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.
brenda says
What, if any, are your dietary restrictions? No corn, wheat, oat, rye, spelt, kamut, blackberries or strawberries.
Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid? meat and dairy
Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful? entrees, vegetables and salads mostly. However I love reading recipes of all kinds and getting ideas.
Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently? entrees, vegetables, salads
What is your definition of “healthy food” No allergens, meat or dairy, low sodium and sugar. No processed food; the cleaner, the simpler, the more natural the better. Nutritional value is important.
If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be? a section about substitutions, complimentary flavors, suggestions. I am an artist and I cook like I paint. . . I pick my pallet and start to build my dish. I rarely follow a recipe to the letter, I take a little of this, a little of that and put it together with what I have. I love discovering new thing, like Bragg’s Aminos, nutritional yeast, international spices.
Diane says
A colorful SCD or GAPS diet/Paleo cookbook would be awesome – with a small photo of each finished recipe.
I can only use honey as a sweetener, and use nut flours/milks. No dairy, grains, starches (not even starchy veges). Nothing boxed, canned, or bottled (with the exception of Campbell’s Original Tomato Juice – which is permitted on the SCD diet)
Would like more casserole and on-pot recipes, and recipes for veges like cauliflower and celery root (celeriac) – which have to sub for potatoes and rice and such.
Maybe recipes for Scalloped Celeriac or Celeriac Au Gratin – yummm.
Still need more snack ideas, and I have recently discovered Indian-style spices, so would like something like snack crackers or chips with a light Indian touch, maybe. Perhaps one in sweet (cardamon/ginger/cinnamon) and one in savory (cumin/chili powder/coriander)for example.
Healthy eating is using fresh REAL foods.
Love your other books – very inspiring (even though I must sometimes sub certain ingredients for those I can’t have) Looking forward to your new cookbook. Thanks for all you do.
Lady says
I love your cookbooks, and I was hoping you would publish another one soon. YEAH!!! We are gluten, soy, corn, dairy and sugar free. This diet was recommended by a nutritionist, and it has helped with my cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. And more importantly, it has helped my son with his ADHD. I especially love the cupcakes, cakes, pancakes, and desserts. I would love to see a recipe for pound cake and waffles. Main dishes and sides are not hard for me to cook; it’s the traditional gluten desserts and breads that are hard to do. But your almond/coconut flour recipes are fabulous!!! Thank you! You have revolutionized my baking, and we can enjoy dessert again. Also, I made the sesame crackers to take to church so we can enjoy communion again!!!THANK YOU!
Hope says
I agree with alot of the above: one dish meals FREE of the common offenders. There is a reason casseroles became so popular for the common housewife they are easy! Making grain free casseroles and one pot meals that freeze well? Is that possible? I am a stay at home Mom of 4, who also homeschools, I spend about 75% of my day in the kitchen. Something with meal planning included? I follow alot of paleo blogs, your blog, Kelly at the Spunky Coconut, Wellness Mama, you name it. I would love a budgeting, meal planning, grain free, sugar free, Weston A. Price’ish cookbook! Crazy as it sounds. Thank you for all the time you put into your blog & cookbooks!
Kerry says
I second these comments! One-dish meals or casseroles would be super. We cook a lot for friends and neighbors who have had babies, or just need an extra meal. It would be great to have some recipes that can be easily doubled and stored in the freezer.
I would also love a cook book that was organized seasonally. We eat primarily animal protein plus two veggies at a meal. I find that my cooking tends to change depending on what is available and what “feels” good (ie. not eating chili in summer!). I have yet to organize my recipes, though, into a seasonal format.
Thank you so much! I cook or bake from your website on a daily basis.
Nenah Sylver says
I don’t eat gluten, dairy, or refined sugars. No preservatives, colorings, and junk food is a given.
My favorite cookbook is Nourishing Traditions.
I find myself most in need of recipes for baked goods. I could also use basic principles of how to cook things, principles that could be applied to other foods.
I would like to see a cookbook similar to Harold McGee’s Kitchen Lore, on the science of cooking and baking, only simpler, and using only healthy ingredients.
By “healthy” ingredients, I mean:
1) OILS: Using only virgin olive and coconut
2) No glutinous flours
3) Low-sugar fruits
4) Meats, eggs, poultry, fish
5) Many different types of veggies
Lisa Self says
I have, and use both of your cookbooks, and eagerly await a third.
Having Hashimoto autoimmune thyroid challenges, I do not eat gluten, dairy, corn, soy.
Also appreciate lower glycemic sugar options. Love desserts- the more options the better! I eat meat, fish and eggs, but not much grains. Appetizers, desserts and baked things have been my go to when using your website and books. Healthy food is real food, no bag snacks or cupboard food. Oh, photos also quite helpful. Thank you very much Elana you have been instrumental on my healing journey.
Elizabeth says
I have both of your books and reference them often.
– No restrictions or allergies
– I avoid dairy, eggs, butter, white sugar and flours
– I use my cookbooks for entree’s, breads, and sides. Right now I am experimenting with healthy salad dressings
– I use breakfast recipes and look for ideas all of the time
– Healthy food for me is eating clean (food that is not processed). Lots of veggies, whole grains and protein.
– Often when cooking I end up substituting ingredients (apple sauce instead of eggs for example). It is always trial and error. I would love a cookbook full of alternatives and inspiration!
Olivia says
1. I have a gluten and dairy intolerance, so recipes free of that would be awesome.
2. I try and avoid peanut butter, eggs, tomatoes, and soy.
3. I would love a cookbook based on all different kinds of desserts!
4. Healthy foods, to me, are foods free of sugar and grain flours, such as, rice flour, sorghum flour, potato starch, etc. that require xantham or guar gum.
5. I find myself looking in the breakfast and dessert sections of cookbooks more often than any other section.
6. I’m always looking for more vegan ice cream recipes. I love gelato and lime sherbert, so a substitute for that would be awesome. I adore ice cream especially in the summer, but my next favorite dessert is persimmon pudding.
I hope this helps! A cookbook based on all desserts would be a dream come true for me! Add in a few breakfast/dessert-like foods and wah-la! you’ve created my dream cook book. :)
Becky says
1.I have Celiac disease, so no Gluten. I have also found out I am mildly allergic to corn, rice, peanuts, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and sesame. (I know quite the combo, LOL!)
2.The only foods I avoid are ones I can’t have
3.I tend to gravitate toward baked items….breads, rolls, desserts. However, if it is a savory and it looks good, I wouldn’t turn it down! ;)
4.I don’t have any cookbooks that are geared toward how I have to eat right now. Before I was diagnosed I didn’t really use cookbooks and I was getting bored so I really need to get them.
6.I would LOVE to have pics on every page. I am very visual when it comes to choosing a cookbook, so if it has No pics or very few, I tend to put it back on the shelf.
I REALLY need to get your Gluten-free Cupcakes book. I’m a MAJOR sweet tooth and it sounds right up my alley! :D
Lisa says
Because of health reasons, my husband cannot have any meat, dairy or oils. I would love to have recipes that I don’t have to figure out substitutions for.