Hailie’s Oven in Fruita is more than a bakery, it is a local resource for those with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance. During my visit, customers came in expressing relief at finding a completely gluten-free experience and people who are dealing with the same issues they face; they no longer felt alone. Hailie’s Oven is offering a type of community ministry.
Stephanie Burner, Hailie’s mom, diagnosed with Celiac Disease a year ago, follows a strict gluten-free diet, which isn’t easy. Gluten is a group of proteins found in cereal grains (it’s the thing that makes dough sticky) and is present in a lot of our food items, not just bread.
The solution seems simple, buy gluten-free foods and flour. But there is a catch, just breathing in gluten can trigger adverse reactions. While some restaurants have gluten-free options, it is usually not truly gluten-free because there is gluten in the kitchen.
Stephanie’s daughter, Hailie, began making gluten-free cakes for her mom. Soon she had the idea to make gluten-free baked goods for others in the Grand Valley. This has become Hailie’s Oven, which opened on the first of October. The bakery is a family affair: her parents, Stephanie and Jim own the bakery (until Hailie graduates from high school in May), and Hailie’s grandmother, Shirley, works there. Bobbi, the kitchen manager, is the only non-family member. Together they make delicious baked goods, including various breads (my favorite, strawberry, is made using a family recipe) and pies (try the chocolate cream pie, it melts in your mouth!).
The Burner family is grateful for the support of the Grand Valley community, in turn, they support the community by offering pies for events. Maybe you’ll win one sometime!
Article by Stacey Atkins
Photography by Stacey Atkins
Originally published in Grand Junction Lifestyle