When being gluten free means missing out

I like to think there aren’t many things that I’m missing out on since going gluten free. For the most part, shopping has gotten easier in recent years and I feel like I can cook most things that I miss (and can’t easily be found from trustworthy restaurants). There are some times though when there is just no substitute, and frankly, it stinks.

This will be our third New England fall. The foliage is absolutely breathtaking, the weather is comfortable and calming – yes, I actually enjoy when we have overcast and rainy days. Here’s the thing though, there are certain delicacies that New England is known for, especially in the fall, that I just can’t enjoy. One of them is the whoopie pie, which up until last winter I had never had the opportunity to try. I heard all about them as we visited the area, and once we were officially moved up, but I couldn’t find gluten free whoopie pies anywhere. I FINALLY had the chance when planning for our baby shower. We were going to be hosting over 20 family members and friends from out of town at our home, which meant everything on the menu had to be gluten free. I was lucky enough to find Andi’s Gluten Free Kitchen, and she was absolutely amazing getting us a variety of delicious desserts. Naturally, I requested whoopie pies in both the original and pumpkin pie flavors. They were to die for!

That leaves me with probably the most famous item of all….the cider donut. Each year I feel like I go through the same frustration. I search every corner of the internet looking for someone/somewhere that will make these gluten free! I’ve called bakeries, farms, apple orchards, literally anything I can think of with no luck. I went through a phase growing up where I couldn’t even stand the smell of donuts, apparently the universe is getting back at me for that. I would LOVE to try one this year, especially as the weather is chilling and it sounds wonderful to sit down with a cider donut and hot cider…maybe even after apple picking (could I get any more New Englander than that?!).

I know I’m not the only one that gets frustrated when it feels like you’re missing out. What have you not been able to find or substitute? It would be wonderful if we could crowd source helping each other out 🙂 For now, I’d settle for anyone within driving distance of Seacoast New Hampshire that’s willing to make me a gluten free donut…please, send me your recommendations!!