Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Soy-Free.

Ask your local store to order for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Mother’s Markets to Carry Crave in time for Thanksgiving!

We are pleased to announce that, as of Thanksgiving, you will be able to find Crave products at SIX locations in Southern California at Mother’s Market & Kitchen! They will be carrying Crave Pumpkin, Lemon, Apple and Apricot Tarts. Also our Chocolate and Confetti Cupcakes.

With stores in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Santa Ana, and Anaheim Hills, “Mother’s has gained a reputation for having all the stuff for specialized diets, top quality local and organic produce, the county’s largest selection of supplements and all at a great value! Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, low carbohydrate, low-glycemic, low-fat, low-salt and more…Mother’s has something for everyone.”

Do You Want to See Crave in Your Local Store?

If so, please cut and paste the following section into a Word document and print out for your Grocer/Cafe:

Dear Bakery Manager or Buyer,

I am requesting that your store carry Crave Bakery’s Gluten- and Dairy-Free baked goods.

Crave Bakery provides delicious premium desserts that are loved by people with or without wheat and dairy allergies.  Everything Crave Bakery makes is All-Natural, without Trans-fat, Organic, and, of course, Gluten- and Dairy-Free.

Their current product line consists of Brownies; Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes; Chocolate Cakes; Lemon, Apple, Apricot and Pumpkin Tarts; Cheesecake and Cookies.

To request product samples and information, please e-mail info@cravebakery.com or call (415) 826-7187.  You can also view their information at www.cravebakery.com.

Thank you for your consideration.

Other Ways to Keep in Touch With Crave:

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter (@cravebakery)

Or subscribe to the Crave Blog!

Only $1.50 per Brownie/Cookie When you Order Online!

Crave Bakery Online Store



In addition to having the opportunity to showcase our Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free baked goods for hundreds of hungry Gluten-Free folks, we were fascinated by the lectures from doctors who have become prominent in the Gluten-Free community for dedicating their careers to improving the lives of those with Gluten Intolerance.

Speakers included Dr. Rodney Ford, author of The Gluten Syndrome, and Dr. Vikki Petersen, author of The Gluten Effect.  Both doctors believe that Gluten Intolerance affects as much as 30% or more of the total population, and the Celiac disease makes up only a a tiny fraction of that group.  Citing the many developmental issues, skin conditions, and auto-immune reactions that can be indicators of a Gluten problem, they explained how many Americans are unknowingly suffering from preventable health issues that could be avoided by eliminating Gluten from the diet. Nutritionists also explained how to maximize the benefits and nourishment provided by the Gluten-Free diet.

Thanks to HealthNOW for such an informative and fun forum.  We hope that this will become an annual event and look forward to participating in many more Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity awareness events in the future!

For all our friends and future friends on Facebook, here’s your chance to win a *FREE* sample 12-pack of Crave Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Brownies, Toasted Pecan Brownies, and Chocolate Chip Monster Cookies!


Simply take the following steps to enter:

1: “Like” Crave Bakery on Facebook, if you don’t already
2: “Suggest” Crave Bakery to your GF or Dairy Intolerant friends on Facebook.
3: If you’ve tried our goodies, visit us on Facebook and share your thoughts on our “Reviews” tab.
4: If you’ve never had our products, write on our wall on Facebook. Tell us how you heard about Crave and why you want to win!
5: Keep up to date with Crave by signing up for a subscription to this blog.

IMPORTANT: When you complete step 3 or 4, we’ll enter your name in our drawing, to be held October 5th. We’ll contact you on Facebook to deliver your prize.

Good luck, and tell your friends!