we discovered a great new gluten free baking business in Vancouver recently, called High Crow Gluten Free Foods. I met with Julie Desgroseillers to find out more about how she started her business and the amazing products she produces. Julie’s gluten free products range from cookies, four kinds of bread, hamburger and hot dog buns, and even wedding cakes! (see end of post for details on the giveaway)
Julie's BSc in Dietetics, her experience as a product designer and pastry maker, and her life time dream to have her own bakery someday form the foundation of her business. Julie enjoys baking foods that are nutritious, and reflect a handcrafted, homemade quality and these are ultimately the goals that drive High Crow.
Julie was keen to take on the challenge of gluten free and dairy free baking even though she is not celiac or gluten intolerant, and she experimented until she started getting rave reviews from her taste testers both big and small. all High Crow baking is prepared in a dedicated gluten free commercial kitchen in Delta, BC, which trust us is a rarity. even with her new gluten free kitchen, Julie still buys her ingredients cautiously and buys direct from the manufacturers to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
Julie likes baking with sorghum and chickpea flours because she prefers the nutritional values and the texture that these flours offer. she also uses millet and rice flour, and has been experimenting with rice bran because of its nutritional qualities. in all her baking Julie tries to achieve a product that is high in fiber and protein, and low in sodium. Julie uses soy milk instead of regular milk, but she can make products soy free on request.
High Crow has many sweet and delicious treats to choose from like cookies, brownies, blondies, and mini loaves, but after trying many of her products, I think it is Julie's gluten free breads that set her apart from anything else I have tried. Julie sells four different breads: millet & rice bread, sorghum bread, chickpea & sorghum bread, and flax seed bread. what is also really exciting is that Julie also makes dinner rolls, hamburger buns, and hot dog buns! hello summer barbeques!
any brides who are looking for a gluten free/ dairy free wedding cake, look no further as Julie also bakes and sells cakes to Buttercup Custom Cakes, a wedding cake designer, who then comes to Julie's gluten free kitchen to decorate the cakes, to ensure no cross contamination.
currently Julie is selling her products through the Steveston and Vancouver Winter Farmer's Markets, and will also be at the following summer markets: the Royal City Farmer's Market (New West) and the Kitsilano Market. Julie also takes orders by phone or email, which can be picked up at her commercial kitchen (see website for more info) or you can pick up at one of her markets. you can now also find High Crow products at the Wired Monk Cafe in Abbotsford, as well as the ABC Country Restaurant in Abbostford. I know Julie is also in talks to sell her products at other retail outlets in the lower mainland, and once those locations have been confirmed we will let you know.
this giveaway is now closed. thanks to all who entered, a winner will be announced shortly. Andrea.
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32 comments:
Love Julie's stuff. Her blondies are unreal and her treats freeze and defrost awesomely!!
Oh wow!! I've been dying to try high crow since I heard about them. I dont think I've had REALLY good gf baked goodies ever! They're always so dry... And obviously gluten free :(
I'm wondering if High Crow is the incredible bread I was served at Prospect Street Cafe in Bellingham? One of the wait staff goes to Abbostford to pick it up for the service to us gluten free folk.
The bread is light and tasty!
Next time I cross the border, this bakery is definitely on my list of places to go.
BTW can Buttercup Custom Cakes deliver to Whatcom county? I have brides asking for gluten free recommendations at least once or twice a season.
The question is, of course, who can I talk into picking up that wonderful basket for me? ;)
I picked up one of her loaves at the Cannery Market and was throughly impressed! I'll definitely be tracking her down for more.
I'm out is Abby semi regularly so I'll have to stop off at Wired Monk and ABC!
Oh tasty GF treats....
I'm always up for trying new GF products!
Following you on facebook!
following you on twitter
Would love to try all those GF breads! I will definitely be checking out those markets in the future.
Already following on Facebook... now to find you on Twitter!
Another great reason to attend our local farmers markets :) Thanks for introducing me to High Crow. I'm craving a grilled cheese sandwich on gf bread!
Awesome giveaway! Would love to win.
Yum, my friend told me about High Crow a few months ago and I've been meaning to try! Love fresh over store bought GF any day :)
so exciting! finally a bread that I (gluten intolerant), my brother (lactose intolerant) and my 2 yr old niece (likely glutent and lactose intolerant) can all eat together! family celebrations just got that much better :)
Pick me! Pick me!
ohh! I would love to try her products--I've yet to have a good hamburger bun.
I already follow you on Facebook (@Glitter Apathy).
Wow. This sounds exciting! Gluten AND dairy free? sweeeet.. what about egg free for the vegans out there? loveeeeeee this so much. xo
this sounds fabulous! i will have to visit high crow for sure!! it's always so exciting to hear about gf bakeries ((:
Love your blog! The places to go and the products to try. Thank you. Would love to win a basket of goodies!!
Awesome, I love to hear about gluten-free products that I haven't tried!
Oooh I would love to win that basket! Following you on Facebook.
Oooh I can't wait to try these products! Here's hoping!
wow- would love to win this gift!
Thanks for this splendid giveaway
anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com
I follow you on twitter @anashct
email: anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com
Oh, I'd love to win! I'm a gluten free newbie and just discovered you on FB. I'll have to look you up on twitter too!
PS: that bread looks fantastic!
ECSTATIC that I found you and I LOVE that local businesses in Abbotsford are using your products!!! You are appreciated High Crow!!! I will be making lots of trips out to the Vancouver area to find you at the markets this Summer. Cheers, Meg Baker:)
Sounds delicious. I'd love to win!
Dale @dalevancouver
dale@hdinspirations.com
Ooh! Sounds so delicious - would love to win!
How have I missed all this action? High Crow sounds great!
A big HELLO to all you GF peep's :D
*I'll be peeking in at all your pages now.
Thank you so much for all your effort on this blog. It takes so much of the stress off in finding delectable gluten free treats! Can't wait to try High Crow's products. I've almost forgotten what fresh bread tastes like! :)
I haven't tried these yet but they sound yummy!
billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com
I can't believe that I have never heard of High Crow before now. They look so amazing. I wil ldefinitely be trying some of their goodies out, and soon!! Thanks for keeping me in the know!
Oh, and of course I'd love to win!! =)
junglistangel@hotmail.com
Brown Dog is really not Gluten-free. The chef was incredibly rude and defensive and the only gluten free item they had was crackers! We left and won't go back.
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