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
Page says
I am so sorry for your loss! I’m just learning this as I was making her pancakes and wondering if Elana was still able to get her favorite almond flour that seems to be out of stock everywhere.
I started making your mom’s recipes about 15 years ago. I can’t remember how I discovered her but I now own two cookbooks and many well worn printouts I refer to often. I have always appreciated her ability to make healthy simple recipes. I’m not a great cook but her recipes are always a big hit!
I love her brownies with almond butter. The chocolate chip cookies get the college kids to come over. We have her pancakes every Sunday morning. My husband travels for work and takes her scones and muffins with him. My middle schooler loves the chipotle orange chicken. We have her orange cake every Easter. And of course the chicken parm or chicken picada when I really want to impress guests!
I’m so very sad to learn of Elana’s passing. Her memory lives on in our home. I hope all of these posts from far and wide give you some comfort.
With love,
Page
Anna Zell says
I’m remembering your mom this morning as I make her savory almond flour crust and her broccoli mushroom quiche. her recipes are something I turn to over and over. I remember her very fondly for all the deliciousness she brought to my kitchen.
Leah says
Wow, I’ve been making Elana’s beautiful healthy recipes for my family for nearly 2 decades now. The tattered printouts of her recipes in my recipe book are a testament to how much we love her recipes. On a whim, I sought out her website to see what she’s been up to… So sad to see Elana has passed. I hope she’s smiling somewhere knowing how she helped so many people eat and live better. Sending love to her dear family.