If youve been known to avoid certain foods forreasons of ethics, health or just plain vanity, chances are your thought process before any big party goes something like this:

1. I wonder if there will be anything I can eat besides slimy baby carrots at Aunt Mildreds party.

2. No, of course there wont.

3. I know, Ill make [vegan/gluten-free/paleo/low-fat/sugarless] brownies!

Then, suddenly, its the day of the party and theres no way in hell youre going to cook something, even if it does come from a mix.

Thankfully, there are a few vegan and gluten-free bakeries in New York City where you can pick up cakes, cookies and pies, prepared from scratch by people who understand the finer points of specialty baking, beyond just mixing coconut oil with store-bought brownie powder.

Candle Cafe, various locations, vegan and sometimes gluten-free

Dont mess with a classic. Candle Cafe is one of the oldest health food restaurants in the city, having been open since 1994. They offer vegan chocoltes, vanilla, carrot, chocolate-peanut butter and banana cake and coconut cream pie. Their chocolate mousse pie, chocolate-peanut butter pie, fruit crumb pie and cheesecakes are vegan and also available gluten-free. Vegan mini cookies and phyllo pastries with cashew cream are also available. Prices range from $22 to $65. All catering orders must have 72 hours notice. Call 212-537-7179 or email admin@candlecafe.com for more info.

Tu-Lus Gluten-Free Bakery, 338 E. 11th St., 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., some vegan goods available

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Where to Find NYCs Best Gluten Free and Vegan Bakeries for Your Holiday Party Needs