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.
Kari says
Would love a GF, dairy free, soy free, egg free collection that offers the wonderful taste & simplicity that you do so well. If the nutrition values were included that would be super! I would definitely pay a premium for this.
Pink Peppercorn and Paprika says
1. No Gluten
2. Soy when possible, but not overly strict (soy lecithin is in everything..)
3. The best recipes for me are the ones that don’t require difficult to find gluten free flours. This is one of the things I love about your almond flour cookbook. The simpler the ingredients the better. Also, living in the city, I don’t have space for fancy mixers, blenders, specialty baking pans, etc.
4. Soups! (was the baking section before I went gluten free)
5. Organic, non-GMO fresh items that are not overly processed. Basically if it’s not wrapped in plastic- it’s a good sign.
6. Pictures!! and tips about if certain ingredients can be replaced with others
Looking forward to the book! I love looking thru your almond flour cookbook. so pretty :)
Jacqui says
I try to stay away from all things gluten and sugar.
Because of blood sugar spikes, I avoid honey, agave, maple syrup too, so it would be great to know how to substitute with stevia, xylitol, lakanto. I’ve done this with a few of your recipes and have to figure out how to compensate for/replace the moisture that the honey, etc adds.
I seem to gravitate toward the dessert and bread recipes- your 2 books and website have been invaluable resources!
I really love cookbooks that have a photo for each recipe. As someone else suggested, a seasonal cookbook would be great- and maybe something with holiday treats (xmas cookies?)and recipes. GF on a budget is another great idea- or make ahead meals and treats that can be frozen and used throughout the week, etc would be good too.
Thanks for all you do- i will definitely be purchasing your next cookbook!
Molly says
Hi!
After lots of experimenting with my eating, I’ve found that my diet pretty much boils down to Paleo. I borrow recipes from raw blogs and vegan blogs since they generally use whole foods. Weston Price is also a big influence, and I look there if I’m soaking my nuts or looking to include a bit of grains. What I would love would be a book consolidating quick easy delicious meal recipes that are heavy on the veggies and include some quality animal protein and a touch of GF grain but are essentially paleo. A “5 ingredient” paleo entrees book would really get my attention. And I’d love to see lots of super healthy soups or one pot meals included. I do eat butter and a bit of hard cheese.And i love to see coconut oil used liberally (brain food!). I use maple syrup, honey and fruit as my only sweeteners. I love that you’re asking this of your readers!
BTW, whenever my 8 year old daughter longs for a gluteny treat, she heads to your site and begs me to help her make a gf version :)
dannie mckinney says
Love the many recipes you share. Thank you so much!
Trying to get rid of tumors right now which I believe I got from celiac disease. (probably decades of not knowing). 83 lbs now. Do so appreciate the gluten-free recipes, but now mostly have to eat raw, and plants.
Appreciate your sharing.
Beth Aldrich says
I’d love a book about Vegan eating. With my dairy, eggs, wheat and almond allergies, I’m left hanging most of the time :) :)
ox
Beth
Dione says
I would love to see a cookbook of your favorite paleo recipes.
Annette says
Hi Elana,
1. I am allergic to dairy and believe that I have a gluten/grain intolerance. I sleep for days if I eat it.
2. Sugar
3. Entrees and baked goods. I’m so grateful for your blog and your cookbooks!
4. I’ve been eating a Paleo diet since March so I’m using those cookbooks exclusively and use the entree sections most frequently.
5. Unprocessed meat and veg. Fruit in moderation.
6. Dairy free, grain free snacks.
Thank you and I’m excited to see what you come up with!
Irene says
I don’t eat gluten and my doctor wants me to avoid dairy (I do my best). Lunch ideas that aren’t leftovers from dinner would be great. Meals that feed one or two, not four or more since I’m the only gf eater in my house. Good luck with the new book. Can’t wait to see it in print.
Lady says
my nutritionist says that gluten and dairy proteins are so similar that if you are allergic to one, you should avoid the other, too.
Amber Engeset says
Thank You for asking, my family is on a GAPS diet we don’t have any allergies but choose to eat a healthier way, we avoid sugar, wheat and all grains, starch (which includes your arrowroot)When we first started this lifestyle we were stumped on recipe until a friend loaned me your almond flour cookbook your wonderful bread recipes are our family’s favorite. A good bread recipe was something that was hard to find.My favorite section is the baked goods. I define eating healthy as to mean eating whole foods, not processed anything and I think eating with the seasons is wonderful. One thing I would ask for in a cookbook would be GAPS/Paleo friendly recipes
margaret says
Let me add a bid for a “menu” cookbook. A prime example is the menu with recipes Elana published for July 4th celebrations: I used each one, together and separately, and they were wonderful.
Through a life of teaching, going to grad school, being a faculty wife, raising children, finally finishing a Ph.D., more teaching, more raising, and on and on, my favorites have always been the Full Monte–great recipes (yours) and suggestions for putting it all together.
Margaret