Laura Waldo has always loved to bake, and her family and friends have always enjoyed being the recipients of her homemade treats. When her husband and son were diagnosed with Celiac Disease she took it all in stride. Laura spent many hours researching the disease and soon realized that keeping gluten free was a life long committment. Timing played a big role as Laura and her husband were in the process of building a new home in the beautiful Shenendoah Valley of Virginia which became known as "Our Place", a strictly gluten free zone.
Laura began experimenting and soon realized that her gluten free baked goods were indistinguisable from those that contained gluten. Upon the urging of family and friends, Laura decided to produce her sweet treats for public consumption.
Laura's mission is to bring attention to Celiac Disease through her baked goods. The disease which is an auto-immune disorder interferes with the absorption of nutrients from foods. It is one of the most common chronic health disorders in the Western World, and still remains one of the most misdiagnosed/under-diagnosed. People with Celiac Disease can suffer a myriad of symptoms when they eat products containing gluten which is found in Wheat, Barley, Rye and frequently Oats. Advances in the testing and diagnosis show that at least 3 million Americans, or approximately 1 in 133 people have celiac disease, but only 1 in 4,700 people are ever diagnosed. While there is no cure for Celiac Disease, strict adherence to a gluten free diet can lead to a full recovery, and a healthy symptom free life.
Laura continues to refine her recipes and her goal is to provide delectable baked goods using the finest gluten free ingredients possible. Minimally processed, high protein gluten free flours, Organic Butter, Raw Sugar and other natural ingredients. Our Place strives to produce high quality gluten free deserts with home made appeal.
