With the Holidays winding down and winter in full swing, perhaps you'd like to put something on the calendar to look forward to...something to get you through the winter doldrums. The Inn on Randolph, the top rated B&B in Napa, California's wine country, occasionally hosts gluten-free cooking and baking classes over a weekend at the Inn. This time, it's a three day class back by popular demand...taught by their Executive Chef Paul Fields, from January 29-31. Known for his innovative gluten-free breakfasts, Chef Paul will share his techniques, as well as one of his most-requested recipes! The meals at the Inn are entirely gluten-free all the time (the owner herself has been gluten free for years), so they have perfected the art of wonderful gluten-free cuisine! Staying at this recently renovated and luxurious inn is the perfect balance of Old World Victorian charm and modern amenities. You'll enjoy an evening reception, cooking classes, delicious breakfasts, a wine tasting, and free time to explore the area's wineries and many gluten-free friendly restaurants. You can view the full itinerary here. This is a great opportunity to beat the winter doldrums and treat yourself to a fun and informative weekend kicking up your... Read more →
December 2015
You may be familiar with Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us and her amazing gluten free travel itineraries. Every few months, she unveils a new itinerary, and this time...it's Costa Rica. If some of her other recent gluten free itineraries (Prague, Croatia, China, Japan, India, and two bike tours through northern Italy) haven't been high on your own bucket list, perhaps Costa Rica is just what you're looking for. It offers a good value, close proximity, and little in the way of a language barrier (most people speak very good English). It's a great alternative to Europe for anyone concerned about security and safety. Plus, Costa Rica has had more than a century of democratic tradition and a high quality of life. Best of all, it presents a unique blend of relaxation and adventure...all while enjoying some of the most spectacular natural beauty on earth. As with all of Ellen's itineraries, it's not a group tour. You travel when you want...and with whom you want. Your trip to Costa Rica can be customized based on your desired dates of travel, length of stay, interests, and budget. The day-by-day itinerary laid out on our Costa Rica page is just a suggestion,... Read more →
My older son (not Celiac) loves making chocolate chip cookies. He has tried many different recipes but gravitates back to the traditional Nestle Toll-House recipe, using one of many of our favorite gluten free flour blends as a cup-for-cup substitute for regular flour (so our younger Celiac son can eat them, too!). There are so many wonderful gluten free flour blends these days that it's hard to pick a favorite. Ones we like and use cup-for-cup in both savory as well as baking recipes include Pamela's Gluten Free All-Purpose Artisan blend, Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, King Arthur Gluten Free Multipurpose Flour, Jules Gluten Free All Purpose Flour, Carol's Amazing All Purpose Gluten Free Flour, Tom Sawyer Gluten Free Flour, and Cup 4 Cup Gluten Free Flour (I've only purchased their Original Blend but am looking forward to trying their new "Wholesome Flour Blend"which incorporates healthy ingredients like ground flaxseeds and rice bran for fiber and healthy fats). Many of these flours are also non-GMO, which as you may know, is increasingly important to me. Last week, my son had the urge to make chocolate chip cookies, and he was planning to follow the Nestle Toll House... Read more →
Wow...I didn't realize it had been a month since I penned my last Blog post. November flew by, and with the Holidays already in full swing, I know things won't slow down anytime soon! Picking up on those particular themes of the Holidays -- and being starved for time -- I wanted to share a few easy seasonal favorites, both new and old. These are tried-and-true things you can serve up without spending hours in the kitchen. Over Thanksgiving, I used two gluten free products I'd tried before....Wegmans own gluten free Honey Cornbread Mix and Aleia's Savory Stuffing Mix. I love these two products -- for both their ease of preparation and for their delicious taste. This time, I cooked the cornbread a bit too long (set the timer, wanted to cook it for just an additional 30 seconds, and then forgot about it in the oven for several more minutes!). Fortunately, it was still decent, just a bit dry and crumbly. But providing you set your timer properly and follow the package directions, it turns out great (as it has for me in the past)...nice and moist. You'd never know it was gluten free. If you're looking for a... Read more →