You have probably seen Mindful Baking’s booth at the farmers market. Their table is usually filled with colorfully glazed doughnuts, cupcakes, and hefty loaves of bread. At their storefront in Lincoln Square, they offer even more treats and toasts for those looking for gluten free and vegan products. I know how tempting pies and frosting and huge muffins can be but you would be doing yourself a massive disservice if you left either Mindful Baking’s booth or store without a loaf of their flax bread.
Sure, flax may not be as sexy as sourdough (also now available by the loaf at Mindful Baking), but it packs a nutty flavor reminiscent of a true whole wheat bread, and maintains the health focus attached to sourdough by offering up loads of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. I’ve been on the flax train since Oprah shared her favorite smoothie recipe (yes, on her show that last aired in 2011), which contained a tablespoon of flaxseed oil. Since then, I’ve made baked goods swapping eggs with flax eggs (flax meal mixed with water), I fill my children’s waffles with flax, I put it in granola, and continue blending it up with blueberries and beyond like queen O.
I understand the hesitation with purchasing bread that is not only gluten free but also vegan if those are not your preferred eating habits, but hear me out. Mindful Baking’s flax bread, toasted up with a thick smear of butter and a heavy-handed drizzle of honey is one of life’s most simple pleasures that you shouldn’t miss out on just because you had the dull, foam-like crumbly-air-style gluten free bread that is sold in most grocery stores. Mindful Baking’s bread is not that. It is fluffy on the inside and maintains a darkened, tasty crust on the outside without losing any of the desired moisture within. I am not gluten free or vegan (hence the hefty smear of butter and honey) but still find myself thinking about this bread often and then walking down the street to Mindful Baking to bring a loaf home. And a package of doughnuts because life is meant to be lived, and Mindful Baking owner and chef Diane Mejia has made that oh so easy.
Mindful Baking is located at 1942 W Montrose Ave and can also be found at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market and at select stores. For more information on hours and where to find their products, visit mindfulbakingcafe.com.
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