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.





Cheryl says
eagerly awaiting your bundle of joy! mazel tov.
andrea says
I just finished my marathon of cupcake baking for Easter display tomorrow…I can’t wait to get the new cookbook…I’m sure I can find another reason for a cupcake marathon with your new recipes. Today I made your Carrot Cake Cupcakes…oh so yummy. I had to make a double batch…my tasters ate all of the first one!!!!
I’m sure the new cookbook will be a great success!
Congratulations!
CassidyS says
Can’t wait to get your new book and try all of your cupcake recipes! Thanks so much!!!
Jilly says
You went too far with the Hostess cupcake. Looks like I’ll be gaining 5 pounds too.
Paula Gerhart says
I can’t wait for my book to arrive. I’m really looking forward to making some of these. They look fantastic!
Norma Heckendorf says
Congratulations Elana! Your recipes are fantastic. I don’t have to be gluten-free, but I have learned that it is so much healthier. The low glycemic factor is so noticeable – I am trying hard to go paleo. By the way, I, too have gained a few pounds – I want to try every recipe from your book and your blog, and so I end up with extras, but I can’t bear to throw anything away – it is all so very delicious! My neighbors are frequent recipients, as well. I have pre-ordered your cupcake book, and can’t wait to receive it in the mail! Thank you!
Charlotte Moore says
How in the world did you only gain 5 pounds?? No such luck for me sadly to say. I have my book ordered and I can’t wait to get it.
Can someone tell me if coconut oil and grapeseed oil can be substituted for the other??
Georgia Pellegrini says
I just got mine in the mail! I’m so thrilled, it all looks so mouthwatering. I think I’m going to try one out for Easter tomorrow… but which one?! I can’t decide… CONGRATULATIONS on a wonderful accomplishment. xo
andrea says
Wait…What? How did you get yours already!!!????
lisa {smart food and fit} says
Congrats on your new book! I can’t wait to get a copy of it. I have 3 boys and my youngest 18 months is the one with gluten issues, so this will give me time to practice for his next birthday party! Thanks for all of your hard work! :)
Jennifer Krouwer says
I can’t wait!!! It’s been preordered for months :)