Today Nick and I ventured up to the Astoria Market at the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, which we only knew had “an eclectic assortment of wares” and some kind of food and drink.
Well, it certainly was…something. Basically just an elementary school gym-sized room with about 30 vendor tables. There were weird Christmas decorations, some cool jewelry, art, hand-made cards, and some gluten-free pumpkin chocolate-chip muffins! I believe that the name of the vendor was Elsa-Joy Baked Goods, but I can’t seem to find any information on it anywhere online. Maybe they’ll post about it on their blog soon.
Even though the muffins were extremely, ridiculously over-priced at $3.50 for a very small muffin and $7 for a mini-loaf, I felt that I had to try one. If not for any other reason than supporting gluten-free vendors! The only other food option was from The Chocolate Swirl, which had truffles that got my hopes up. But they said that they weren’t gluten-free 😦
After making a pot of coffee, I dug in:
Soooo… it was good. The best part was the sticky top and the big, rich chocolate chips. I have been missing the richness of gluten-filled pumpkin bread – like the 440 calorie slice from Starbucks I used to get. I remember it being so dense and filled with moist, pumpkin flavor. This muffin was a little pumpkin-y, but not like I remembered. I might have to challenge myself to make my own pumpkin bread before autumn is over.
Now I’m relaxing, and popped open a St. Peter’s Sorghum Ale. The first time I had this beer was at Peculier Pub on Bleecker Street – and the second time was not the charm. Maybe the first time I had it I was wooed by the cool bottle?
For some reason this beer tastes skunked to me. It could be because I’m not used to drinking beer nowadays, but it just isn’t enjoyable for me. I’ll stick with Redbridge from now on.
Gluten Free? Gimme Three! 
Hi GlutenFreeGimmeThree!
Thanks for the mention on your blog. It’s Esta-Joy’s Kitchen catering & consulting. I really wish I could charge less for gluten free products believe me. My oldest friend (first boyfriend) was diagnosed with Celiac’s Disease years after a motorcycle accident left him a paraplegic. I have just begun adding gluten free products to my catering & baked goods line & bake in small batches so I can’t order my gluten free products in bulk hence the high price tag! Hopefully, with more orders for these products I can & lower the price.
Also, I know you said that it wasn’t pumpkiny enough. Was it because of the blend of spices or was it the chocolate chips? I’m always looking for feedback so let me know & you can email me anytime. My website is currently under construction so let me know if you have an email & I can add you to my list.
Thanks again for the mention & Happy Holidays!!!!
EJ
Esta-Joy’s Kitchen
ejeatsnyc.blogspot.com
cookingwithedge.blogspot.com
Thanks for the comment EJ! I totally understand the high cost and time commitment of baking gluten-free, which is why I don’t do a lot of it myself 🙂
You know, I can’t really pin-point what to attribute the lack of pumpkin to. The chocolate chips were awesome, so it definitely wasn’t that. It was more a lack of moisture – so maybe see if you can find a recipe with more eggs, or molasses, or butter/cream cheese. This one looks out of control (but more like a chocolate cupcake than a pumpkin muffin 😉 ) http://glutenfree.wordpress.com/2010/10/07/gluten-free-triple-chocolate-pumpkin-muffins/
I would love to be on your mailing list – anna.c.luke@gmail.com
Good luck on the gf baking, and thank you for bringing it to Astoria!
Happy New Year!
You are on my list! Also, check out my website…estajoyskitchen.com. I am selling items on June 15th in Kew Gardens at the KG Flea Market at the Kew Gardens LIRR parking lot near intersection of Lefferts Blvd & Austin Street. I will have some gluten free items I hope you can taste! I am always experimenting with recipes!