Based in the Bay Area, Mariposa Baking Company seeks to create gluten-free baked goods of the quality common to the finest, high-caliber gluten-based products available. Having achieved notable success in this realm, some of the company’s items are now widely distributed, but its freshest fare is at the California Avenue Farmer’s Market. A visit on a Sunday morning (the booth runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) offers a gratifying excursion for those who are in the mood for baked goods sans-gluten coupled with a little jaunt off campus.

Focaccia, brownies and cinnamon rolls are just some of the items that Mariposa Baking Company offers, along with loaves of bread and other sweet treats, which varied during the two times that I visited. The focaccia is tasty but a bit chewy or gummy to wheat-accustomed taste buds. The triple chocolate truffle brownies achieve a satisfying, rich flavor and creamy texture to suit most anyone craving chocolate. The cinnamon rolls once also seem to have a gluey, dense texture characteristic of gluten-free baked goods but are still very satisfying to the gluten-free palate.

The special treat of visiting this booth is that many of these items are not available at some of the places that sell gluten-free products (from the Mariposa brand or otherwise). Though the booth specializes in satisfying cravings for the gluten-free eaters among us, these baked goods will likely please many outside this group. Those planning to make the trip should head over early to get the widest selection and freshest treats.  And, of course, the California Ave. Farmer’s Market has much to offer besides this booth: For those looking for a pick-me-up once there, a stop at ZombieRunner will provide a good cup of coffee, and produce abounds at various stands for fresh fruit to snack on during the week.

A note to readers: Please keep in mind your own dietary restrictions and check to make sure that items you purchase (on recommendation or otherwise) do not violate them.