My second book comes out this Tuesday. That’s right, Tuesday, April 26th. The pre-release price is $9.23. So, enough of the mini-infomercial that I promised my publisher I would write, and on to the making of
Gluten-Free Cupcakes.
My mom says that writing a book is like having a baby. I couldn’t agree more. However, I gained 5 pounds incubating this book, rather than the usual 20-30 that I put on during each of the pregnancies in which I bore babies rather than paperbacks. How did I gain 5 pounds gestating a book? You try baking 17 hours a day (by the way, everything is mouthwatering at 2:00 am), trying out batch after batch of Banana Split Cupcakes until they are perfect.
Then there are the Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes; I was determined to make those. So determined that I made them close to 50 times until they were the way I wanted them. I think you’ll like them whether you’re vegan, carnivore or something in between.
Yes, giving birth to a book is a lot like giving birth to babies. And upon reflection, I realize that my two books are actually somewhat similar to my two children. My first book, The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook, is a lovable, well rounded collection of recipes. A lot like my first son who is a bit of a Renaissance “man.” My second book is full of adorable little treats. My second son is sweet. Kinda like a cupcake. In fact, when we have gone to gluten free bakeries in New York City, where he can get whatever he wants, he always chooses the biggest, pinkest cupcake, with no shame whatsoever.
I love them both equally –my boys that is. While I’m thrilled to be “expecting” Gluten-Free Cupcakes on Tuesday (it’s a scheduled delivery, unlike the natural childbirths of my boys, delivered midwives), I will always have a huge place in my heart for The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook. An editor is a lot like a midwife. I was lucky enough to have my editor, Sara, collaborate with me and come up with fabulous sections for my new book.
Here are the chapters we created:
- Classic Cupcakes
- Chocolate Cupcakes
- Fruity Cupcakes
- Warm and Spiced Cupcakes
- Special Occasion Cupcakes
- Savory Treats
- Frostings, Fillings and Toppings
One of my favorite recipes in the book is White Chocolate Cupcakes. How many ingredients does it contain? Three. Yes, a cupcake recipe with three ingredients. Sometimes I write recipes and forget that I wrote them. This was one of those recipes. So when I received my galley of the book, I was thrilled to reacquaint myself with this recipe. My other fave is the Cream Filled Chocolate Cupcakes –otherwise known as Hostess Cupcakes (pictured above in a photograph by the fabulous Annabelle Breakey).
So, enough about me, an annoying Jewish mother –bragging endlessly about her “children!” If you want to meet my second paperback “child,” get the book, which has 50 original cupcake recipes and a dozen more frosting and filling recipes.
Heidi @ Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom says
Elana,
I think that this is without a doubt the best gluten-free dessert cookbook that I own (thank you!), the recipes are so simple, not to mention being free of refined sugars and gums…what’s not to love?
Oh, and the cupcakes taste phenomenal!! Great for dessert and breakfast!
xo,
Heidi
Andrea (Andreas Kitchen) says
Congratulations on your new “baby” Elana!
Wow- 50 times making one recipe, that is true determination!
I think only gaining 5 pounds is totally amazing for all that you have been baking!
Amy K says
I pre-ordered your book months ago! Looking very forward! Congrats to you!!! I do expect more books, btw!!! ;)
MD says
I love your blueberries & cream cupcakes. I haven’t tried a lot of your recipes because I am allergic to almonds. How many of the recipes in your new baby contain coconut flour without almond flour? or is there a great substitute for almond flour for those allergic to almonds. I can eat pecan and walnuts but don’t know of any good walnut flour or pecan flour and I think I read that you said coconut flour will not substitute for almond flour in your almond flour recipes…. Thank you so much!
elana says
MD,
Thanks for your comment.
There are 25 cupcake recipes that use coconut flour and 4 flourless cupcake recipes in Gluten-Free Cupcakes.
You can see more information on the Gluten-Free Cupcakes cookbook page.
Thanks,
Elana
Lexie | Lexie's Kitchen says
MMMMmmmmmm …. a feast of cupcakes.
Elana, I remember this past summer when you were posting, it seemed, at least one cupcake recipe a day! I wondered “what on Earth!” This lady is off her cupcake rocker!!:) Well NOW I know what you were up to and am ordering another 5 lb bag of almond flour so that I can cook my way through this book :)
Thank you for bringing this baby into the world. It will be adored by millions … no, bajillions!
xoLexie
Shirley @ gfe says
What a fun post, Elana! After two real ones and two paperback ones, I’d say you know something about “birthin’ babies,” now. ;-) And hehe on everything tasting good at 2:00 am! I’m totally amazed that you were able to make 50 versions and distingush between them all and find the perfect version for all of us. :-) I’ll be making your Marble Cupcakes shortly for Easter tomorrow, but those lovely chocolate cream-filled ones are in my future, too!
Congrats, my dear! Hope everyone orders theirs now so they aren’t jealous when they hear about other folks already having their copy. ;-)
xoxo,
Shirley
Carolina says
I love your posts, Elana!–Always so sweet to hear about your boys, and I am so excited for your new book; I’ve pre-ordered it from Amazon, and it should arrive just in time for my birthday. Can’t wait!
Luana says
Oh, Elana, that picture is too much! Of course it reminds us all of the cupcakes we ate as kids, and now we can have them, but so much better. How great!
Nana Rogers says
Congratulations on your new “baby”, Proud Mama- You bet-cha’!!!
I hope it grows like a weed. Just like the real baby’s do ;P
It is a joy to me, to be able to share in your joy.
Thank you for all your hard work and extra pounds. lol
Have a wonderful weekend!
April
Danielle says
Can’t wait to get my copy of your baby! Your other cookbook is my go-to. Congratulations!