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.
laura says
I would love a section in the begining listing all Pantry items used in the book and how many recipes included each item.
Kristin says
I really liked the Gluten Free recipe book. I’ve made a lot of the recipes and they are good, easy to prepare, and I feel good eating these. Another GF with more ideas.
Or as others mentioned, Paleo might be good.
I just try to limit carbs and find tasty ways to enjoy vegetables, as I don’t really enjoy very many vegetables.
Sonya says
I eat gluten free, healthy to me means the right balance of fats, carbs, and proteins and I try to stick with 12-1400 calories per meal. I eat simple deserts and rarely, so I prefer entrees and especially entrees that can be made in 30 minutes or less with on hand ingredients.
I am also interested in healthy gluten free portable snacks for everyday running around when I can’t be home to eat between meals. I eat at least two healthy snacks a day and would like more home made things like protein bars or snack bags that aren’t too high in sugars or fats.
Thanks for asking!
Sonya says
Ooooops! I meant 12-1400 calories per day…around 400 per meal. Sorry!
Kristin says
I agree with this, too. Quick recipes are nice. And I try to follow the same ideas as Sonya.
Nikki says
Allergic to nightshades, garlic, fish, bananas and dairy. Also avoid gluten. We lean Paleo b/c of combined family allergies. I’m from the south, live in CO and miss all those great one pot, crockpot meals. I really miss Chicken Spaghetti. I’d love few ingredient family night meals with easy to substitute allergens that work in kid’s lunch bags the next day. Thanks for asking!
Jaime says
I found myself agreeing with many of the other comments-
whole foods, pictures, one pot meals,
It got me thinking that maybe a section for
menu planning would be helpful? A way to see lunch/ dinner options or what to bring to a party.
shari says
No cane sugar, dairy or sesame.
I avoid grains.
I love bread and baking recipes, have yet to find a good gf cornbread recipe. Would also like to be able to make a good gf pound cake.
Dessert, bread and baking recipes.
Anything grown without the use of chemicals.
Pictures! It helps to know what something should look like when it’s done.
Thanks so much for all your wonderful recipes. I refer to your site and cookbook all the time and find it so incredibly helpful!
Colleen says
1. gluten free, sometimes grain free, sometimes no sugars at all (including fruit :(–but the rest of my family is just gluten free, sometimes GAPS
2. we eat a ‘real food’ diet–also avoid soy.
3. I like to have a little of all of these….but see # 6.
4. none, really. i mostly look online. I need new cookbooks! recently…I look at yogurt making, fermented veggies in my books. Online I look up ideas for everything.
5. “Real Foods”
6. Photos. Also—Would LOVE to have menu planning ideas. This takes up so much of my time and would love to have a week’s worth of ideas including snacks, breakfasts, etc. That is economical (financially and time-wise)
Audra Taylor says
I think you should write a Paleo Baking book. I like the paleo diet because they leave out all the things I can’t eat things with dairy, gluten, soy and corn. So many people have a grouping of allergies. If I had my wish, that is what it would be :)
Tonya says
Elana,
I am gluten sensitive so I try to avoid gluten whenever possible. I experience issues when I eat almonds, peanuts, cashews,macadamia nuts and eggs-all of this within the last 2 years. I am also lactose intolerant. I attempt to follow a Paleo-ish diet but I have a huge sweet tooth so that derails me at times. I guess my idea of a perfect cookbook would be one that gives recipes in a complete meal format. When I am busy and planning meals, I would much rather look at the dinner section and find a menu and the recipes for a complete meal on one page. Not search in the meat section and then flip to the sides section, etc. And of course, I would love pictures. I am a visual person. I have both of your cookbooks and I know what ever you produce will be top quality. I am kinda all over the place in cookbooks, but my favorite section of course is dessert. My idea of healthy food is something I can see growing/living in nature and not processed with a bunch of ingredients that I cannot even pronounce. I hope you decide to publish a new cookbook, I will be ready to pre-order!
Nancy Bennett says
WOW EVERYONE HAS JUST ABOUT HIT ON ALL THAT I NEED. I LOVE PICTURES, CASSEROLES, ABSOLUTELY NO SUGAR, GLUTEN FREE, ONLY FISH, BUT MAKE CHICKEN AND GROUND TURKEY FOR MY HUSBAND. FRESH FRESH ORGANIC VEGS AND FRUITS. CROCK POT IDEAS. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR GREAT RECIPES, NEVER HEARD OF ALMOND FLOUR UNTIL YOU.
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