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
K Nethaji says
Awesome post. Thanks for sharing
Ice Breaker Games says
Love the personal touch in your title! These gluten-free Easter recipes sound perfect for spring. I’m excited to try dishes with fresh asparagus and rosemary. Thanks for sharing healthy options that celebrate the season!
Jaipuria says
those family recipes like Cinnamon Coffee Cake and BBQ Kale Chips bring back such warm memories of her nourishing legacy. The Chipotle Orange Chicken and Cream Cheese Frosting sound like timeless gems we’ll keep making. Sending love and gratitude for sharing these; her impact lives on through every bite.
Karrie says
I have been a long-time fan and follower of Elena, and so it was nice to read this post. Thank you so much for sharing your favourite of your Mom’s stellar recipes. My family has also enjoyed many of her recipes for years. Happy holidays!
Mary says
I was thinking of baking something from your Mom’s Pantry, and decided to check out the website. I found love and your favorite recipes!
The Cinnamon Coffee Cake–that’s what I am going to make.
Sending love this holiday season.
K Nethaji says
Nice post
Anne says
I’m grateful for your Mom and her family. She gave us all so much and I am comforted by looking at her website. I’m grateful her family didn’t take it down and am even more grateful that you posted favorite recipes. Like your mother, my mother was someone who felt things so deeply that it was too painful to live. I am sending you all love for the holidays and for life.
Liz says
I think about your mom and you and your family all the time. My heart goes out to all of you as you work through this first holiday season without her physical presence.
Many of her recipes from this site are staples in my own home. She was always so gracious replying to my comments on this site and it feels like the world is a little darker without her around.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kristin says
This is wonderful! Thank you for posting this and sending all of your family love as you remember your mom.
Your mom’s recipes have been so helpful in my life. My favorite recipe I make every year is her paleo pumpkin bread!!!
In gratitude.
R says
Grateful literally every day for your mom and her recipes. The pumpkin pie filling is a staple for my son, and I’ve been making the zucchini bread weekly because it is such a treat for me. Sending all of you so much love.