Like my two boys, I can’t think of any better way to remember Elana and celebrate her birthday yesterday, than talking about food. Apart from our family, it was the true love of her life. It brough her such joy to be preparing food- especially if it was for me and the kids. And through all of Elana’s health challenges, she always figured out ways to improvise her diet into something she enjoyed. And while Elana enjoyed preparing all kinds of food, chocolate was definitely our love language. No matter what type of diet either of us was on, we would always enjoy a chocolate bar. So, in thinking about my favorite Elana foods, they all had chocolate!
Low Carb Buckeye Peanut Butter Brownies. I had to start with these, because everyone in our family knows I love anything with peanut butter and chocolate. Lesser known is that Elana also loved peanut butter. She never ate as much of it as I did, typically going for the healthier almond butter. But this is where Elana and I connected….peanut butter and chocolate.
Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies. This is kind of where it all began. With the chocolate chip cookie from almond flour. This was the game changer. It was so much better than any other gluten free cookie out there at the time- and was both an incredible dessert or a super healthy breakfast or post-workout treat. Limited sugar- tons of protein.
Chocolate Pecan Pie. This was probably what I said most- when Elana asked what dessert I wanted her to make. Again- nuts and chocolate…what could go wrong. This became a Thanksgiving staple- and anytime we wanted to really be decadent. Especially adding whipped cream on top- which was another huge Elana favorite (with minimal sweetener and some vanilla).
Homemade Chocolate Candy Bars. We had these in the freezer a lot. Too much. Of course, Elana would take them out and slice off a piece to eat. I would just take a whole one out and they would start to melt on my fingers as I ate them. This was Elana looking to make healthy, gluten free treats that our kids could eat- and love- and that their friends would love as well.
Homemade Hannukah Gelt. I had to mention this recipe, along with Hamantaschen, because they speak to Elana’s love of the holidays. The Jewish holidays first and foremost- but Elana really loved any holiday. It was a time to be together as a family- and even once our kids left the nest, she just loved the pageantry and food of any festival.
Gluten Free Birthday Cake. I am typically not a cake lover…but this one was amazing- mostly because of the incredible frosting. Frosting was very important to Elana- many hours were spent ensuring we had the right frosting on our wedding cake. But this one is special because it speaks to where Elana shined brightest- making food for the kids, especially their birthdays. It was the genesis of Elana’s Pantry- how to make gluten free treats that would work for their birthdays. So many amazing clown and bunny cakes over the years.
Elana leaves a legacy far and wide in terms of her impact. But seeing our two boys’ love for food and passion for cooking is a constant reminder to me of Elana as a Mom. Miss her terribly- as a wife, co-parent and friend- but sending her lots of hugs and chocolate kisses today. Happy Birthday E. Love R.
Carolyn says
I just discovered Elana’s cookbooks this year when my 3-year-old son needed to switch to a gluten-free, dairy-free diet. The vegetable quiche recipe (in her Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook) has been a game-changer for us! In the span of 3 months, I have made it 10 times, each time trying out a different combination of vegetables. My child has gone from eating no vegetables to eating 3 slices of quiche in one sitting. I am so sorry to hear of Elana’s passing. Please know she continues to make a huge difference in people’s lives with her amazing recipes.