This is a post about you, not me. Along those lines, I have some questions, I want to get to know you better. To find out what you like, and also what you need.
Why? I’m thinking of writing another cookbook. For the past ten years, I’ve had cookbook writing on the brain. And in the past four years I’ve created two of them. Now, I’m entertaining the idea of writing a third book. If I do, I’d like it to be of benefit to my readers. So here are my questions:
- What, if any, are your dietary restrictions?
- Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid?
- Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful?
- Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently?
- What is your definition of “healthy food”
- If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be?
Feel free to answer all of the questions above, or just a couple. I’m really looking forward to hearing from you, and getting to know you a little bit better.
I will (as always) read each and every comment left below and while there may be competing requests and wishes, I will do my best to incorporate them into my future projects.
Danielle says
I follow SCD – so grain-free, lactose-free, processed sugar-free. Would love to see a cookbook with more entrees/meals for family and guests – sometimes it is hard to find meals to eat every day. A slow-cooker section would also be awesome!
Kim K. says
1.What, if any, are your dietary restrictions? gluten and dairy (casein)
2.Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid? chick peas (don’t agree with me)
3.Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful? replacement recipes for old favorites made without gluten or dairy
4.Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently? entrees and desserts
5.What is your definition of “healthy food” – organic, nonGMO, mostly vegan
6.If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be? pictures and for some gf and df items used, locations to purchase
Lani says
I use recipes that I already have and sometimes refer to a cookbook; but mostly I use the internet to research and find recipes. I have three shelves of cookbooks that I can’t seem to part with, but they no longer reflect our diets and lifestyle. I am grain free, mostly dairy free and hubby and kids eat most everything. I would like a new cookbook with yummy pictures and great Elana recipes! Thanks Elana for all you do! This household appreciates your hard work and great recipes!!!
joanne says
Recipes for vegetarians that can be made for just one person.
Less sweet baking recipes. I find all of your desserts too sweet.
In a book that is specific to a condition e.g. grain free, I am not interested in seeing a chunk of the pages being ‘meat and vegetable’ recipes which I could find in any other book.
David Nigh says
1) i have NO dietary restrictions-
i started eating primal/paleo about two years ago, and am “hooked” for life because of how i feel overall, especially energy level- stumbling upon your site has been instrumental in me sticking to this lifestyle, as your recipes are genius and delicious! (just wanted to say “THANKS for that Elana!”)
2) Corn, flour, grains, HFCS etc-
3) i find them all useful, except maybe Salads, as i find it’s pretty easy to put together a unique and different salad without a lot of help
4) i tend to refer to entrees the most-
since going primal, i’ve also developed a “love” for cooking/baking, because you do need to cook for yourself, i was lucky enough to end up really enjoying it-
with that, i’ve found myself taking mainstream recipes, and adapting them to be primal- for example, i’m a big Jamie Oliver and Food and Wine Magazine fan, so i’ll take recipes from these and adapt them to be primal/paleo- it’s easier than i thought- maybe a theme for a book?
(although you have many recipes that already do that)
5) healthy = food made from “whole” and known sources (local, organic) with time and TLC-
i’ve been especially more sensitive to stressing local/seasonal, and actually have stopped purchasing most produce from Whole Foods, since i feel guilty eating produce that has traveled over 1,500 miles to get to my store
maybe a themed book that links recipes to the season?
6) recipes that i will go back to time and time again-
which you’ve already accomplished in your first book-
Jessica says
I love your cookbooks and use them regularly along with the recipes on your blog! I think lunches would be great and like one pot meals. Quick and easy with minimal ingredients for the working mom trying to cook for a family but avoid her kid’s allergies. Which are eggs, dairy, wheat, and peanuts.
Thanks so much for all you do! It’s saved my sanity!
Laura says
Yay! I’m looking forward to another cookbook from you.
1. dietary restrictions: gluten-free, casein-free, dairy-free, cane sugar-free, no oats, no buckwheat, no coffee, no chocolate, no eggs
2. I don’t use agave or xylitol. I like honey, maple syrup, and stevia as sweeteners.
3 & 4. I mostly use cookbooks for desserts. I love to bake, and I’d like to learn how to make more grain-free desserts that fit my restrictions above. I also like cookbooks for good soup recipes.
5. “Healthy food” is natural, not processed, and homemade. Whole foods. Not too much sugar (in any form).
6. I’d like to see more options for substitutions, like — Here’s how to make this recipe egg-free or cane-sugar free or whatever. I’m usually experimenting with all of that myself, but I always appreciate when someone else has already tested out the variations.
Terri Stankiewicz says
1. and 2. No true allergies — but I avoid gluten, corn, dairy and soy. I am mostly grain free as well. My husband and teen son eat everything and anything — so this creates a challenge.
3.Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful? I love the desserts! But I need more entrees. My family is tired of the protein/vegetable routine, so quick casseroles and crockpot dinner ideas would be really appreciated. They are also big eaters, so volume that won’t break the bank would be nice!
4.Quick/uncomplicated recipes.
5.Healthy food to me is anything unprocessed (or minimal processing).
6. Easy to follow, specific step-by-step instructions. Pictures are always fun!
Lorraine says
1. I have no known, meaning tested, dietary restrictions but just want to eat healthy by avoiding Sugar, flour, industrial seed oils and grains
2. Besides Sugar, flour, industrial seed oils and grains I’d rather not use Agave nectar.
3. I prefer recipes for breads, desserts, cookies because I have my won recipes I like for meals.
4. I use mostly ethnic cook books for meals and they are usually healthy as they are.
5. Avoiding Sugar, flour, industrial seed oils and grains
6. I need a cook book for baking. I love the recipes on your site but have not bought your cook book yet because I am waiting for you to update it (no agave nectar and using coconut flour in addition to almond flour
elise says
What, if any, are your dietary restrictions? Gluten and Dairy…currently moving towards GAP diet..
Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid? Most Grains
Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful? Meal type of recipes…breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Less sweets and baked goods, more mealtime options.
Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently? Don’t own any yet!
What is your definition of “healthy food” Food grown locally, organic, in season. Freshly prepared and not a ton of ingredients. Not a lot of sugar!!
If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be? Easy to follow, not too many hard to find ingredients, meals that are healthy and yummy! Would love to see something SCD/GAPS based!
Thanks!! Love your recipes!