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.
Geometry Dash Lite says
What a beautiful wway to honor someone’s memory. It’s amazing how certain recipes can hold so many prcious memories and keep a loved one’s spirits close to the family.
Julia Albee says
I first met your family at Erewhon in Los Angeles around 2010, when Elana was signing copies of her latest cookbook. I had recently been diagnosed with advanced SIBO and was struggling with chronic joint pain and an autoimmune disease. I had lost 35 pounds and had seen doctor after doctor, with very little guidance or understanding of how to get better.
At the time, I was completely overwhelmed. I had two young boys to care for, and I couldn’t figure out which foods were making me so sick. A nutritionist had put me on an incredibly restrictive diet—no gluten, sugar, dairy, corn, or so many of the foods I had always enjoyed. Eating had become a source of fear and frustration.
Someone had shared Elana’s blog with me, and for the first time, I felt like I had found someone who truly understood what I was going through. We shared the experience of chronic illness, the challenges of limited food options, and, perhaps most importantly, a deep love for our boys.
When I finally met Elana in person, I became emotional. Here was someone who understood, not just the physical challenges, but the loneliness and exhaustion that come with being sick and trying to care for a young family.
I’ll never forget what happened next. Elana took my hand and walked me through the grocery store, showing me what I could buy, what I could eat, and how I could begin to enjoy food again. She gave me something I hadn’t felt in a very long time—hope.
I have often thought about that day and how such a simple act of kindness could have such a profound impact on someone’s life. I truly feel that Elana saved my life that day, not just through her knowledge, but through her extraordinary compassion, generosity, and thoughtfulness.
I can’t fully express how much that moment meant to me, or how deeply it has stayed with me all these years. But I will never forget the kindness she showed a complete stranger who desperately needed someone to understand.
Happy Birthday Eleana. Love to your family.
Becky says
Thank you for still being here. A friend brought her rosemary hazelnut cookies to an event a few days ago. I recognized the font on the recipe photo, and that made me want to visit the website. In the craziness of life, I missed Elana’s passing. I’m so very, very sorry. I was so blessed to read about her impact on the world. I plan to make the chocolate pecan pie in her honor this Thanksgiving. Praying for peace for you, sweet Pantry family.
Pamela Strong says
I have missed Elana with her blog and recipes. So many of her recipes I continue to use, and think and pray for you as I do that. Thank you for leaving this website up.
Mary says
This time of year, I always make Elana’s Paleo Fruitcake. It’s absolutely the best fruitcake I’ve ever eaten, and it’s healthy… just dates, raisins, dried cherries, walnuts, and orange and lemon zest for the fruit and nut part.
You all are truly her legacy. Thank you for honoring her by running the pantry.
Susan Evans says
Always great recipes. What a wonderful legacy.
Thank you and Much Love
Pamela J Pressman says
These wonderful recipes have been my staples for as long as I can remember. Elana was always my “go-to”. I’ve appreciated Elana’s awareness of various diseases and dietary needs, which clearly indicates her intelligent research of many aspects of health. Thank you to Elana and her family for the generosity in creating and continuing her beautiful work.
Julie Mills says
Don’t forget her Chocolate Pumpkin Pie! It is my kids’ favorite thing I make every
Thanksgiving. Thinking of you all as I pulled out her recipe today to make my shopping list.
Jen says
Just now reading about Elana’s passing. So so so sorry for your loss. I’ve been using her recipes since ~2010 when I started following the SCD. Thank you for leaving this site up. We just made the lemon blueberry keto bread for brunch with some keto friends tomorrow. Big hugs from Utah.
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.