Here Comes the Sun

Chef Sunshine and Lisa share a gluten free beer.

On St. Patrick’s Day , I attended a festive gluten-free cooking class at the Whole Foods Market in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. The theme was Irish, the food was fantastic and Chef Sunshine (yes, that’s her real name) was cooking! For just $10, ticket holders were treated to Chef Sunshine’s recipes and tips on how those with food allergies can eat like kings and queens. And on this day of much cheer and celebration, we sampled bacon-fried cabbage, herb-crusted salmon, olive oil cake and of course, a little Irish soda bread.

Chef Sunshine was diagnosed with Celiac disease a year after she graduated from culinary school. Celiac disease can occur with people who experience difficulties with the gluten protein. Unfortunately, doctors aren’t quite sure what causes the disease.

After her diagnosis, Chef Sunshine embarked on a world tour, learning from other cultures what could be used as a substitute for wheat and other allergens. What emerged from this personal journey was Your Safe Kitchen, a culinary instruction service for those with special diet needs.

Sunshine wants her students to leave class with one important lesson: “Squash the fear that your diet must be dull and flavorless.”

Indeed, if you haven’t had the good luck to watch and learn from Chef Sunshine, you must do so. Her enthusiasm, expertise, humility, and unmatched optimism make her cooking class a “can’t miss” event for Chicago’s food-allergen community.

Chef Sunshine is also available for private, in-home cooking classes. She offers instruction on a wide range of diets, including:

• Gluten Free


• Wheat/Barley/Rye Free


• Vegan


• Vegetarian


• Raw


• Dairy Free


• Casein Free


• Lactose Free


• Soy Free


• Corn Free

Please visit Chef Sunshine’s Web site at www.yoursafekitchen.com for more details.