I don't get it...

This is what $8 of the most delicious cookies you will ever eat in your life looks like.

And this is what $10 in baked goods from Babycakes looks like.

(Okay, the photos aren't so great... and my mom and I couldn't wait for the photo to start eating the cookies from Levain Bakery!)

Unimpressed?  So was I.  And I don't get it.

When Nicole and Laura Beth were in town, Nicole recommended we take a trip to BabyCakes.  It is a vegan and gluten free bakery.  I was a little confused by the recommendation, but Laura Beth jumped at the offer and it is just around the block from my apartment, so I went along for the ride.  Now if Laura Beth or Nicole followed a vegan or a gluten-free diet I may have understood the excitement, but neither does, and I did my best to hide my confusion behind my smile.

All three of us chose different items from the display case and paid a near fortune for our treats.  I chose a cupcake and a cookie sandwich.  As I continue to plan for my "someday bakery" I try to eat a variety of things, at each bakery I go to.  The cupcake was an obvious choice.  And without any plain cookies to choose from, I was forced to buy the cookie-wich.

The three of us took our desserts out of the shop and started walking back to my apartment.  On the walk Nicole mentioned that a friend of ours from high school had asked her to make vegan scones, and she had yet to perfect the recipe.  I immediately responded with what I thought was a completely logical next question: "is Katherine a vegan?"  Nicole's response had me even more confused in this already tricky world of eating.  Nicole said, "no."

I couldn't contain my confusion any longer.  It was as though they were all tuned into something that I had missed.  What memo went out to all young girls saying that eating vegan and gluten-free stuff is cool and better than just eating normal food?

I asked, "if she isn't a vegan, then why does she want vegan scones?"
"Because she wants to try them.  Someday she wants to open a holistic cafe, and she asked me to try to make them."
"Ohhh- kay."

I shut my mouth on the subject and we chatted about other things on the way home.

When we got back to the apartment and settled in after our long day of sightseeing we broke into our bake goods.

They were fine.

And for anyone who is vegan or eats gluten-free, then they are probably really good!  But, I still don't get it.

When Nicole watched me take a bite she waited.... waited.... waited and then asked, "so?  What do you think?!"

I was completely honest.

"It's fine.  Well, okay, it's good for what it is.  But, I just don't get it.  If neither of you follows a vegan diet or needs to follow a gluten-free diet, why do you both like these so much?"

Laura Beth responded by saying, "because it's healthier!"

Hold the phone.

Our conversation ended there.

Healthier?  Just because there isn't gluten does not mean it is healthy.  And just because there isn't butter in it does not make it calorie-free!  Baked goods are a science, requiring precise measurements of fat, flour, sugar, liquid, salt, leavening agents, and in most cases, eggs.  Not using butter does not make the baked good less fattening, it just has a different kind of fat!  And "gluten-free" does not mean "flour-free," but "different kind of flour!"

Here is an excerpt from an article I found on gluten-free foods.

Don’t assume it’s healthier. If you’re shelling out extra dough to get gluten-free processed foods without a diagnosis of celiac disease, you might be wasting your money. They are more expensive than standard foods, and as Sandquist says, there isn’t any scientific proof that they’re healthier for the general population. Gluten-free diets tend to contain more fruits and vegetables than the average American diet does, says Sandquist, so that may be why some people report feeling better after cutting back on gluten-containing foods.

So, what is it with these bizarre ideas with food?  There is nothing wrong with having a cupcake for dessert.  And if that cupcake is gluten-free or vegan does not mean you can eat more of them, or eat them more often!  Since when are eggs and gluten unhealthy?!

I'm sorry, but I just don't understand.  Therefore, I'm sticking with the most delicious baked goods I can get my hands on, butter and all.  Heck, if I'm going to consume those calories, they are going to be worth it!