Spotlight on Nichole Campo: Giving Gluten Free a New Name
Join us as we welcome Nichole Campo; author, mother and self- taught chef to the Epicurean Theatre on March 31st. After preparing a 3-course dinner from her cookbook, Secrets of My Food Affair: A Gluten- Free Romance, your gluten free expectations are sure to change. Whether you suffer from gluten intolerance, Celiac Disease or are in the market for delicious and healthy recipes, this hands-on cooking class will be sure to satisfy your taste buds and Awaken Appetites Unknown!
We sat down with Nichole and learned some of the secrets about her food affair.
You’re originally from Connecticut; tell us about your upbringing and how you got to Florida:
I come from two culturally diverse families, I’m half-Italian, half-Polish and we grew up in the kitchen. We did that up until I was about 10 years old and then my parents wanted to leave Connecticut to experience something new and they decided to move to Florida. My husband and I love making Florida our home with our two kids.
When did you realize you were suffering from celiac disease?
I’ve always suffered from stomach issues. I went to multiple doctors and I was diagnosed with IBS and put on tons of medications, but it wasn’t until my son was born when I went to, I guess the right doctor, and I found out that I did, in fact, have Celiac Disease through a blood test.
What’s the biggest misconception when it comes to cooking gluten-free?
The biggest misconception about cooking gluten-free is that it always tastes like cardboard. Let me tell you something; if you do it right that’s never the case. My cookbook, Secrets of My Food Affair, has my heart and soul and all my favorite recipes from when I was a child, but now gluten-free! If you do it right, people will question you all the time: is it really gluten free?
So, if I don’t suffer from Celiac Disease, what’s in it for me?
Healthy eating and great tasting food! Everyone who tries a gluten-free diet, whatever their reasons, always feels better and notices a difference.
Cooking, kids, writing books – how do you juggle all that?
A lot of late nights, early mornings, working while the kids are in school. I feel like if it’s really your passion, you’ll going to make time for it, no matter what it is in your life.
To purchase Secrets of My Food Affair and learn more about Nichole, visit her website here.
What will I learn from your book, Secrets of My Food Affair, and how can I get my hands on a copy?
Readers will learn how to cook delicious recipes, that happen to be gluten-free. You’ll also get tips on label reading, where and what brands to shop, and finding bargains. And hopefully, create some great memories with your friends and family in the kitchen.
My book is an ebook, so it’s available in all formats: iTunes iBooks, Amazon, Google Play, Barnes and Noble.com, and also from my publisher, bentonbuckleybooks.com. You can find it everywhere!
Having done a class at the fabulous Epicurean Hotel last June, what are you looking forward to most in working with them again?
The Epicurean Hotel is an amazing place with such a great vibe. I’m looking forward to coming back and working, not only with the amazing Epicurean staff, but also interacting with the audience! The Epicurean Theatre kitchen is a dream venue.
Book your ticket to Nichole Campo’s class on Friday, March 31st from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm here before they sell out!
