Destination Spa Vacations

Summertime Spa Recipes

Ah...Summertime is finally upon us and in full swing! While we have visions of relaxing and vacationing, there is something about the season that keeps us all very busy. The extra daylight hours cause us to fill our days AND nights with plans. While I consider this to be a good thing, I know the reality is that many of us are eating on the run, which usually means unhealthy.

I've gathered a few simple and delicious recipes from Destination Spas to help you and your family  stay on track this summer while enjoying all that the season has to offer. I'm going to try the shrimp stack for my 4th of July cookout. Give them a try and let me know what you think! 

Lemon-berry Muffins
Green Mountain at Fox Run

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
Zest of one large lemon
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1/3 cup canola oil
1 cup berries (blueberries, raspberries or combination)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil standard 12-cup muffin tin. Mix together dry ingredients and lemon zest in a medium bowl. In another small bowl, combine egg, milk and oil. Add liquid ingredients to dry and stir until just combined. Do not over mix. The batter should be lumpy, thick and moist, not smooth. Carefully fold in berries. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake 20-30 minutes or until browned.

Chicken Caesar Pita Pizza
Red Mountain Spa
    
One 6" Whole Wheat Pita Pocket
4 T Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 C Romaine lettuce, cut
1 T Caesar dressing (see below)
¼ C Chicken breast, skinless, boneless, grilled, julienned

Dressing Ingredients
1½ T garlic, minced
4½ T lemon juice
3 fillets anchovies
2½ T Dijon mustard
14oz soft tofu
1 T Parmesan cheese
2 t Worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 425°. Split pita pocket in half crosswise; spread parmesan across each half equally.Bake pita for 7 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbly; remove from oven. Make dressing by combining all ingredients in blender or food processor and purée. Adjust flavors as needed. In chilled mixing bowl, combine chicken, romaine and dressing and mix well. Cut each pita crust into 4 pieces, top with chicken Caesar salad mix and serve.

Shrimp Stack
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

12 large shrimp, cleaned and poached
2 avocados, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 mango, chopped
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 jalapeno chili, seeded and minced (optional)
Leaves of 1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Cut the shrimps in half and combine with the avocados, tomatoes, mango, scallions and jalapeno chili in a medium bowl.  Add the cilantro and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper and toss to mix well. Pack the mixture into molds or plastic cups and chill in the refrigerator. Invert onto serving plates and garnish with cilantro sprigs. 

Grilled Lemon, Mint Chicken and Zucchini
Deerfield Spa
 
3 medium (8 ounces each) zucchini
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 cup (loosely packed) fresh mint leaves, chopped
4 medium (6 ounces each) skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves
3 lemons
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves

Prepare outdoor grill for covered, direct grilling on medium. With mandolin or sharp knife, slice zucchini very thinly lengthwise. In large bowl, toss zucchini with 2 teaspoons olive oil and half of mint. Pound chicken breasts to uniform 1/4-inch thickness. From 2 lemons, grate 1 tablespoon peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice. Cut remaining lemon into 4 wedges; set aside. In medium bowl, combine lemon peel and juice with oregano, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. Add chicken to bowl and toss until evenly coated.

Place zucchini slices, in batches, on hot grill grate, and cook 2 to 4 minutes or until grill marks appear and zucchini is tender, turning over once. Remove zucchini from grill; place on large platter and sprinkle with remaining mint. Place chicken on hot grill grate. Cover grill and cook chicken 6 to 8 minutes or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with tip of knife, turning over once. Transfer chicken to platter with zucchini; serve with lemon wedges.

Think Spa for Father's Day!

Father's Day is a holiday that I have not celebrated for most of my life. My Father passed away when I was six years old so it was always a sad holiday, where I felt left out. However, this year will be very different. Thanks to the birth of our daughter Lydia, Sunday will be my husband's first Father's Day as a Father. And trust me, we have a fun-filled day planned.

Since Lydia is only 6 1/2 months old, we won't be golfing or going to the spa (yet). But I have decided to treat my husband to a sports massage and pedicure (his favorites) on a different day. I wish we could get away for a Destination Spa Vacation, as he really enjoys all of the activities (hiking, biking, volleyball, etc...). But with a newborn at home, it's just not possible...

You may be thinking that my husband is a rare man who goes to spas because his wife works in the spa industry. Au contraire - he has a lot of company as more and more men are going to spas these days. I've seen stats that show anywhere from 30-50% of spa-goers are now men. A significant number have their first spa experience reluctantly, usually at the urging of a loved one. And for most, they never have to be convinced again. I think they are finally catching on...Is this a good thing? Of course it is!

For those of you who can get away and want to treat the special man in your life with a spa gift, check out these great offers from Destination Spas:

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa: 
Echo Valley is offering a special for dads for the month of June that iincludes:

• All meals - prepared by Echo Valley's Master Chef
• Accommodation in private lodge room
• Use of all ranch facilities (indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness room, games room), morning walk or stretching class
• PLUS one horseback ride or riding lesson

Price: CDN $ 510 per person for 2 Nights
Price: CDN $ 730 per person for 3 Nights

Prices are per person do not include 10% service charge or 5% GST.

The Oaks at Ojai:
The Oaks is offering a Fathers Day special June 19-26 A 50% discount for the man in your life when he shares a room with you. This means that one pays full rate and your special man can stay for as little as $94* for a full spa vacation including food, fitness classes, extended hikes, lectures and more. This special ends at noon June 26th, 2 night minimum. Rate does not include required taxes and service charge.

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa:
Give Dad a gift certificate to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa and mark his calendar for his retreat during Men’s Week, December 6-13th. During the special male only week, our destination health spa is all about the Y chromosome. We have tailored our award-winning program to fit even the most rugged of men - enjoy mornings full of fitness including endurance hikes, triathlon boot camp,  beach volleyball, rounds of golf or tennis, cross-fit challenges and more. Spend afternoons relieving stress and renewing yourself with yoga and tai chi classes, sports massages and unique spa treatments like the Invigorating Black Tie Back Masque. Learn more about nutrition to enhance workouts and lower cholesterol and blood pressure while you fuel-up with delicious, healthy cuisine.  Available in 3, 4 or 7 night packages; for more information, call 888-373-8773

Lake Austin Spa Resort:
Twice as Nice, Half the Price
Book a two-night stay for two and the second person pays only half. This offer has limited availability; so book today! Offer expires by June 30, 2009. Based on double occupancy rates for both guests. Subject to availability. Must be booked by June 30, 2009. Valid for stays through December 31, 2009 on Resort or Spa Refresher packages in Premier accommodations only. Not combinable with any other specials or group discounts. Monarch Club credit cannot be applied or earned. Certain restrictions apply. To book:  www.lakeaustin.com or 800-847-5637

Need to Relax? Try Guided Imagery

"Begin to create a picture in your mind. Imagine that you are floating on a soft, fluffy white cloud. Feel the surface beneath you becoming softer... more cloud-like... Feel the cloud rising out of the surface you are on, surrounding you in it’s protective support... soon you are floating on just the cloud..."

Are you starting to relax yet???

This is part of a guided imagery script that I have used to help relax, sleep, and reduce stress for many years. While it is a considered a form of meditation, guided imagery is easier for most westerners to use than traditional meditation, as it requires less time and discipline to develop a high level of skill. This is because it seduces the mind with appealing sensory images that have their own natural pull.

My first introduction to guided imagery was in college, while enrolled in a relaxation course. I know,I know -- you are laughing at the idea of a college relaxation course. It was a required .5 credit class for all "health" majors, so as a dietetics major I was mandated to take it for graduation. All laughs aside, the class really helped me survive my last year of college. At first I thought I was sleeping, and maybe I was. It frankly doesn't matter as you reap the benefits regardless. You feel so refreshed, clear and ready for anything after wards. Because of these feel good effects, I kept doing it on a regular basis through my internship. And again, I think it is what help me survive the year. Unfortunately, I stopped using the imagery after the internship ended.

It wasn't until my visit to The Oaks at Ojai in 1996, when I rediscovered guided imagery. At the end of the yoga class, while we are all in Savasana ("Corpse pose"), the instructor lead us through a simple guided imagery. There I was floating away with the clouds once again. AHHHHH... Since that day, I have continued to use guided imagery through CDs, yoga class, and on my own.

Over the past 25 years, research has proven the positive impact of guided imagery on health, creativity and performance. Here are just a few of the health benefits:

• Increase feelings of self-esteem
• Improve mastery and performance
• Reduce anxiety
• Reduce panic
• Reduce worry
• Promote feelings of calm, peace and safety
• Reduce hopeless feelings
• Reduce addictive cravings
• Release grief
• Regain energy and focus
• Decrease pain
• Ease sleep problems
• Boost immune function

And the best part is anybody can do it! If you haven't already tried it, I highly recommend trying guided imagery. It can't hurt and it certainly can help as you can see by the list above. Here are three easy ways to get started:

1. Go to www.healthjourneys.com and download a free audio session.
2. Purchase a guided imagery CD online from Amazon or others. The Kerr House offers a box set narrated by the owner, Laurie Hostetler.
3. Take part in a class at your local day spa or when visiting a Destination Spa. Not all spas will offer guided imagery, but almost all Destination Spas will. Check the activity schedules.

Let me know if you have a favorite guided imagery that you use.

See you in the clouds!

Tweets from Destination Spas

In addition to our blog and Facebook, you can now follow Destination Spas on Twitter too @DestinationSpa. We'll be tweeting about Destination Spas, the spa lifestyle, and anything else interesting that we come across.

Several member spas are also on Twitter. Check them out as well:

Lake Austin Spa

The Oaks at Ojai

Spa Eastman

The Kerr House

Green Mountain at Fox Run

Red Mountain Spa

New Life Hiking Spa

Mountain Trek

The Hills Health Ranch

Destination Spa Vacations: a long-lasting effect vacation!

« Spa: it’s a lifestyle, not a luxury ». This is the title of a press release recently issued by International Spa Association (ISPA). In the actual economic climate, many consider vacations as a luxury they can’t afford. But as many others, I think it should rather be seen as a precious investment in your own well-being, if not, survival.

« Spas are not about luxury - they’re about re-charging your battery, taking time to re-new, and learning how to take care of yourself,» said President Lynne McNees in ISPA’s press release. « Spas are about health, reducing stress and aging gracefully. The key is to take the information you learn at the spa, and incorporate it into your daily routine at home.»

ISPA was giving the results of a recent research, the 2008 ISPA Global Consumer Study:

« The No.1 reason people around the world spa is to relax and relieve/reduce stress. 
In 11 of the 15 countries surveyed, overall wellness and health was one of the top three reasons consumers spa.
In eight of the 15 countries surveyed, healthcare practitioner recommendation was one of the top three motivators for visiting a spa. »

Spa Finder Magazine and the New York Times also discussed the subject lately:

« In late November, a couple of months after the global financial crisis leaped to the top of news reports, spa lovers browsing at Spafinder.com were showing new interest in a concept fit for jittery times. Along with the usual search terms, like “day spas” and “massage,” a newly prominent word was typed into the site’s search engine three times more often than it had been in the summer. That word was “stress.” wrote Michele Higgins in the New York Times.

Destination spas take spa vacations to another level by offering a wide range of activities to enhance the relaxing and therapeutic effects of spa treatments. For example, you may have a choice of fitness activities scheduled every day, workshops and conferences on stress management, healthy nutrition, yoga, meditation, etc. These activities are included in most overnight stay package and they definitely can make a difference on what’s left of your vacation once it’s over. That’s where spa vacations can have a serious impact on your life. And that’s why I would never compare a destination spa to a spa located in a hotel, may it be located in the nicest hotel or destination in the world! Not that there’s no interest in it; we’re just not talking about the same kind of benefits.

In her post “Spa vacations, for the health of it!”, Michelle Kleist (Director for DSG) talks about a Cornell Survey on Destination Spa Vacations:

« Cornell Survey found that a destination spa vacation had many positive mental and physical effects, including: Increased energy levels; Improved abilities to resolve challenges; Improved relaxation; Improved ability to handle everyday life; Improved concentration; Improved ability to handle business affairs. So instead of forgoing your vacation this year, re-tool and invest in yourself at a Destination Spa. »

OK. I did convinced you that destination spa vacations were not a luxury but the answer to a serious need. Now, here’s the good news: there’s a section for Destination Spas Specials on DSG website. Find all about it right here! Think about it this way: if you need it, you deserve it!

Lucie Octeau
Blog Writer
Spa Eastman

Sleep Well This Spring

If you’re like most people, you welcome the longer days of spring and summer.   Many people actually feel happier and more energetic with exposure to more hours of sunlight every day, maybe taking their workouts outside and enjoying the shot in the arm that the change of scenery provides.  But for some, longer days can actually result in less sleep at night, which poses serious health risks.

With the days getting longer, many people pack more activities into their daytime routines or stay at work later because the daylight makes it feel like it’s still “early.” They get home later, have dinner later, their entire evening routine is pushed back and they get to bed later, but continue to wake up at the same time as usual the next morning.  The net result is less sleep – and that could be a problem.  Recent studies have shown a number of sleep deprivation health risks, from obesity to accidents.  Here’s a quick rundown followed by ideas for safeguarding your precious slumber. 

Obesity. A Columbia University study involving nearly 10,000 people found a correlation between lack of sleep and a higher body mass index (BMI). Those who got only two to four hours of sleep every night were 73 percent more likely to have an elevated BMI; those getting five or six hours were more prone to obesity by 50 percent and 23 percent, respectively. Researchers believe that sleep deprivation triggers an imbalance in the levels of the hormones ghrelin and leptin, raising the former (which increases the appetite) while lowering the latter (which induces feelings of satiety).

Diabetes. Not getting enough deep sleep can make your body less sensitive to insulin and decrease its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can lead to the onset of type 2 diabetes, according to researchers at the University of Chicago. The study found that when the slow-wave sleep patterns of young, healthy subjects was disturbed, the participants were 25 percent less sensitive to insulin and experienced a 23 percent increase in blood sugar levels.

Heart Disease. Participants in Harvard University's Nurses Health Study who slept for just five or six hours a night were shown to be at a significantly greater risk for a coronary event. Lack of sleep has been associated with high blood pressure and elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. Additionally, a study conducted at Pennsylvania State University found that people who didn't get sufficient sleep had higher levels of cytokine in their blood, triggering inflammation, which damages tissue and plays a significant role in heart disease.

Cancer. Lack of quality sleep can also cause an imbalance in hormonal levels. Melatonin, a hormone that the brain produces while you sleep, plays an important role in wiping out free radicals, so any factor that diminishes its production also diminishes the body's cancer-fighting capabilities.
Accidents. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania reported that study participants who got only four to six hours of sleep a night over a two-week period exhibited significant cognitive deficiencies on par with those who hadn't slept for three days in a row. Worst of all, they were unaware of how sleep-deprived they were or how much it was affecting their ability to function. Such cognitive dysfunction can lead to accidents in the workplace, at home, and on the road. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 100,000 highway crashes a year are caused by fatigue.

So, what’s a sleeper to do?  Well, health officials strongly recommend that adults get at least seven and a half hours sleep each night and provide these tips to help: 

1. Maintain a regular sleeping and waking up schedule including the weekends.

2. Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.

3. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool.

4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

5. Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.

6. Exercise regularly, but be sure to finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.

7. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol close to bedtime

8. Maintain positive relationships with friends or family and vent to them when something’s bothering you, run your problem-solving ideas by them when you’re grappling with an issue, laugh about things whenever possible.  This will reduce the number of things “on your mind” that may keep you up at night.

9. Sometimes a change of scenery is helpful to break a bad cycle, such as staying up all night watching TV or tossing and turning.  Taking a week away to refuel and return to healthful habits can be just the thing to help you adopt better routines and rituals.  A week at a destination spa, whose entire focus is on helping people recapture a sense of wellbeing, may be a week well spent. Several Destination Spas  (Canyon Ranch, Red Mountain, Rancho La Puerta) even offer special sleep-related programming.

So give it a shot.  Enjoy kicking back and see what helps you bring sweet sleep back into your life. 

By Joan Wolff, Owner/Director, Deerfield Spa

Mother's Day at Destination Spas

Mom's do it all! I've always known that, but as a new Mother I have a new, and much expanded appreciation for all that Mother's do. So as this Mother's Day approaches, I'm pondering how I will honor and celebrate my Mother.

My mother is very difficult - make that extremely difficult - to buy a gift for, no matter what holiday it is. I've never been able to buy the "typical" Mother's Day gifts of jewelry, chocolate, flowers, etc... for her. According to her, she has everything she needs and truly does not want anything. While she does enjoy a good massage, that has been my gift of choice for several years running. This year I want to do something special to let her know how much I appreciate her and everything she has done for me.

My answer - a Destination Spa Vacation for her & I together. She loves to travel, wants to spend more time with her only daughter, and as mentioned above she really enjoys a good massage. Remarkably, she has never joined me on one of my trips so this is perfect.

Many of the Destination Spasoffer Mother/Daughter packages and/or theme weeks throughout the year. Spending a few days together while you relax, exercise, dine, and enjoy each other's company is a great way to strengthen the special bond that Mothers share with their daughters.

Right now, the following have special packages in honor of Mother's Day:

Rancho La Puerta (Baja Mexico)
Mother's Day For A Week!
May 9-16, 2009

Includes :
A week at Rancho La Puerta includes accommodations, all meals, snacks, beverages, access to the facilities, over 50 fitness classes a day, evening programs, and scheduled transportation to and from the San Diego Airport.

Restrictions :
Offer based on shared occupancy, one week stay. "Lead" guest receives double (or triple rate); second (or more) guest receives 25% off same rate. Some restrictions apply (i.e. may not be combined with some other specials). We ask that mothers and daughters be related by blood, adoption or marriage (includes daughters-in-law and/or mothers-in-law).

RegPrice : $2,890
Discount : 25%
PriceAfter : $2,167.50

Cal-a-Vie (California)
May Getaways! Mother's Day to Graduation Retreat
May 10-17, 2009

Mother & Daughter Special Rate Weeks: Mother pays full price, daughter pays half price!There's always a reason to escape to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa - Mother's Day, Graduation celebration, girl friend getaway, Mom & Daughter bonding - and with our special Mother & Daughter packages you'll create lasting memories from fun fitness classes, spa pampering, delicious spa cuisine and quality time. An experience you'll never forget!

Includes :
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa May specials include 3 meals per day, all fitness classes, nutritional lecture, cooking demonstration, therapeutic spa treatments, shared occupancy and round trip airport transportation.

Restrictions :
This special may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other promotions, membership or group stays. It is subject to change without notice and is based on space availability.

Canyon Ranch (Arizona)
Mother & Daughters Save at Canyon Ranch
May 1 - October 31,2009

When a parent and child age 14 or older share an accommodation, one pays full package rate with package services included, and the other saves 25% on the nightly rate and receives a $130 allowance toward services. Additional children save 50% on the nightly rate (services not included). Simply mention Mother & Daughter when you make your reservation. Fathers and sons save, too!

Your Canyon Ranch in Tucson stay includes:
. Gracious accommodations
. Three gourmet meals daily, plus always-available healthy snacks
. Generous allowance for spa, sports, and integrative wellness services
. More than 40 fitness classes and activities a day
. Unlimited access to truly incredible facilities
. Round-trip transfers to and from Tucson International airport, or complimentary valet parking
. The kindness, warmth and expertise of our caring staff

Restrictions :
Four-night minimum. This special may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other promotions, group, homeowner or membership stays, is subject to change without notice and is based on space availability.

Spa Eastman (Quebec, Canada)
Two gifts for Mom!

Offer a $200* or more gift certificate to your mom and we will offer her a gift including spruce and grapefruit re-mineralizing cream, bath mineral crystals and bath moor mud (value of $50).

You can buy it on-line (here) or by phone at:
Spa Eastman, Eastman: 1 800 665-5272.
Spa Eastman Montréal: 514 845-8455.
Spa Eastman Nuns' Island: 514 766-4000.

Spa Eastman's Gift Certificates are accepted in our three locations.

This special offer is valid until May 10th only.
* To receive the gift, the gift certificate must be used between May 6th, 2009 and November 10th, 2009.

I'm not sure when we are going to go, but before next Mother's Day, I plan to treat my Mother to a special Destination Spa Vacation. Now on to my Mother In-Law's gift... I trust all of you will do something special for the Mothers in your life!
 

 

 

2 New Destination Spa Cookbooks - win 1!

This has been the week for cookbooks in the Destination Spa World. Two of the leading Destination Spas released their much anticipated cookbooks. Last week, Canyon Ranch released Canyon Ranch: Nourish and yesterday Golden Door released, Golden Door Cooks At Home. Both cookbooks feature natural, wholesome ingredients to create delicious, nutritious dishes at home. I've had a sneak preview of both books and am pleased to report they are both worth the long wait.

Golden Door Cooks at Home shares Chef Dean Rucker’s most sought-after recipes. You’ll also get tips from the spa's popular cooking classes, information on how to boost flavor healthfully, recipes for easy-to-make sauces and vinaigrettes, and sidebars on fitness, nutrition and other tantalizing glimpses into Golden Door experience. The first recipe I'm going to try is Spicy Chicken Hominy Soup:

Spicy Chicken and Hominy Soup

canola oil spray
2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup)
1 medium onion, diced (1 cup)
2 celery ribs, diced (1 cup)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp ancho chile powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp Kosher salt
6 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
1 skinless chicken breast
2 thin corn tortillas
1 (15.5oz) can hominy drained
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 chipotle in adobo, chopped
1 medium avocado, diced
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for serving
juice of 1 lime
1 oz (1/4 cup) crumbled queso fresco, for serving

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a medium saucepan with oil and heat over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring until the vegetables are slightly softened but not brown (4-5 minutes). Add the chile powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and cook, stirring for 1 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breast and reduce the heat. Simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through (~15 minutes). Meanwhile, lay the tortillas on a cutting board and lightly spray them on both sides with oil. Use a sharp knife to slice them into 1/2 inch wide strips and lay strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until the strips are lightly browned and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the tortilla strips from the baking sheet and set them aside to cool. Remove the chicken breast from the soup and let stand for 5 minutes (remove soup from heat and let is stand covered during this time). Pull or cut the meat from the bone and cut it into bite size pieces. Return the meat to the soup. Stir in the hominy, crushed tomatoes, and chipotle and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Ladle the soup into 8 serving bowls and top each serving with a few tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, and some queso fresco. Serve hot.

Canyon Ranch: Nourish features more than 200 recipes - from breakfast treats to entrées to desserts – that will entice the most sophisticated palate. Each recipe includes complete nutritional information as well as simple step-by-step techniques to empower the novice cook. Chef Scott Uehlein shared this delicious recipe with The Today Show  (NBC) viewers yesterday.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Chicken Stuffed with Caramelized Garlic
Canyon Ranchchef Scott Uehlein
4 servings

• 1 cup garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
• 4 4-ounce boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 whole egg, beaten
• 2 cups Chunky Tomato Sauce (see recipe)
• 2 cups cooked angel hair pasta

Preheat oven to 250.Toss garlic cloves with olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Spread evenly on a baking pan lightly sprayed with canola oil. Cover with aluminum foil and roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from oven, uncover and allow to and cool completely. Combine caramelized garlic with honey and vinegar and puree in a blender until smooth. Increase oven temperature to 400. Pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet until ¼-inch thick. Place 1 tablespoon garlic mixture on each chicken breast and roll burrito style. In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, pepper and salt. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then egg, followed by breadcrumb mixture. Spray each roll with canola oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°. Serve each chicken breast with 1/2 cup pasta on a plate and 1/2 cup tomato sauce.

Almost all Destination Spas have published a cookbook filled with delicious and healthful dishes. Recipes are available on Destination Spa Group's website from all of the spas and you can order cookbooks, including Golden Door Cooks at Home and Canyon Ranch: Nourish from the site as well.

The first 50 people to send a comment will be entered into a drawing for a copy of Golden Door's cookbook.

Bon Appetit!

Earth Day Ideas from Destination Spas

Earth Day is upon us and TV, magazines, blogs and newspapers are flooded with ideas on what we can do to help save the planet. Instead of repeating the common ideas, I want to share a few different ideas and resources that I've come across this week. One stat that I heard that stuck with me is that on average, each person produces 3.5# of garbage/day.

IDEAS:

• Plan and carry out a waste free lunch day at least once/week

• Keep one set of dishes at the office, including: a cup, utensils, bowl, and plate. This will prevent you from reaching for disposable utensils, cups, and plates.

• Install low flow toilets or add a brick or bottle of water to tank.

• Wash car in lawn, not in driveway to save water.

• Chemical Alternatives (not new, but I always forget the proportions, so here they are again)
  Glass Cleaner – ½ vinegar, ½ water
  Furniture Polish – 2 parts olive oil, 1 part lemon juice
  All purpose cleaner – 1 cup baking soda in one gallon hot water

• Build a rain garden
  What is a rain garden? A rain garden is a garden with a shallow depression that captures runoff from impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, patios, driveways, and parking lots, before it enters the storm water system. Rain gardens can be customized and are limited only by the resources and time you want to put into them. They use natural processes to improve water quality by filtering pollutants and reducing the amount of storm water runoff. The water easily infiltrates into the soil because of the deep roots of the native plants and recharges the groundwater supply.

• Use healthy and environmentally friendly cosmetics, such as mineral-based cosmetics and natural bath products. (Several Destination Spas carry these products).

RESOURCES:
www.h2ouse.org - learn how to be water efficient. Lists top 5 actions to save water.
www.bluegrassraingardenalliance.org - download a rain garden manual for FREE.

Brown Bag Bean Burritos - Try this brown bag recipe from www.kaboose.com

1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 cup salsa
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Rinse beans in cold water, drain well. Combine beans, salsa, cumin and chili powder in large pan. Cook over medium-high heat for about ten minutes, mashing beans slightly with back of wooden spoon. Stir occasionally, adding a little water if mixture looks too dry. Spoon bean mixture into tortillas. Top with cheese. Fold each tortilla into an envelope shape, ensuring both ends are tucked in. Eat warm or wrap in plastic to take for lunch.

Hopefully this gave you at least 1 new idea to celebrate and save our planet for many days to come. Happy Earth Day from Destination Spa Group.

Spa Week is here!

Today is the start of Spa Week. For those of you are not (yet) familiar with this great event, it is your chance to try spa services at participating spas for $50! For most spas that is 1/2 price. A massage appointment is always a good idea for some stress relief and now you have another reason if you live in the following states. While you are there, ask for a copy of Destination Spa Vacations magazine.

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington