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
Sarah Adlerstein says
I just want to say how much I’m thinking of your family this Thanksgiving as I once again search multiple recipes of this website getting ready for the feast. I imagine the pain of Elana’s lost must be even sharper on the holidays that celebrate family and food. I know so many of us keep you all in our hearts. Cheers to Elana- my appreciation for you lives on!
Diane says
Your mother lives on in this blog and in her books. I can’t imagine a Thanksgiving without her presence in our home, including this year. Please know she has touched so many lives, and I’m sure I’m not alone in grieving for her. Keeping your family in my heart this Thanksgiving.
Ice Breaker Games says
Aww, this is such a sweet tribute to her mom! Those recipes sound absolutely delicious, especially the chipotle orange chicken. Definitely gonna try some of these! Happy belated birthday to Elana’s mom!
Julie Mills says
As I’m making my shopping list for Thanksgiving, I wanted to stop by and say that I make Elana’s Chocolate Pumpkin Pie each year. I thought of you all as I pulled out the recipe. Thinking of your family as you celebrate this holiday season without Elana.
Maura says
Dear Elana’s Family
I am writing because on this first Thanksgiving you will be without Elana’s physical presence….I thought it might help to know this: I and many others are so very thankful for all your Mom/wife shared with us. Not just the recipes, although like her they are stellar – but her wealth of knowledge and her never ending supply of support, optimism, comfort, and guidance. Coming here was like coming to hang out with a trusted friend, who was beautiful and bright and uber competent and yet she always made you feel right at home, not just in her kitchen, but in her orbit. Never any gatekeeping. Wanting good health and good times shared with family for all of us. Elana’s recipes were – and still are – my go to, especially at this time of year.
I cannot think of a Thanksgiving without jumping over here to check Elana’s Thanksgiving post….and I know I am only one of many that feel that way. I, along with many others, will be thinking of Elana while I am baking and eating my Thanksgiving delights. And I hope that it brings some measure of comfort, knowing that all of us are thinking not only of your Mom/wife, but of all of you as well. We are so sorry for your loss. May her memory always be a Blessing, and I know it will.
Susan says
I am a dietitian and specialize in food sensitivities. I have been recommending Elana’s website to my clients and to other dietitians for years! It is absolutely the best. I love the simplicity of the recipes and they never fail to taste good. I am so thankful for Elana and for the culinary treasures she shared with us. Thank you for keeping the website up, I continue to refer to it and recommend it.
Counting Sheep says
Your mom’s recipes are a staple in our home, and are loved by our friends and family who I cook for.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories of her and for keeping her work alive!
It will continue to serve so many as it has for decades!
Kind regards,
Vou
Football says
Aww, this just tugs at my heartstrings! Your mom sounds like such an incredible woman who filled your life with love and yummy food. I can almost taste that cinnamon coffee cake! It’s those little things that really stick with us, isn’t it?
Carolyn says
Thank you for this beautiful post. Our family just discovered your mom’s recipes a few months ago; we love their simplicity, and every one we’ve tried so far has been delicious. The vegetable quiche is the one we’ve made the most often. It feels so special every time we make it. We also love the apple cinnamon muffins and the salmon burgers. We are so grateful to your mom for sharing her recipes with the world. She has made a big difference to our family.
Penny Cox says
I worked for Elana for a little while doing bookkeeping in the barn. I think I even picked you guys up from school a few times. We would blare the radio driving past school to tennis lessons. I loved your mother. She was so kind to me and my family. She would send up all kinds of goodies for us to try. So delicious. I miss her.