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.
aimee says
wow! i love this blog and i love your recipes and i love your optimism and the anecdotes about your kids and husband. i love the fact that this is a free country. seems to me that the people that disagree with you most are the ones that really should be reading your political commentary in the first place- isn’t that what makes the world go ’round? sheesh, i mean, wow! people! get yourselves together! PEACE
ann says
wow…. never thought the divide in this country would show up on elana’s pantry. to each their own is my motto. be respectful and listen to what others have to say. i say, way to go elana for thinking, writing and sharing!
Erica says
I get great ideas and new recipes from this blog. But, food and politics don’t have to go together – even though they seem to, more and more.
Most food blogs are about breaking “bread” (sorry about the pun), sharing ideas and good food. If you want to use a food blog to talk about other stuff, in moderation it seems ok, but after a while – is the blog about food, or food and politics? See this link for some guidelines on food blogging: http://www.deliciousdays.com/archives/2007/03/07/howto-foodblog/.
Also, many food bloggers are now selling stuff, sometimes books, or kitchen wares. At that point, is it just a blog?
Elyse says
Elana– I am with you all the way on your food perspectives and was so grateful to find a food blog with a food philosophy that has helped me cultivate and better organize my own–I knew where I wanted to be, but tossing all the family recipes out and starting over seemed daunting. I just didn’t know where to start. Your recipes are a GIFT and gave me direction and hope for my crazy allergies and diet, especially the vegan and soy-free recipes. I love where you are coming from even if we don’t meet eye to eye on everything else politically. And just FYI–this Catholic especially loves your passover recipes! :) Thank you for sharing and blogging about what you love and believe!
elana says
To my fabulous readers, thanks so much for all of your wonderful comments. I’m so happy that we can get along whether Jewish, Christian, Republican, Democrat, Independent, political or a-political. I cherish the dialogue which wouldn’t be possible without all of you and your diverging opinions and backgrounds!
naomi says
Don’t change a thing. What you say on your own blog is entirely up to you. Seems like you have quite enough friends not to worry about losing those who feel the need to control the thoughts of others.
x x x
Pam says
Elana~We are a little family. We are individuals with different views on life,religion, and politics. Yet here we are, drawn together with a common need and bond, gluten free foods. Thanks to you, yummy, delicious and mouth watering ones! And as you can see, we are a very supportive bunch!
Don’t change one bit. Your little family likes you just the way you are!
PS~This yummy looking torte is on the menu tomorrow…It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
Jenn says
My husband had to go gluten free recently, and your site has been so helpful! Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes and techniques!
As for that commenter — really? This is your site, and you should be able to say whatever you like. People choose to visit your site, and they can choose not to if they’re offended. :)
CeliacChick says
Weird. I never even really picked up on your political views much. Yeah, between the lines it is easy to see what you stand for, but I don’t feel like you are preachy about it or constantly chattering about it. Did I miss something? And even if you were, the site appears to me to be first and foremost about food. I don’t even really get how someone could have a problem, but at the same time, I guess they are allowed to have their opinion.
You know what is funny? On CeliacChicks I take the opposite stand and I have chosen not to discuss religion or politics…and that even pisses some people off, so you can’t win. Someone is always going to be offended. So, you have to make the best choice for you.
Theresa Watson says
Thanks Elena — once again you never cease to amaze me.
Thank you for being so conscious of your readers who can’t necesarily afford the higher priced ingredients. I order the almond flour from the link on your web site in 5 lb. bags — order several at a time to save on shipping. However, it is nice to have other recipes that don’t have the almond flour.
I made the biscotti for Easter — everyone loved them — I made a double batch so that I could have some leftovers. Had to freeze some so that I would stop eating them. I am going to try dipping one end in melted dark chocolate next time — truly decadent.
I have pre-ordered your book and am counting the days until it is delivered. Just received an email saying that it will be coming sooner than Amazon thought. Yippee!!
As far a politics, religion, etc. goes — do we still live in America or did something change since I went to sleep last night.
You say what you want — it’s your blog and it’s our FREE country.
I am a Christian, Republican who loves to hear other people’s views and am so grateful that we live in a country where we can share, learn, love and accept each other.
Thanks for all you do — love ya,
Theresa Watson
Merritt Island, Florida