My 10 Favorite Things of 2016

This grain free Lasagna I created in my kitchen in Italy, with a delicious dairy free Bechamel sauce and a nightshade free ragout, is even better than the original!!

Not even I believed this was possible: grain free cannoli shells filled with the most delicious “ricotta” cream seemed like a dream… until I nailed the perfect recipe for it in my “AIP Italian Cookbook“.

Whether you are on a grain free diet or not, tigernut is one of the best ingredients you can welcome in your kitchen, as it’s healthy and delicious at the same time! Organic Gemini does an excellent job in creating eclectic tigernut based products, from smoothie mixes to tigernut clusters. I love them!!

Thailand in general is a magical place, but our stay at the beautiful Intercontinental Ko Samui, with the most caring service and the best customized allergy free food made our experience unforgettable!

In the midst of the hot Italian summer, we were looking for cool weather, an active lifestyle and healthy food. The Sporthotel Sillian Dolomiten Residenz in Austria was the most perfect escapade to accomplish all of our goals!

Natural, organic skincare is one of my biggest passions. And brands like Eminence Organics make choosing the right product easy and simple. Click on the photo below to read my two part series on my morning and night skin care routine.

“Picazzo” in Sedona, Arizona was one my favorite restaurants of 2016!! Since gluten does not enter the kitchen, one can finally stop worrying about cross contamination and start browsing their eclectic menu: from handmade gluten free stuffed pasta to Bolognese pizza with vegan cheese.

My Cuisinart waffle maker was definitely a life savior in the kitchen: it’s extremely fast, makes for the most perfect and crispy-on-the-outside waffles and nothing ever sticks to the griddle! Try it out with the recipe for my savory Plantain Waffles, you’ll love it!

Our Tuscan adventure began in the Chianti region from Greve in Chianti all the way down to Va; d’Orcia and Siena. we enjoyed some of the most incredible food and visited tons of charming medieval towns. You can watch a video our trip here.

Our lunch at the classic Tuscan restaurant Taverna Banfi, built in the former barrel cellars of a 13^th century Castle, was truly unforgettable. You can see our full testing menu by clicking here and to see the beautiful resort they built inside the castle check out this post.