I know, it's been a long time since I posted. I'm very sorry about that. But I came across something the other day that I HAD to share with the world...
Ever since Ella was diagnosed with her peanut allergy, I have been searching for a peanut-free bakery. Up until Sunday, my search had been in vain...but then I found Clever Cupcakes, and I was in heaven.
Located in Coquitlam (right across from Coquitlam Town Centre), Clever Cupcakes offers a huge selection of delicious cupcakes, made fresh every day. They contain NO additives, NO preservatives, NO artificial flavours and NO artificial colours. They are made with 50% less sugar than regular cupcakes. They contain good-for-you ingredients like natural cocoa, fresh fruit, and natural butter. And best of all, they are completely peanut and tree nut free!
Basically, they are the healthiest cupcakes you can buy. But, trust me, you would never guess that from eating one! They are SO GOOD. And there are so many yummy flavours to choose from, like mango vanilla cake with cream cheese icing, chocolate cake with strawberry icing, mint chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting, coconut cake with cream cheese icing...I could go on and on. We only tasted four of the flavours during our visit, and they were all delicious.
The store itself is really cute. They have the bakery in the back, and up front there are tables to sit at, and they also sell a selection of coffees and soft drinks. We sat and had cappuccinos with our cupcakes, while the kids made a huge mess with their cupcakes. Afterwards we spoke with the owner, Juan, for a while. He has a young son with an allergy to peanuts and tree nuts, and also a father who is diabetic. He really wanted to create a product that they can enjoy (he's still working on lowering the sugar content for his dad, though). They get a lot of orders from businesses and schools, as well as orders for birthday parties and other celebrations. And, of course, you can always walk in and see what flavours they have to offer if you're just craving a cupcake...or six.
We will definitely be returning to Clever Cupcakes, for birthday party orders, and just our everyday cupcake needs. (I know what you're thinking - no one should have everyday cupcake NEEDS. But I'm pregnant. Give me a break, here.)
Most of all I was just so happy that I could go in and get Ella a "store-bought" treat and not worry about it. It might not seem like a big deal to most people, but when you have a kid with a peanut allergy, those are the everyday little things that you wish you could give to your child. I think Ella said it best while we were sitting enjoying the cupcakes: "This is way yummier than staying home!"
