Gluten-free baking
A gluten-free baking endeavor, initially spurred by her children’s dietary issues, has grown into a successful start up venture for Dardi Broderick, the sole proprietor of Country Hearth Baking.
An experienced baker, Broderick began experimenting with this challenging baking method three years ago after learning of her children’s gluten intolerance, an issue she says had been causing a lot of trouble for her family. After seeing the positive results of this change for her kids, Broderick knew this was her calling. “There aren’t a lot of options out there for people struggling with gluten intolerance,” Broderick said. “We do what we do because we want to help these people.”
This loving mentality is evident in Broderick’s baking, and as a result she has found her niche at the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market. “This isn’t your average stuff,” Broderick said, citing her use of the best available ingredients – including Belgian chocolate and her homemade gluten-free flour blend – in crafting the highest quality gourmet products. Broderick blends seven distinct varieties of gluten-free flour for her baked goods, creating an original mixture that gives them a much more pleasant consistency than the grit- tiness that many associate with gluten-free products. “People love our cookies,” Broderick said with a smile. “We even have a few that are dairy- and soy-free.”
At the moment, Country Hearth baked goods are only available at the Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market, a match made in heaven, according to Broderick. “The Farmers’ Market is perfect for us,” she said. “It’s so great to be able to go to one place and get the best and freshest local products, which is exactly what we’re about.” For those looking to experiment with gluten-free baking themselves, Country Hearth Baking also offers a selection of easy and adaptable mixes to take home to your own kitchen. “I love going to the Farmers’ Market and talking to people,” Broderick said, “and I always have a big plate of samples to share.” It just goes to show that, when it comes to baking, there’s no better ingredient than a mother’s love.
The Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market is now in its winter season home, the Troy Atrium, located at 4 3rd Street in downtown Troy. Stop by the Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for local goods directly provided from the producer. Visit troymarket.org for more information.