We're priviledged to welcome Guest Blogger Judith Sarchielli, an expert on gluten-free Tuscan cooking. Also known as the "Topanga Chef" (based in that area of California), Judith is a chef, food coach, author, researcher, culinary instructor, and speaker. She spent 20 years living in Tuscany and has been able to take the simple and naturally delicious recipes she cooked daily and make them completely gluten-free -- without sacrificing taste or authentic Tuscan quality. Here she shares a favorite memory -- and a favorite recipe that will please any palate (gluten-free or not!) A TUSCAN WINE HARVEST The aroma of crushed grapes reaches me from the distant past, as I daydream in my Topanga Canyon kitchen. I remember the best part of the vendemia, the Tuscan wine harvest--- the delicious polenta casserole. That day in the Chianti vineyards of a Tuscan friend and vintner, I picked clusters of ripe, juicy grapes with small scissors, and tossed them into my hand-woven twig basket. My hands were blistered and sweaty, and muscles screamed from the 8-hour effort under the blazing sun. But the evening meal would be worth it all---a chance to rest and relax under the dark green Tuscan cypress. Back in... Read more →
October 2011
How would you like to spend three nights getting away from the stress and responsibilities of everyday life…relax in a serene setting…attend complimentary classes and seminars geared to health and wellness…be pampered with spa treatments…and have gluten-free menu selections readily available? If your body and soul could use a bit a of pampering, you’ll be especially excited to hear that this three-night all inclusive Gluten Free Getaway will take place at one of the world’s most renowned spa resorts – Canyon Ranch -- May 3-6, 2012. Set in the elegant Bellefontaine mansion in the serene town of Lenox, Massachusetts in the Berkshires -- and just a short drive from New York City or Boston -- Canyon Ranch health resort and spa has set the standard for luxury spa resorts from the time when the original location in Tucson, Arizona opened in 1979. GlutenFreeTravelSite is proud to promote this incredible weekend organized by Lesley Hock, a travel agent with Travel Leaders who has helped many GlutenFreeTravelSite clients plan gluten-free friendly trips. She has now worked closely with the entire team at Canyon Ranch to put together this fantastic weekend geared specifically to gluten-free guests (don’t worry if you’d like to bring... Read more →