Recently I had the pleasure to attend an Exclusive Gluten Free Pasta Event at George Brown College sponsored by Catelli. Back in September, Catelli had launched their Gluten Free Pasta line which included penne, fusilli and spaghetti. You can read my review here. With the success of the gluten free line, they recently added macaroni. Our host for the evening was Chef John Higgins. Chef Higgins is director of George Brown Chef School, former personal chef to the Queen Mother and a judge on Food Network’s Chopped Canada.
Photo courtesy of Catelli |
The evening started out with a tasting. We were served grilled vegetables with some cheese, pasta with pesto, olive oil and tomato sauce to dip in. Each dish of pasta was cooked for a different amount of time for us to compare the texture.
Chef Higgins (Photo courtesy of Catelli) |
Chef Higgins shared with us some tips on cooking pasta. He emphasized to always follow the directions on the box. When cooking pasta use a large pot so the pasta has room to move around and the water should be over-seasoned with salt…it should taste like the ocean. Don’t add oil to the pasta water or rinse the cooked pasta under water. Both will prevent the sauce from adhering to the pasta.
He went on to show us how to make the Ginger Edamame Macaroni Salad pictured at the top of the post and his recipe for a wonderful tomato sauce. Next we all had a chance to work in the kitchen at George Brown College and make our own Ginger Edamame Macaroni Salad. I really liked this salad. The only element that is cooked is the pasta so it was very quick to put together. I took a taste of the dressing with all the vegetables prior to adding the pasta and it was great just on it’s own! Chef Higgins suggested to start off with adding half the amount of rice vinegar, taste and then adjust the amount to your liking.
Photo courtesy of Catelli |
It was a great experience and a lot of fun! Chef Higgins is a great teacher, very approachable and friendly. To top it off I got to learn 2 great recipes which I will be making in my own kitchen very soon.
Photo Courtesy of Catelli |
We usually don’t buy Gluten-Free products. I have heard that some Gluten-Free products don’t match up to their gluten equivalents. If I had to do a blind taste test, I wouldn’t be able to tell that Catelli’s Gluten-Free pasta was gluten free. The taste and texture are very good. If you follow a gluten free diet I would highly recommend giving it a try. It is produced in a dedicated gluten free facility, Catelli Gluten Free pasta is certified by the Canadian Celiac Association’s Gluten-Free Certification Program.
You can get a $1 off coupon from Websaver. Coupons are available while quantities last.
Ginger Edamame Macaroni Salad
Recipe courtesy of Catelli
Now for the giveaway! Catelli has generously offered to give one Chocolate & Chillies reader one-year supply of Catelli Gluten Free Macaroni. The giveaway is open to Canadian residents only. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter.
We don't because we are unable to get these products locally
We don't because we are unable to get these products locally
I try to whenever I can because I have numerous friends who have to do so and it's easier to do so we can eat together!
I try to whenever I can because I have numerous friends who have to do so and it's easier to do so we can eat together!
the pasta looks so lipsmacking…
the pasta looks so lipsmacking…
I don't follow a gluten-free diet. I am still researching and experimenting to see the benefits for me.
I don't follow a gluten-free diet. I am still researching and experimenting to see the benefits for me.
I do as much as possible, It has made a world of difference in my tummy troubles.
I do as much as possible, It has made a world of difference in my tummy troubles.
Pasta looks fabulous I try to sometimes follow a gluten free food
Pasta looks fabulous I try to sometimes follow a gluten free food
This looks so good! I love pasta salads that aren't heavy on dressings like mayo. I can see this being customized sooo many ways! Love it!
This looks so good! I love pasta salads that aren't heavy on dressings like mayo. I can see this being customized sooo many ways! Love it!
I don't, but have some family members that are celciac.
I don't, but have some family members that are celciac.
I do not follow a gluten free diet, but I am always looking to try various gluten free products.
I do not follow a gluten free diet, but I am always looking to try various gluten free products.
no I don't but have friends that do
no I don't but have friends that do
I don't follow a gluten free diet but this would be great for when my family gathers together because there are a few that are celiac
I don't follow a gluten free diet but this would be great for when my family gathers together because there are a few that are celiac
As much as I can I do, its hardvwevare always on the go
As much as I can I do, its hardvwevare always on the go
No, but I am slowly switching to gluten free products in areas that I can. My area doesn't offer much for gluten free diets.
No, but I am slowly switching to gluten free products in areas that I can. My area doesn't offer much for gluten free diets.
I try to follow a gluten-free diet
No I don't, but I do enjoy gluten free pasta
No I don't, but I do enjoy gluten free pasta
No I don't but I know people who are eat gluten free and I want to start trying
No I don't but I know people who are eat gluten free and I want to start trying
I follow a semi GF diet, but cook for family who totally do
I follow a semi GF diet, but cook for family who totally do
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i dabble in gluten free products,,,mostly out of curiosity
i have been trying to as much as possible
Sometimes I try too
I don't follow a gluten free diet, but i have friends who do so it's nice to have things in the cupboards that i can throw together when they come for surprise visits.
I don't follow a gluten free diet, but i have friends who do so it's nice to have things in the cupboards that i can throw together when they come for surprise visits.
I don't follow a gluten free diet.
thanks
I don't follow a gluten free diet.
thanks
we do not follow a gluten free diet
we do not follow a gluten free diet
We don't follow a GF diet because we have found that many GF items are not nearly as good as the ones cottoning gluten. We have found a few things that are as good as or better than the like items containing gluten and with those products we do strictly buy the GF versions. I have yet to find a GF pasta that is as good as regular pasta so I am very interested in catelli pasta after reading your review. The GF pasta event you were able to attend sounded amazing, those grilled vegetables looked divine as does the salad. I'd love to win this to have great GF pasta for my family and I! Thanks for the chance to win,
We don't follow a GF diet because we have found that many GF items are not nearly as good as the ones cottoning gluten. We have found a few things that are as good as or better than the like items containing gluten and with those products we do strictly buy the GF versions. I have yet to find a GF pasta that is as good as regular pasta so I am very interested in catelli pasta after reading your review. The GF pasta event you were able to attend sounded amazing, those grilled vegetables looked divine as does the salad. I'd love to win this to have great GF pasta for my family and I! Thanks for the chance to win,
I don't follow a gluten free diet.
We just started due to a immune system issue that I have and it's been a struggle but were following websites, pinterest and doctors diets to help guide us through figuring out the ways to eat healthy!
I do not follow one
I am not gluten free, HOWEVER my best friend's 13 year old daughter IS. She was just diagnosed with celiac earlier this year, so I would love to win for them 🙂
I am not gluten free, HOWEVER my best friend's 13 year old daughter IS. She was just diagnosed with celiac earlier this year, so I would love to win for them 🙂
Wow Asi! That's so cool you were able to go to that workshop! The pasta looks delish. I have never cooked with edamame before. Can't wait to try!
Wow Asi! That's so cool you were able to go to that workshop! The pasta looks delish. I have never cooked with edamame before. Can't wait to try!
not always but i prepare meals for those who do.