The Impossible Dream – A Gluten-Free Croissant

Gluten Free Croissants III, originally uploaded by A Gluten Free Guide.

Croissants and ravioli are two foodstuffs I wrote off after being diagnosed with Celiac. I have vivid taste memories of the fresh croissants I ate while visiting friends in Paris and the plates of perfectly dressed ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese I enjoyed for years. I didn’t see ANY gluten-free prepared alternatives and the amount of effort required to make my own seemed unwarranted. So I went along my merry way, only briefly mourning the loss.

Loyal readers may remember that I recently had the opportunity to eat delicious gluten-free ravioli from Everybody Eats. Well, now my gluten-free options are once again expanding. That’s right – I ate a gluten-free croissant!

I had heard rumors for two years about gluten-free croissants existing in France. But no one had actually ever seen or eaten the elusive gluten-free delicacies. Well, recently Amazon.com started offering gluten-free food items imported from France, including the heretofore impossible to find gluten-free croissant. With shipping, my order totaled $14, but the mere possibility of enjoying a croissant was worth the risk.

I invited my steadfast gluten-eating friends Emily and Carlee to help me taste the baked goods. Our final analysis – not bad. Now these are not something I would buy if suddenly I could eat gluten again, but they definitely satisfied a craving that had been lingering.

The croissants come five to a package, vacuum-sealed for extended freshness.

They are not as light as a fresh croissant, but they are pretty similar to Pilsbury crescent rolls in consistency and size.

Once heated, you can really see and taste the butter used to make them flaky and rich. These are not a low-calorie treat by any stretch of the imagination.

They won’t make it onto my regular shopping list, because my waistline and pocket book couldn’t withstand the hit. But I am glad I tried them and will order again when the craving strikes.