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.
Kelly says
My husband and I are basically paleo. I have endometriosis and lots of inflammation so no grains or dairy for sure and limited sugars.
I would love more ideas for portable lunches and snacks. That’s where we struggle. Also quick breakfasts that are filling. My husband is a med student so we have early mornings and looooong mornings. :)
I’m so excited about another cookbook from you!
Julie says
What, if any, are your dietary restrictions? None
Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid? I try to avoid dairy bc I don’t like its mucus-forming properties. I avoid gluten especially if it’s an added ingredient bc it bloats me. I also don’t eat meat really.
Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful? easy salad dressings, entrees, sides, desserts
Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently? entrees or desserts
What is your definition of “healthy food” Food that comes naturally from the Earth. You couldn’t go up to a wheat crop and start munching on it… so, I think if it takes that much processing to make it edible, then maybe we shouldn’t be eating it. I also think healthy food comes fresh from farmer’s markets, so eat local and seasonally.
If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be? simplicity of meals and delicious… vegetarian/vegan
Sandi DeFalco says
1- I’m type 2 diabetic for 20 years and have come to realize that starchy carbs like breads and pastas really do a number on my glucose readings.
2- Bananas, too high in carbs and fructose.
3- Breads and desserts are most helpful.
4- Main dishes, or recipes that I can adjust with lower carb ingredients.
5- Hmmm, healthy food to me is anything that doesn’t make my blood sugar spike high.
6- In a cookbook, I would really like to see a complete nutritional analysis –> protein, calories, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, etc.!
Ann Karine says
I love your recipes!!! They are so creative easy and delicious. I feel lost if you don’t have a recipe that i’m looking… so here are some ideas!
I’ve been looking for a healthy version of pine nut cookies (love pine nuts), ginger lemon bread and anything with chestnuts (I like them but don’t know what to do with them). Thanks for the inspiration. we are not allergic but when my husband suggested we do a paleo diet for a while…. I got really excited because I wanted to try more of your recipes. Lots of love to you and your family. AK
Christine in North Central Massachusetts says
1.What, if any, are your dietary restrictions?
Gluten and dairy (occationally eggs)
2.Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid?
Corn and related products, most soy (we do use GF tamari)
3.Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful? Dinners and sides with notes on how to pair them together. I would really like a lunch type book that doesn’t rely on breads.
4.Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently? The muffins section of the Coconut Cookbook by Fife. Otherwise we have mostly GF desert/baking books.
5.What is your definition of “healthy food” We try to eat in the Weston A Price tradition. We are not afraid of good fats, meats, or veggies. We are learning about fermentation, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, pickles, saurkraut, ect. but have been too buzy to get started yet.
6.If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be?
Clear Concise and accurate directions. If I need to get an item right into the oven once it’s mixed, please put preheat oven to x degrees as step one. Listing ingrediants in the order used is very helpful. An example would be if an ingredient is used twice (once to coat the meat and then more later to thicken the sauce) list it twice where (when) it would be used. I know that often time it’s listed as 1/2 cup plus 1/2 tablespoon OR 1/2 cup divided. These can be confusing as do I use the 1/2 cup plus 1/2 Tablespoon all at once or at two seperate time and when it says divided it means I need to hunt down how much I need when in the instructions.
I hope I have helped. If I think of anything else I will comment again.
Mary Louise says
I have Celiac and have evolved through several lifestyle changes to end up mostly Paleo. Would love to have you do a Paleo cookbook with more recipes using Coconut flour/oil/milk. I make your Coconut bar recipe weekly. Baking recipes using only honey and stevia for sweeteners. Would like to see recipes for whole foods, also, as indicated by others. Thank you, Elena, for your untiring work on this site doing all of the research for us so we can prepare recipes with ease. Looking forward to your new cookbook!!
Emily says
1. What, if any, are your dietary restrictions?
• No grains, sugar (except for honey), starches, or dairy
2. Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid?
• Just soy.
3. Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful?
• All of above, but I would love to find more interesting entrée ideas.
4. Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently?
• I most frequently visit the entrée sections and make adjustments according to the diet. Second in line would be loafs/breads or snack foods.
5. What is your definition of “healthy food”
• Health food, for me, is food that provides the necessary nutrients for my body while helping me heal.
6. If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be?
• I would love to find more recipes that make me excited to cook or cookbooks that feature more ‘gourmet’ meals or ingredients.
zosia says
What, if any, are your dietary restrictions?
– gluten, dairy
Are there foods you are not allergic to that you avoid?
– white refined sugar, agave nectar, and I food combine, so I often avoid certain food combinations (like meat + potatoes)
Which type of recipe (i.e., bread, salad, entrees, sides, desserts, etc.) do you find most useful?
– salad dressings that don’t call for sweeteners, healthy and sugar/sweetener-free alternatives to common-usually-store-bought sauces, such as ketchup, barbeque sauce
Of the cookbooks you own, which sections do you find yourself using most frequently?
– I really like when cookbooks not only have pictures of the food – but also of the process (at least the somewhat difficult-to-grasp sections) Also, I like salad recipes
What is your definition of “healthy food”
– Healthy food to ME is food that doesn’t cause me stomach-upset…Mainly it’s food that is not processed and void of sugar.
If you could ask for one thing in a cookbook, what would it be?
– I am looking for a cookbook that incorporates AYURVEDA! I have recently noticed the amazing benefits of eating for my dosha.
Bisous!!
Noel says
We avoid gluten, dairy, refined grains and sugars — and too many ingredients. : )
I love all of your recipes b/c I can count on them having minimal ingredients. I’d love a cookbook with entrees and sides. I like simplicity but also variety, so different ideas of herbs and seasonings, simple sauces and marinades and rubs… to go along with poultry and vegies would be great.
: )
Noel
Christine says
I would love to see a book on entree & vegetable meals that is not only gluten free, but close to paleo as well. I am Celiac but also try to stay away from corn and grains as much as possible. I love your vegetable and savory recipes and would love to see them in a book with pictures. I find I seek out recipes for vegetables and entrees that are quick meals most importantly. My definition of healthy food is anything that I eat that is fresh and clean and makes me feel the same inside. If I could only ask one thing of a cookbook, it would be quick/easy lunch and dinner meals with pics. Thanks Elana and best wishes with a new book! I’m so grateful for your other two books and you!