Chef serves up gluten-free treats

A local chef is passionate about providing healthy, gluten-free and alternative meal choices to Albany.

A gluten-free cake stand at the Bargain Bonanza five years ago has turned into a bakery for Albany’s Free Range Chef owner Susan Retzlaff.

More Than a Bakery opened on Sanford Road today, serving healthy, affordable and delicious home-style cooked meals, all gluten-free.

Mrs Retzlaff said she was passionate about cooking and offering alternative choices to people.

“I want to encourage people to come and give the meals a go, they are alternative options — everything is gluten-free and there are great healthier options,” she said.

“I’m trying to go the health range – it’s about choices. If you want to indulge with pies, chips and KFC-style chicken, I have all that as a healthier and gluten-free option.”

In addition to being coeliac-friendly and Mrs Retzlaff said she was also introducing vegan meals.

“Come in and try it — it’s healthy home-style meals cooked from scratch that are affordable and convenient,” she said.

The chef said she was excited the business was open, saying it was a personal goal for her.

“It’s personal to me — I have coeliac disease and there are so many people like me that this is life-changing for them in Albany,” she said. “When I see a little kid at the front of the stall, having cake or slice he’s never had before in his life, its life changing.

“It’s why I do it. Albany was in need of something like this — somewhere to get gluten-free and healthier choices that are affordable. I think sometimes people with allergies are taken advantage of.”

The bakery will be open from Wednesday-Saturday. The Free Range Chef said she was hoping to continue having her cake and slices stand at the North Road IGA on weekends.