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.
Sandra Plourde says
Thank you for posting. I think it’s great you ventured here! I think and miss Elana often. You and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers…
Sara says
Thank you for giving us the gift of your voice on Elana’s birthday (though I’m seeing it late). Her recipes mean a lot to me, and my heart aches for all of you. I can’t believe I’ve never made the buckeye brownies. I shall correct that this week!
Wendy Slaughter says
She was a true blessing!
Joyce Young says
A beautiful tribute…her love lives on. Thank you to all three of you for sharing.
Kiki says
I so love that you three made these posts. They teared me up. I have quietly followed Elana for years and made many of her recipes. Her generous loving spirit lives on in so many people. Thank you for sharing these. They made my sad heart sing.
Mary Leriger says
Mr Pantry: This post has blown my mind and broken my heart. So strange because I woke up this morning Aug 23 thinking of sweet Elana. I don’t know when she passed, but I knew something was up, because she hadn’t posted lately. The last time she posted she shared her surgery. I had been praying for her ever since. I can’t EVEN imagine the pain she was suffering. She had such an aura about her. I miss her so very much. I used to live in Boulder. I took care of her Dentist Joel Shaffer. That was devistating for me as well. That poor man suffered so much. But not to extent of Elana’s misery. I send my very deepest condolenses to you and your sweet sons. The minute she would post one of her recipes, I would drop everything and go make it. She was such an icon. I am so sad. It’s going to take me a long time to get over this. I will forever be waiting for her next post that will never come. I know I am asking a lot, but I would love to hear from you (or one of your boys) about her last days. That would help me with the closure.
Tara says
I love that you three did this, thank you for sharing with us. It was always so nice over the years to hear of your family in the recipes as I raised my family with them too. Thank you and so much love to you all as you navigate life without your beautiful wife.
Andrea says
Loved seeing this post. I sure miss her cooking adventures. Her gluten free, paleo recipes are the best. I have made quite a few chocolate recipes and still do, the chocolate chip cookies are the only ones I make. Happy birthday dear Elana.
kelly says
this made my day seeing these posts in my feed. what a sweet thoughtful tribute to an amazing human from those who knew and loved her best. i’ve followed her and read her blog for many many years and am still devastated and thinking of your family and how hard this is. sending love, while smiling looking back at all these recipes I now want to make. i literally never comment, but can’t help myself – this is such a special vulnerable heartfelt tribute in a time of massive disconnection in our world.
AK says
So sweet, these three posts! Not everyone leaves a legacy as large and fierce as Elena’s … happy birthday, fellow traveler.