Today we’d like to introduce you to Ditty Bhatti.
Hi Ditty, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m the owner and baker behind Ditty | A Gluten Free Bakery, specializing in 100% gluten-free desserts, including cakes, cookies, bars, and quick breads/muffins.
Some people are born celiac, some achieve gluten intolerance, and some have a gluten allergy thrust upon them. Our family was thrust into a gluten allergy when our oldest son developed severe health issues suddenly. After a year of doctors, medicines, therapies, CT scans, MRIs, and tens of thousands of dollars, we were left with no one knowing what was causing his issues. We started to notice his diet greatly affected his symptoms (something no one had asked us to that point). We went to an excellent GI doctor that confirmed our suspicion. An elimination diet helped us discover gluten was the culprit. It was further confirmed through GI tests. Afterwards, it was a night-and-day transformation for our son and our whole family.
The transition to a completely gluten-free household was not as easy seven years ago as it is today. The gluten mine-field of birthday parties, holidays, and school functions created a sense of panic. Luckily, even at 3 years old, our son was a stickler for rules; so, he was careful, learned to ask questions, looked for the GF symbol, and said no to food he was not sure about. Most of the time, he just had no options. As a mom, it was sad watching other kids walk around with treats while he abstained without complaining. I was so proud of him, but I wanted to make it right for him.
So, I started learning everything I could about gluten-free baking. I spent hundreds of hours and dollars trying to figure it out. After about a year, I was making cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and quick breads that I was truly proud of. My son would go to parties and bring his own cupcakes or cookies to eat and was happy to partake with his friends. I was happy too!
Over the years, people tasted my gluten-free baking as I used every opportunity to experiment. After a lot of practice, I finally got to the point of people complimenting my cakes/desserts and being surprised about them being gluten-free. The number of gluten-free people we know has grown exponentially, and the need for gluten-free baked goods is evident. I decided to start Ditty | A Gluten Free Bakery during the pandemic. It is my way of spreading love and care in a time when it is needed the most.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road to becoming a gluten-free baker was paved with many dry/sunken cakes and crumbly cookies. The bakery though has been surprisingly smooth so far because we had a foundation of recipes that we are very proud of and a clientele we love serving. We have been blessed with an outpouring of support from family, friends, neighbors, our church friends, customers, and a great community in the Plano/Frisco/McKinney/Allen areas.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ditty | A Gluten Free Bakery?
We have a lot going on. I’m an attorney with my own litigation practice (The Bhatti Law Firm) for the last 14 years. I have four young kids, who I homeschool. We turned our backyard into an organic garden, that requires tending (we started seeds for the spring). Now, I added the bakery to the mix. It’s a crazy but full (and fun) life. Also, I find peace when I bake. Most of my baking is done after 10:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m. because although my kids bring joy and love, they tend not to add peace.
I get so much pleasure from someone enjoying my desserts. I am humbled by how far we have come in these 7 years – from trying to understand how to read food/allergen labels to a family who now has way too many dessert options. I truly want every person to know that being gluten free, whether by need or choice, can still include delicious treats that you love.
Contact Info:
- Email: ditty@dittybakes.com
- Website: https://www.dittybakes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dittybakesgf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dittybakesgf
- Other: https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/biz/ditty/5853129166422016
Image Credits
Head shot Picture by: Ilona Jade Photography
