Allergen Free Bakery

I recently had a chance to be a guest on Rogers TV Daytime show in Simcoe County on October 8th, 2009. I’ve also recently appeared on KOOL-FM, and in the Barrie Examiner and Barrie Advance.

All of this media coverage is a great opportunity to help raise awareness of food allergies and the challenges that those affected by them face on a a day to day basis. Not only do I want to be able to provide safe treats for the majority of food allergic children and adults but, I also want to provide people with factual information about food allergies so that more people will begin to understand them and appreciate the need for strict, no cross contamination of food allergens.

I really enjoyed giving Daytime host Jennifer Robinson a quick lesson on decorating techniques for Halloween themed cakes, as well as Shawn a chance to decorate a cupcake with a ghost on top, well they say ghosts come in all shapes and sizes.

Appearing on Rogers was a great opportunity to showcase our baked goods to viewers but also to allow for staff and volunteers (outstanding students from North Collegiate) at Rogers to sample my products so they could see for themselves just how tasty allergen free baking can be.

For Goodness Bakes was featured in The Barrie Advance

October 06, 2009

Connie Positano believes that having a food allergy is no reason not to enjoy a sweet treat once in awhile.

Positano is the owner/operator of For Goodness Bakes, a peanut, tree nut, egg, dairy and seed-free bakery offering cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

“To be honest, I hated to bake, but when my son developed a peanut allergy, which led to other food allergies, I rolled up my sleeves and went to work,” she said.

Positano was encouraged to start baking at home after noticing a lack of allergy-free products at local coffee shops.

“When you take any kid out, they are going to want a treat, but I couldn’t just buy any cupcake because who knew if it had come in contact with nuts,” she said. “It’s not just about the ingredients, it’s about whether or not that cupcake was made on the same line as one of the products.”

While many local bakeries can do special orders for peanut-free, or other ingredient-free cakes, not all products are free of all allergens.

Positano decided to make a career change from nurse to baker. She took cake-decorating classes, did a lot of research, and by trial and error, created her recipes.

The new baker also offers breads, buns and cinnamon buns, all made to order.

“It’s hard to find fresh baked bread that hasn’t come in contact with seeds,” she said.

Positano is also working towards offering gluten-free items in the next few weeks.

“I’ll admit, I love baking now,” she said. “I love making the different decorations, I love planning a wedding cake with a customer. I’ve always got something in the oven.”

For Goodness Bakes is located in downtown Barrie. For now, customers can call the bakery or place an order through the website. Directors for pick-up will be provided. For Goodness Bakes also offers delivery for a small fee.

In the future, Positano is hoping to get her items into local coffee shops and restaurants so anyone with an allergy can grab a treat.

For more information or to place an order, call 309-BAKE or visit www.forgoodnessbakes.ca.