Cupcakes have been all the rage since a few years ago when every baker wanted to be on Cupcake Wars. They've maintained their popularity as favorite treat here in the Lehigh Valley, and appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth. Lined up in rows, placed in the old school glass cases, filled, topped, sprinkled and incredibly decorated, Blondies has made it possible for gluten-free eaters to enjoy cupcakes.
I recently went to Blondies and tasted several of their sweet, gluten-free cupcakes, which are sold in six-packs of assorted flavors. You can also order them by the dozen for serving at parties or gatherings. My favorite was the chocolate raspberry. Or was it the chocolate covered cupcake with peanut butter icing and chocolate chips? They have one titled Birthday Cake covered with a profusion of sprinkles, and a Dirt Cupcake with a gummy worm on top!
Blondies, known for its Cupcake War fame, is located in Catasauqua. I stepped in the door and immediately noticed what a homey, comfortable place this small restaurant is: several round tables and plenty of counter space, if you like to sit up on a stool, and several glasses coverings showcasing the cupcakes. Looking around, I saw lots of neat kitschy stuff from decades ago hanging on the walls and sitting on the counters, creating a space that is truly welcoming. Coca-Cola signs, an adorable wall clock with cupcakes on it and ceramic cupcakes on the counters were some of my favorites. Even better is the warmth of the youthful staff, who were all friendly and smiling.
I loved meeting “Blondie,” who toured me around the restaurant and answered all my questions. She seemed to be very knowledgeable about celiac disease and informed on making gluten-free decisions.
Looking at the menu, I saw about 50 different hot dog options—no gluten-free hot dog rolls are available but you can eat them without the bun or bring a GF bun with you. After diving into some of the gluten-free cupcakes, I sampled the halupkie, which is a cabbage roll with tomato sauce for those who are not familiar. It was larger than most and tightly wrapped in fresh, green, properly cooked cabbage leaves. The seasoning was spot on, the flavor was lively and the sauce was bright and added a lot to this takeout entree. I sampled it there and took the rest home for my supper; best halupkie I have had in a restaurant, ever.
Blondies makes many of its regular, wheat-flour-based cupcakes in gluten-free versions; the flavors change almost daily and they sell enough that their stock is always fresh. Blondies' staff must be busy whipping up fresh cupcakes all day long, as they have to replace the cupcake stock at least once a day.
If you are in need of a sweet bakery treat, need your hotdog fix (minus the bun for gluten-free folks) or want a homey take-out meal, stop by Blondies Cupcakes and Hotdogs in Catty and load up. The only hard part is restraining yourself from eating too much food!
About the Author
Angela has been eating gluten free since her celiac diagnosis in the winter of 2013. She started a blog on Patch in February 2013 and moved to WordPress in 2015. Angela has been a writer of sorts for much of her adult life and enjoys writing blog posts as well as poetry, children's stories and an unpublished memoir.
Angela works as a circulation assistant at a small library and teaches in various elementary schools. She has also worked as a private chef, a paralegal, a quality control and edit clerk, a clothing store manager, a flower gardener and a few other odd jobs. She has been published in the Saucon Source.
Cooking has been a focus in her life ever since she baked small cakes at age five with her mom. Writing has been important in her past careers, and writing her blog allows her to combine three things that she truly loves: cooking, eating and writing. Angela's mission is to inform others living with celiac as well as anyone who eats gluten free for other reasons. She loves posting recipes she has created as well as product reviews, restaurant reviews and general rants about living gluten free.
Angela cooks seasonally, limits sugar intake and avoids processed foods for the most part, but she knows that sometimes you must indulge in lovely, sweet desserts, and for that you must forgive and simply enjoy.
She hopes that her postings here tempt folks with celiac or wheat allergies to eat out, to cook real food and to regain their joy in delicious meals.
