The Alternative Baker has hopscotched across the Valley a few times — from Rhinecliff to Saugerties to Kingston to its current home in Rosendale, handily located across the street from the recently restored Rosendale Theatre. As ever, you’ll find sugar-, wheat-, and dairy-free goods here (hence the “alternative” moniker) but also traditional baked fare shamelessly loaded with good old-fashioned butter and sugar and pleasingly priced from $1 to $4. Indulge in the cinnamon streusel, a sweet yeast dough wrapped around melted butter swirled with cinnamon and sugar, crowned with chopped apples and a crumbly topping of oatmeal, brown sugar, and yet more cinnamon. Buttermilk scones have long been a signature, loaded with various combinations of berries, blueberries, and apricots. Fig-almond danish are anything but gooey and heavy; instead, they have a light, creamy vanilla glaze that hits the spot with a cup of locally roasted coffee from J. B. Peel — there’s even a special Alternative Baker blend. If you feel like having something more substantial, go for the ever-popular egg sandwiches, which get their special kick from a dash of kosher salt, Dijon mustard, and extra-sharp cheddar. 845-658-3355; www.lemoncakes.com
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