Bakery - Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets

Family

Jennifer Chanda — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:38:35 +0000

I’ve been watching the 2006 series *Brothers & Sisters*, starring Sally Field and a host of other well-known actors and actresses. I’m in the final season, and I’ve fallen in and out of love with all the characters and their lives. I’m most connected with Sally Field’s character, Nora. She reminds me a lot of myself. She’s exactly my age now, loves to cook and decorate, and loves her family fiercely. At the same time, she’s always trying to understand herself amidst a flurry of situations and opportunities. She’s not only the mother of her children, she’s someone they can always count on to be there when needed. The dinner table and the dynamic a gathering can bring is one of the main focuses of the series. I’ve made it through all the major holidays with this fictional family, and I have loved and also squirmed with each family dinner scenario.

With the holidays approaching and all the gatherings that will happen, it reminds me how precious family is, despite differences of opinion and the different seasons a person might be in. Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful when life has been less than fair. Sometimes, after all the shopping, cooking, decorating, and wrapping is done, there is little left in the tank to share.

The bottom line is we are not perfect, and despite the overabundance of noise and glitter the holidays can bring, joy, peace, and love are there for the taking. We must quiet our minds, unplug for a while, and take time to be grateful for all the blessings our Lord provides. May your gatherings be a reminder of the importance of family and the memories that are made, whether at the dinner table or across the miles.

Blessings to all!
Pam

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Celebrating Wonderful Mothers

Jennifer Chanda — Wed, 07 May 2025 19:48:45 +0000

This week, our bakery is bustling as we prepare special treats crafted with love by our bakers, all to celebrate the wonderful mothers in our lives. It’s a time for us to honor and appreciate the incredible role mothers play, filled with immense responsibilities and sacrifices in guiding their children to adulthood.

Motherhood is truly a journey of continuous learning, much like attending “mom” school with never-ending homework! It often involves countless hours of research and sleepless nights. Even after your own children have grown, the journey may continue with the joy of nurturing grandchildren, a prospect I’m personally embracing as a proud grandmother of five beautiful “Lovies.” They mean the world to me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of their lives. It feels like I’m pursuing my doctorate in grand-mothering!

To all the mothers in our Rosie community, Happy Mother’s Day! May your day be filled with joy, knowing the profound difference you make in your children’s lives every single day. Cherish every moment, and don’t forget to take a little break for yourself now and then! Back in the day, we used to call it playing hooky!

Blessings,
Pam

The post Celebrating Wonderful Mothers first appeared on Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets.

Wrapping Up the Year!

Jennifer Chanda — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:54:59 +0000

It’s that time of year again when we are literally wrapping up our year along with the Christmas presents, we’ve thoughtfully bought for friends and loved ones. Some of us have even begun to self-reflect on what this year has brought and how it was handled. For many, the world has become very complicated on all spectrums. I think it safe to say we are hanging on for dear life trying to find simplicity among chaos.

There is no doubt about it, we are all trying to fit in and wondering what will the New Year bring. As a small business owner, I’m always trying to navigate the endless challenges that appear and wondering what will come of it. My faith and relationship with the Lord have no doubt been my anchor. However, blind faith sometimes creeps in when I’m super busy and have lack of knowledge on certain subject matters. It certainly is an uncomfortable feeling and one I don’t personally recommend going into too often. If anything, blind faith should be a signal to dig those heals in and learn all you can about something so you can come to your own conclusions. It’s an opportunity to explore, grow, learn and then teach. Look to those you trust to find those answers you seek and no doubt the New Year will bring many opportunities and blessings.

Please know it has been a pleasure serving you this year and we thank you for trusting in us to make your life safe and a little easier. We are so blessed and look forward to celebrating with you throughout 2025.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pam

The post Wrapping Up the Year! first appeared on Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets.

Midwest Pockets of Joy

Jennifer Chanda — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:13:35 +0000

My husband and I just got back from a short getaway to Colorado. It was just what we both needed to refuel for a new seasonal change and what that means to us as a couple. We both own businesses so finding time to savior the bursts of colors, cooler weather and holding hands while walking our property is something we really try hard to make happen. As much as we both love the Fall, we know the challenges of it being the start to the busiest time of year.

Already our schedules are full and there’s no stopping the shorter days accompanied by the shortness of daylight. I could start to panic but I’ve learned that it’s ok to change up traditions and the perfect story I’ve created for myself. I’ve learned to ask for help and to let go of the control that I’ve clung to for years. Doing this has lessened the stress of trying to be perfect and to enjoy the pocket of moments that mean the most.

Today, those pockets are filled with family, friends and whatever inspires me to be just myself. My wish for all of you is that this coming season be filled with many pockets of Midwest joy and what that truly means for you…

The post Midwest Pockets of Joy first appeared on Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets.

Patriotism at its best!

Jennifer Chanda — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 21:06:16 +0000

I can honestly say that this 4^th of July was pretty spectacular for us. As 1^st time participants in the Crystal Lake Parade this year, it was an experience of community spirit I will personally never forget. It was an absolute honor to have our Rosie Bug in the parade and many thanks to our Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce for hosting this much revered event.

As businesses gathered that Sunday before the start of the parade, the excitement was very real as people tail gated, took pictures and mingled. Never did I realize beyond our gathering point, the number of people and families that awaited us. Even a passing thunderstorm did not sway their intentions on celebrating with us.

As our car approached the point of entering the parade line, I was completely overwhelmed at what I saw. For as far as I could see, there were hundreds of people clothed in red, white and blue lining both sides of Dole Avenue. Sounds of cheering, clapping hands and music filled the air while children with outstretched arms reached for candy and trinkets. It immediately made me tear up to see such patriotism.

Our hearts were so full of joy that day and long after the parade was over, we talked about how that day affected us. I’m so proud to own a local business here in Crystal Lake. Thank you for your continued support of what we do and thank you for loving on us the way you did that Sunday! God Bless America!

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A Gluten Free Summer

Marlena Clark — Wed, 29 May 2024 20:17:10 +0000

I can hardly believe we are headed into the summer months. I can remember as a child growing up on the Northwest side of Chicago, what that meant. For me, it was playing with my ball until the sun set and my mom called for me from our apartment window. It meant listening for the ice cream truck play its infamous melody and scrambling to find a couple quarters somewhere in the house. If we were lucky, on really hot days, someone would open the fire hydrant at the end of our street and we would play in the water until the police turned it off. It also meant an occasional visit from a street vendor’s cart selling snow cones. Back then we didn’t worry about harmful dyes or whether something was gluten free or not.

Today it’s a whole different story as we navigate around what causes harm to our bodies and how we are going to deal with it. Summer today is much more complicated as we gather with others for barbeques, picnics, vacations and summer outings to our favorite places. It means reading labels, prepping beforehand, and sometimes going without rather than taking a chance.

The phrase “it is what it is” has become one of my favorites. It allows me to be ok with my current conditions and still make it a positive outcome – if I choose. I hope you choose to make it a positive outcome too as you enjoy all what summer has to offer. When you are ready, we are here for you. The bakery for many has become “the place” for those not wanting to be left out. It melts my heart to hear the stories you all share and if we can make your summer fun a little easier for you, then we have done our job. Cheers to making beautiful summer memories!

God Bless,
Pam

The post A Gluten Free Summer first appeared on Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets.

Easter Blessings…in our new bakery

Jennifer Chanda — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:35:38 +0000

God’s bakery is in full swing as we prepare physically and mentally for the processing of all the Easter orders and foot traffic that we are always so blessed with. Our minds are busy calculating needed ingredients, packaging and production processes. The events leading up to our pre-determined pick-up dates have been discussed, transcribed and stowed away for safekeeping. How exciting to experience our first Easter in our new space and to know our sweets will grace the tables of many with food allergies. We are grateful for the God who gives us the talent and energy to provide such services. As each day drawers closer to celebrating the hope and light that is promised, we pray this Easter is extra special in knowing how much you are loved.

God Bless,
Pam

The post Easter Blessings…in our new bakery first appeared on Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets.

God’s Bakery

Jennifer Chanda — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 15:25:27 +0000

As I reflect on 2023, I am at peace. The year brought many challenges and growing pains associated with a bakery buildout and move. The biggest dynamic was our immediate growth which created new staffing and protocols to support the customers and their needs. Although it has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, it has also been one of the biggest blessings to date. I am humbled to own a business that brings so much joy to so many people. The smiles, laughter and happy tears that fill the bakery on a daily basis inspires me. I am forever grateful for my family, staff and personal friends that listen, encourage and cheer me on just when I need it.

2023 has been full of many lessons for me but the one that will carry me into 2024 is this. In order to step out of the door with a heart full of courage, a person must let the Lord lead the way. Worry not, stay calm, and clarity will be revealed.

Thank you to our Rosie fans for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your lives. This calling has touched our lives in beautiful ways. We promise to continue to make you proud of God’s bakery!

May the New Year shine it’s light on all your hopes and dreams and provide you with much happiness and joy.

God Bless,

Pam

The post God’s Bakery first appeared on Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets.

Blessed Family Time

Jennifer Chanda — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 22:38:34 +0000

One of the absolute best things that have come out of owning Rosie’s has been spending time with my family. Over the past six years my family has been there every step of the way. I have been blessed with baking along-side my daughter-in-law, Asia, my sister, Barbara and now my best friend, Stephanie, of 35 years. I have sat under the pink tent and sold sweets at farmer’s markets with my sons and their wives. I’ve taught my granddaughter, Sophia, about giving back to the less fortunate by selling lemonade and cookies for our sponsored child in Africa.

My family has helped me with their muscle and their brains. Their advice, compassion and cheering have been priceless. They tell me often how proud they are of me and this always amazes me because It’s how I feel about them. My marriage has grown in endless ways as my husband continues to be my number one fan and silent partner in God’s bakery. No task is too large for him and our endless business conversations have helped me weather the worst of storms.

In six years, Rosie’s has grown, and so has my family. I now have five grandchildren the smallest one just six months old. The oldest, Sophia, will turn seven this year and is now coming to the bakery once a month to help with packaging details. It’s the cutest thing ever watching her be a part of her grandma’s calling.

My family means the world to me and I am grateful….

Blessings to you and yours,

Pamela

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Let’s Talk Paleo

Jennifer Chanda — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:00:03 +0000

If you want to avoid grains and refined sugar, the Paleo diet may be the right choice for you. People choose to eat grain-free for many different reasons. There might be an allergy concern or maybe another type of health issue – like autoimmune disorders. Some choose to follow this path because it makes them feel better without eating grains. Whatever the reason, it’s definitely gaining popularity and we are very excited to introduce this type of baking to our customers here at Rosie’s.

As we continue to expand our menu items, we felt it important to include some baked goods that were free of grains, dairy, refined sugar, xanthan gum, and corn. We actually hired one person, versed in this area, to bake strictly Paleo for our customers!

We hope you are excited as we are to keep ingredients simple and offer some of your favorites such as muffins, cookies, and cakes! Our go to flours are almond and coconut and we prefer to use maple syrup and honey to sweeten things up!

Here at Rosie’s we feel no one should be left out and everything should be in moderation. We absolutely love what we do and hope this new line of treats will bring joy when needed!

Cheers to something new!

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