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.
Heather says
I would love to see a cook book that is for people on a paleo diet modified for autoimmune disease. I haven’t seen anything like that, and it would be wonderful since I’ve given up on looking at recipes as I can’t eat anything in any of them.
Starla says
I love all of your recipes, I make a lot of substitutions for the agave nectar using date purée or applesauce sometimes it does not work. I would love a natural sweetener alternative . I use stevia sometimes but also it does not always work out.
Giorgia says
A perfect cookbook should feature:
– all gluten free recipes (we cannot eat gluten);
– a lot of recipes suitable for diabetics (not necessary low calories) expecially for those dishes that are not usually diabetic friendly (e.g. bread) just for one of us;
– a lot of vegetarian recipes, with few or no recipes with pork/beef (not allergic, but they do not suit us);
– not too much emphasis on desserts, but more on savoury food;
– menu ideas;
and last but not least
– Celsius alongside Fahrenheit
– metric measurement alongside cups (for solid food)
Jess says
What, if any, are your dietary restrictions? -None.
Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid? -Sugar, ”white carbs”.
Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful? -Breakfast, desserts, snacks, breads, main dishes.
Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently? -Desserts.
What is your definition of “healthy food”? -Minimally processed.
If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be? -Simple, inexpensive ingredients.
Dee says
I’ve been waiting for this post!
I’d love to have a GAPS cookbook. If it’s good for GAPS it’s also good for SCD.
Most of the recipes I use at the moment are adapted from your 2 cookbooks and your website. I replace agave or other sweeteners with honey and use butter instead of oil. I’d love more recipes that are tested specifically for using honey.
I’d also love more ideas for soups, main courses and desserts for family meals and for serving guests. I love recipes that taste good enough to please people who aren’t on a healthy diet.
My idea of healthy food is fresh, wholesome, natural, unprocessed ingredients – no preservatives.
I would also love to see more photos in your next cookbook. It’s such a help to know what it’s supposed to look like!
Dena says
I am vegetarian, and I really struggle with most vegetarian cookbooks out there because they either 1.try to duplicate meat recipes or 2. use crazy ingredients I don’t have, struggle to find in an ordinary grocery store, and will never use again after making one recipe with it!
I mostly use cookbooks now for desserts, as most other things I just throw things together, but baking is a different story for me.
I would LOVE a cookbook that uses good, healthy foods that most people have on hand.
Entrees are my biggest interest.
Thanks for asking for opinions!
Meg says
I have your zucchini bread (I made into muffins) in the oven right now from your almond flour book! I cant wait to taste them now that I have the proper ingredients (I ended up buying the blanched almond flour you recommended instead of using the almond meal I have on hand).
To answer your questions:
1.What, if any, are your dietary restrictions?
We are choosing to live a paleo lifestyle. No dairy, gluten or sugar.
2.Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid?
Same as #1
3.Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful?
Baked goods, by far! I have yet to find the “perfect” pancake or waffle. Though, truth be told, I havent tried your pancake recipe yet.
4.Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently?
Online, mainly.
5.What is your definition of “healthy food”
Whole foods. Fruits, veggies and meats that dont require alot of preperation and other ingredients.
6.If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be?
Simple. 6 ingredients or less. Foods that I have on hand – not things I need to go to the store and find.
Jeanette says
Thank you Elana! Looking forward to your next one. I enjoy your recipes.
1/2. No allergies/issues, just try to eat WAP with reduced grains, sugars & salt.
3. Entrees are most useful
4. Unfortunately slow-cooker & quick meals
5. Still trying to figure out what “healthy food” is, so much info out there, currently WAP makes sense as “healthy,” but working towards Paleo
6. Possibly slow-cooker WAP meals, but reduced carbs & with with food pairings such as a suggested side or salad?
7. Recipes that are healthy, easy, & taste good. It is frustrating wasting time & money on quality ingredients and it turns out bad
Marilyn Winberg says
I love cookbooks with lots of pictures. I need to see what the recipe should look like! I am sensitive to wheat, dairy, corn, soy and sugar. I have begun to experiment with ethnic foods, so far oriental and East Indian.
thanks!
Gretchen says
restrictions: gluten (celiac), dairy, soy
newly avoiding all grains
always looking for creative entrees
every cookbook needs a great index
Thanks!