Lynnfield's Newest Business Specializes In Nut-Free Baked Goods

Early this week, Jeanne and Joe Barbaro are set to open the newest business in Lynnfield, Jeanne's Bakeshop, specializing in nut-free baked goods.

The Barbaros, who live in Peabody with their son and daughter, are opening their first business together. And while the business bears Jeanne's name, Joe is actually the one who will be doing a lot of the baking - a skill he picked up over the years from Jeanne. Many years ago, his grandfather also owned a bakery in the North End. "It's in his blood," said Jeanne.

"This is a big change, but coming from an Italian family, I've always cooked," said Joe. Before opening up their new business, Joe was an auto body professional for nearly 20 years while Jeanne was a dental hygienist for almost as long. For the past couple of years, the two have run the business from their home as a part-time enterprise.

Running a bakery is challenging enough by any standard. But the Barbaros have the added task of ensuring that all of their ingredients are indeed free of nut traces that could trigger a dangerous allergic reaction. "We have to really research our chocolates and our cocoa powders," said Jeanne.

Despite the nut-free specialty however, the new bakery owners says that they are still making all of their favorites - including cannoli, tiramisu, and biscotti. Other specialties include cookies, cakes, and cake pops. Customers can also have logos placed on containers for corporate or other events, or order an arrangement of cake pops or cookies for that special someone who isn't really into floral arrangements. "People just love those. We do a lot of those," said Jeanne, adding that all of their products are made fresh on the premises.