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.
Carol says
!. No allergies.
2. We are a primal inspired family (for overall health). We try but are not perfect :-). We have eliminated all grains lentils and pulses and processed foods. Now moving to reduce nuts as we over compensated in the beginning. Trying to use more coconut flour vs almond flour. Trying to minimize sugar but will use honey or maple syrup. Now adding some of the “raw” diet when we can.
3. Vegetables (always looking for ways to get more in), breads, muffin or crackers, lunch options for kids.
4. Breakfast options (this was our hardest adjustment), mains, and sides.
5. For our family, healthy eating is a focus on fresh organic produce, protein that is grass fed and ethically raised, and healthy fats like coconut oil, grass fed ghee and olive oil. Seasonal and local always the best.
6. Really looking for healthy but high quality food. We are foodies that want to be healthy too!
Tamra Taylor says
I use your website for most of my recipes! Your shepard’s pie is my favorite. I am gluten intolerant, have reactions to rice and potatoes.
When you started to include information on the Paleo Diet it was the perfect fit for me. I have lost 25 lbs following this diet-feel great.
So that being said- a Paleo cook book!
I have given your other cook books out for birthdays/christmas presents so another cook book would be fantastic.
Carol Spry says
I’m mainly interested in low glycemic and gluten free recipes and tips. No allergies, it just a healthier way to eat! I tend towards low blood sugar “moments” without significant protein at ea meal. I’d LOVE to see some guidelines on adapting regular baking recipes to using almond flour as a substitute.
Patrice Oldani says
I have gastroparesis and I am also fructose intollorant. So I cannot have agave nector. If you could come up with some reciepies that use stevia for the sweetener that would be great. I have so many resrictions. I am also gluten free now because there are fructons in wheat I found out. It also slows the stomach even more, which I don’t need. I love brownies and haven’t had them in a long time. Could you come up with a brownie reciepie that I could tollorate? Sorry I wrote so much. Thanks
Kelley says
Elana, I absolutely love your site and have all your cookbooks. I am constantly telling people about you. My 4 year old son is autistic and on a gluten free/limited dairy diet. So I definitely love any kid-friendly recipes. I know it’s a common allergen and I’m in the minority here, but I actually like your bread/muffin recipes with eggs because of the added protein (my son is not a fan of meat). I also would love to have more recipes with coconut flour so I can vary the gluten free flours a little and not always use almond. Also really like when you include substitutions – I find it so helpful when people include their subs in the comment section. Sometimes I see a recipe of yours that I can’t wait to make and want to use what’s on hand. Thank you so much for everything you do, by the way!
Christy Scheeler says
1. GF/CF/ minimal soy / LOW OXALATE! No nuts – very high oxalate, but, can do chestnut flour, sunflower, white rice flour, etc.
2. Soy and corn when possible.
3. Kid friendly crackers, snacks, lunchbox ideas that aren’t all salads. My kid has autism, so finger friendly is great too!
4. Snacks, Sides, Entrees
5 & 6. Food that is free of GMO, minimal or natural sugar, and perhaps even using xylitol. corn free, soy free and tastes GOOD without kids knowing it is good for them!
Best cookbook ever would incorporate: SCD, Low Carb, Kid Friendly, GF/CF and nut free and perhaps a little paleo thrown in. But, again, not all salads and meat entrees…. Needs to be kid friendly and taste good.
Gail says
I recently purchased a Vitamix around which there seems to be a cult following, but a dearth of information on interesting uses and recipes beyond the standard smoothies, soups, etc. I could imagine a dedicated “Vitamix” cookbook on healthy desserts,for starters—puddings, flans, custards, mousses, flavored whipped creams,etc. Grinding coconut chips into coconut creme, almonds into flour that can be incorporated into these deserts. Another volume could include nutrient-dense healthy sauces, gravies and purees to garnish dishes. Kick it up a notch with creative salad dressings… Etc. Or go international, with individual sections on French, Italian, Swedish, etc. To give your niche book wider appeal, perhaps include an index supplying substitute ingredients for the more common allergens. Maybe you could even team up with the folks at Vitamix for mutual inspiration, knowledge, and support. Good luck, Elana, and thanks for all your good work!
Patricia Lush says
I am a newbie to this site…. and just recently found out I am celiacs and dairy free. I need a good basic cook book that has a little bit of each category…for example…like a Betty Crocker cook book has for meats, deserts, salads, breads (I have to be completely grain free so I only currently use Almond flour) etc…
I really miss the dairy….cheese in particular!! Being grain free and dairy free really limits my alternatives when it comes to things like cheese. So recipes using coconut milk to substitute dairy items like ice cream would be appreciated or anything else along those lines.
Including a list of staples to keep on hand or suggestions where to buy the special food items needed for the recipe helps too. I have never had to cook from scratch and find I never have everything on hand anymore when I want to cook something.
Thanks for asking for our opinions! I really appreciate your recipes! They have helped so much already!
Kristin Walukas says
We are gluten-free first and foremost, and then also avoid soy and dairy milk. I am happiest Paleo. Your last post, Mint Vegan Ice Cream, is a great example of why whatever cookbook you put together will be on my shelf. I have all of Kelly’s cookbooks too, and love them, but I had not made that particular ice cream recipe, partly because it contained too many steps for me (Melt the chocolate, make the vanilla base on a different page, etc.) I like that you took the same idea and made it a simpler process, so that it is going in my ice cream maker now. Whatever cookbook idea you come up with, that is what I am looking for – simple, tasty Paleo food. I don’t really need anymore sweets recipes (I have your cupcakes cookbook for that and tend to make the savory ones the most anyway.)
Thanks for all your recipes!
Rhonda says
I think the direction your recipes have taken the last year is great. No sugar! except xylitol and stevia.I would love a cookbook paleo style but, with the Elana spin on it. Your recipes ALWAYS come out great they are easy and so delicious! I cant even begin to tell you how many recipes are a staple in our house.. THANK YOU! really enjoy your other 2 cookbooks. Cant wait for your new one.