Last week I received my weekly email from Raisin Rack, my local health food store.  They mentioned that they were carrying a new line of gluten-free bakery products made by Cherbourg Bakery.  I was intrigued.  I had never heard of Cherbourg Bakery before, but I was bound & determined to find out more.  I went to Cherbourg’s website and tried to find out where they were located so I could plan a visit.  Turns out that Cherbourg is a wholesale bakery that is starting to sell products in local stores, at Farmer’s Markets and other pertinent health-related, Celiac or gluten-free events.  I sent an email to the owner, Geri Peacock and anxiously awaited a response.  Geri contacted me and we planned to meet up to chat. 

I met Geri, who is just the sweetest woman, on Tuesday for coffee & a play date with our kids.  Here are the questions that I asked Geri:

Why did Geri decide to open a gluten-free bakery?

Once she had to go gluten-free, she really missed out on the treat that she once loved.  She found it hard to find anything comparable to the treats she enjoyed before she embarked on the gluten-free diet.  As a life-long baker, Geri started experimenting making her own gluten-free treats.

How long has Cherbourg Bakery been in business?

Cherbourg bakery has only been in business for about 4 months, but the recipes have been in the works for more than a year.  Geri started baking at 6 years old, so she got to work adjusting old favorites to be wonderful gluten-free treats.

Will Cherbourg Bakery be opening a brick & mortar location at any point?

Geri would love to have a store location and hopes to get to that point one day.  She wants to be able to provide a place for people to be able to go in, grab an amazing gluten-free treat & a drink and sit down tp enjoy it.  She would love for this location to be in the Bexley or Clintonville area.

Where can Cherbourg Bakery’s products be found?

Currently Cherbourg Bakery has products in the Raisin Rack (Westerville location), with several other stores in the works.  Cherbourg Bakery’s products can also be found at the Westerville Farmer’s Markets on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 12 Noon. 

What ingredients does Cherbourg Bakery use to make their products?

Geri prides herself on using only local and organic ingredients for the best possible treat.  Geri’s treats are always fresh & are never frozen.

What was the first treat that Cherbourg Bakery made?

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.  After perfecting the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Geri moved onto other treats that she loved & missed. 

What is Geri’s favorite treat that Cherbourg Bakery makes?

Mini Marsala Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes and Chocolate Chip Cookies are Geri’s favorites.  (We agree, those cakes are amazing!)

What is the most popular treat that Cherbourg sells?

The Double Lemon Bars, Mini Marsala Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes and Chocolate Chip Cookies are the most popular treats. 

Does Cherbourg Bakery plan on expanding to other gluten-free products like bread, rolls or bagels?

Not at this time.  Geri is focusing her efforts on the treat side of gluten-free and all the things she loves. 

Upon meeting up, Geri walked in with a huge tray of her gluten-free treats for us to sample.  She brought along Double Lemon Bars, Mini Marsala Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes, Lemonade Sandwich Cookies & a brand new cookie that she has been working on.  Jon and I sampled a couple items during the meeting and were very impressed.  I don’t recall Jon ever gushing over anything as much as he gushed over Cherbourg’s Double Lemon Bar.  Later at home Jon and I sampled the other items and they were just as impressive.  The Chocolate Lava Cakes are everything I thought they would be and more.  I seriously think that Jon wants Geri to adopt him because he has done nothing but talk about her lemon bars & chocolate cakes all week! 

Thanks Geri & Cherbourg Bakery for meeting with us for this interview!  We will be seeing you sometime very soon!

Upcoming Events where you can check out Cherbourg Bakery:

Westerville Farmer’s Market ~ Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 12 Noon

New Albany Farmer’s Market ~ August 14, 2009

To keep up with the current list of locations or new possible places to find Cherbourg Bakery, please visit Cherbourg’s blog.