Food is politics. More than ever. So, imagine my surprise when I found this comment the other day, right here on my little ol’ blog saying:
“I love your recipe blog, but really don’t agree with your political views or comments. Try to stay more focused on the food instead of politics. You may keep more friends that way.”
I’d never thought of being less than genuine and hiding my views as way to gain friends. Call me naive, that’s one strategy I haven’t tried. In terms of what I write on this site, I share my personal (which are of course political) philosophies and also enjoy hearing other people’s views, whether they agree with me or not.
So everyone, I want to thank you for your comments and all of the diverse perspectives. I appreciate hearing your views, even if we don’t always exactly see eye to eye.
In terms of my opinions, I hope you all enjoy what I write and totally understand if you don’t. Of course, if you are a big fan of Sara Palin then this site might not be the most comfortable place for you to hang out, given that I am pretty much a bleeding heart liberal. And then some. That’s not something I ever have or ever will try to hide.
Here’s yet another delicious gluten-free kosher for Passover recipe; it is based on a recipe I found on epicurean.com. My husband was very enthusiastic about this dessert, eating the crumbs off of the serving plate. Just a word of caution, this moist tart can be a bit crumbly this is normal and does not mean you’ve done anything wrong.
Chocolate Walnut Torte
Ingredients
- 5 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup agave nectar or honey
- ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 cups walnuts
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the chocolate until it becomes a coarse mixture, the consistency of gravel
- Pulse in the walnuts, briefly, until they are coarsely chopped -bigger chunks than the chocolate
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until pale in color, then gradually beat in the agave
- In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, then beat in the salt
- Fold the chocolate-walnut mixture into the egg yolk mixture
- Then fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture
- Place in a well greased 9 inch springform pan
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave in for 10 more minutes, until firm to the touch and golden around the edges
- Cool in the pan, then serve
This gluten-free flourless torte is another less expensive way to make higher-protein, lower glycemic desserts, without the expense of almond flour. Not that I don’t love almond flour, it’s still my favorite ingredient!
I’m not sure if this torte would work with yacon, though it might be a worthy experiment. It might also be worthwhile to experiment with other nuts, if walnuts aren’t your thing.
Sarah in CA says
I understand about politics and food. I am a polar opposite of Elana. I am one of those women that was mocked for clinging to her faith and guns. I just read about the food and dump the rest. I pre-ordered Elana’s book. Now I am wondering how much of the political bent is written in the cook book. If there is politics in the cookbook then I need to rethink about how much I really need it.
Freedom says
Hi Elana,
I was blown away when I read that comment. You handled it much better than I would have, I guess that’s why so many admire you! Anyway, I just had to point something out to you…
“This gluten-free flourless torte is another less expensive way to make higher-protein, lower glycemic, nut-free desserts, without the expense of almond flour.”
I’m surprised no one else has pointed it out yet, that this recipe isn’t nut free :^) Sorry, I had to pick on you too ;)
P.S. sorry bout all the smilies, didn’t want to come across as being mean in this post. It’s just so hard to convey true feeling online.
gfe-gluten free easily says
Oh, this is another lovely one, Elana! I like that you’ve been in a bit of a chocolate phase. So have I, of late. LOL
I agree with others that freedom is one of our country’s biggest positives and it’s also true of blogs … express yourself as the commerical goes. Always, remember that something like 99% of people who follow a blog are positive and only 1% are negative, so why do we even listen? LOL The negative people will never help your blog, but the positive folks will share it far and wide. :-)
Shirley
WSB says
Ditto Steven!
VeggieGirl says
This is YOUR blog, so say whatever you want – I’m a loyal reader, and appreciate your honesty & fabulous recipes!! :-)
Debbie says
Oh for heaven’s sake. Oh, maybe I can’t say heaven. Anywho, say whatever you want. People can read, bake, eat, sing, leave, or fly. As long as you don’t go all KKK I’ll stay for the shear joy of your blog Elana.
I made the chocolate chip brownies this week w walnuts. OMG (is God ok?;) de-freakin-licious!
BTW I’ll be in Denver in July 2-7. Are you doing any classes or :) book signings? I have preordered. Or, will baseball season be in playoffs?
Peace,
Debbie
Ultrarunnergirl says
So you’re saying the same as the other commenter basically, that political commentary that you find offensive would be a deal-breaker?
I don’t love political commentary, but I think there is value in being forced to realize everyone doesn’t agree with you. Too many people become insular and never/rarely get another point of view. That’s a shame. The ability to be civil toward those with whom you disagree is really important.
Rachel says
I learned a long time ago,
The personal is political.
You go, girl!!
Alyse says
Ohhh, this makes me drool with anticipation! Now I know what I am doing with those walnuts I just found in the freezer today….
You go girl! It is your blog, say what you want and what you feel! I love that you come from the heart and that is what draws me back (along with the amazing delicious recipes I get to try and explore!)
That one comment just gave you the moment to be your strong true self. Bless them for this and a reminder of freedom of speech.
Meagan says
Thank you so much Elana! You don’t know what you’ve done for me =) I am grateful! I’m going to try this recipe out tonight =) Meagan
eva says
Dentonista, it is a free country to say whatever you want to say and Elana is definitely entitled to do so. I also have the freedom to say that I’m extremely disappointed with the tone of this blog. I thought this would be a lovely retreat into the world of healthy cooking. We are bombarded enough with politics from the tv, radio and internet as is. Instead I’m seeing more of a political agenda. This should be reserved for another blog entitled Elana’s Views for those that want to read Elana proudly exclaiming her differences towards the likes of Sarah Palin or whomever doesn’t fit into her ideological world of liberalism. Seriously, what does Sarah Palin have to do with what’s in Elana’s pantry? I expected there would be more professionalism from Elana, especially since she’s trying to establish herself as a serious “chef”, blogger and now author. In spite of my disappointment in this blog I do wish Elana good luck with her book and wish her family well.
De_LaRose says
Elana, thank you for sharing your recipes with us. I am a Vegan/GF/Organic baker myself and always love reading your blogs. Speak your mind and keep on sharing your delicious talent!
– One proud tree hugger in Wasilla, Alaska