In honor of my mom’s 58th birthday yesterday, my brother, dad and I wanted to share some of our favorite recipes of hers.
These meals, treats, and snacks remind me of the deliciousness my mom provided for our family, and shared with you all, throughout the years.
I am so grateful to have had Elana as my mother and I hope you too may celebrate the ways she contributed to your lives.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
This Cinnamon Coffee Cake was a treat my mom made frequently while I was in high school, and on numerous occasions upon my returns from college. It was always incredibly delicious and hit the spot.
BBQ Kale Chips
There was always an elusive quality to these Kale Chips. They never lasted more than a few hours after they were baked. Over the last few years, while working on an organic vegetable farm, I had access to an abundance of kale. So, my mom would mix up a jar of the seasoning and send it in the mail, enabling my indulgence in this yummy snack.
Butternut Squash Soup
I have loved squash since I was a little one and this Butternut Squash Soup brings me back to the days of my infancy when my skin turned orange from eating so many orange foods.
Chipotle Orange Chicken
Around the time when I was in middle school, this Chipotle Orange Chicken was my most favorite dinner. Something about the spicy sweet combo always excited my taste buds. Like many of my mom’s recipes, this one highlights the brilliance of simplicity.
Cream Cheese Frosting
To this day I still eat my mom’s Cream Cheese Frosting straight from the jar. It’s incredible on carrot cake and it takes Pancakes to a whole new level.
While I feel a strong sense of grief around my mom’s passing, I also feel so much gratitude. She created a life of nourishment for our family and left us all with so many scrumptiously precious gems. If you feel so inclined, feel free to share your favorite recipe/s in the comments below.
-E
dev says
such a beautiful way to celebrate your legacy of joyful, gluten-free cooking. I’ve made your Chocolate Pecan Pie for my own gatherings, and it never fails to impress. Sending love and hugs to Mr. Pantry, Baby Pantry, and Big Boy Pantry. top school in Greater Noida
Alexa says
I miss your mom, too. We were fellow Colorado GF bloggers and were twins by birthday. She was always so generous with her time and her love. I found Elana’s Pantry back in 2008. Hardly anyone knew what gluten-free was, and I had a friend I wanted to take a dish to who had gone gluten-free. I tried your Mom’s butternut Squash Pie and was forever hooked. Big hugs to your family.
Amy K says
I been a follower and fan of your mom’s for years. I hated to hear of her passing. I am thankful you are keeping her page up for us (at least for now). She was a true gem in the healthy/gluten free/celiac world. My favorite recipes of your mom are hands down, the chocolate chip cookies (the ones made with butter). When you get non healthy people saying a recipe is good, you know it is good!! I also love her vegan crackers. I make mine with rosemary and they are the best things to snack on! I loved reading all of your favorite recipes of your moms as well. I look forward to trying some of the favorites.
shalu says
The stories of your Chocolate Pecan Pie and Gluten-Free Birthday Cakes brought tears and smiles, reminding us how food creates lasting memories. Your legacy of nourishing, gluten-free recipes continues to inspire so many kitchens around the world. best overseas education consultants in chennai
Jennifer Medina says
I’m so very sorry to hear your Mom died. Had no idea. Her recipes have touched our family in such a beautiful way. Fellow Coloradan here. Her carrot cake was my first favorite recipe.
Mandy O. says
Elena’s zucchini muffin recipe from her Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook was the first recipe I tried after being diagnosed with a gluten intolerance 12 years ago, and it remains my favorite to this day. At a time when I felt deprived of foods I’d always loved while growing up, her recipes showed me a new world of healthy possibilities. She helped transform how so many of us eat and live, and her work will always be cherished.
Catherine says
Elena really did master the art of simplicity, its one of the things I loved most about her recipes and what so few people can do. I’ve been enjoying her recipes for over 15 years and I came back here today to double check the measurements for her pb cookies which I add chocolate chips to. I can’t even count the number of times I made them and every time I do everyone loves them and asks for the recipe. She has positively touched so many people through her recipes and love for baking, and will continue to do so .
Rachelle Kenny says
Thank you for sharing. Your mother’s matzoh ball recipe for passover as well as the cupcake and cake recipes always helped me to navigate birthdays. I come back to them year after year.
dev says
This heartfelt tribute beautifully honors Elana’s legacy through her timeless recipes that brought nourishment and joy to so many families. The Cinnamon Coffee Cake and Butternut Squash Soup sound especially comforting simple ingredients creating profound memories.
Rose says
Coming back to Elena’s website to find chicory-dandelion coffee and reading your beautiful memories connected to her recipes and generous motherhood. They’re touching, thank you for sharing.