Like my two boys, I can’t consider any higher solution to bear in mind Elana and rejoice her birthday yesterday, than speaking about meals. Other than our household, it was the real love of her life. It brough her such pleasure to be getting ready food- particularly if it was for me and the children. And thru all of Elana’s well being challenges, she at all times discovered methods to improvise her eating regimen into one thing she loved. And whereas Elana loved getting ready all types of meals, chocolate was undoubtedly our love language. It doesn’t matter what kind of eating regimen both of us was on, we might at all times take pleasure in a chocolate bar. So, in desirous about my favourite Elana meals, all of them had chocolate!
Low Carb Buckeye Peanut Butter Brownies. I needed to begin with these, as a result of everybody in our household is aware of I really like something with peanut butter and chocolate. Lesser identified is that Elana additionally liked peanut butter. She by no means ate as a lot of it as I did, usually going for the more healthy almond butter. However that is the place Elana and I linked….peanut butter and chocolate.
Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies. That is type of the place all of it started. With the chocolate chip cookie from almond flour. This was the sport changer. It was so a lot better than another gluten free cookie on the market on the time- and was each an unbelievable dessert or an excellent wholesome breakfast or post-workout deal with. Restricted sugar- tons of protein.
Chocolate Pecan Pie. This was most likely what I stated most- when Elana requested what dessert I wished her to make. Once more- nuts and chocolate…what may go flawed. This grew to become a Thanksgiving staple- and anytime we wished to actually be decadent. Particularly including whipped cream on top- which was one other large Elana favourite (with minimal sweetener and a few vanilla).
Do-it-yourself Chocolate Sweet Bars. We had these within the freezer so much. An excessive amount of. After all, Elana would take them out and slice off a bit to eat. I’d simply take an entire one out and they might begin to soften on my fingers as I ate them. This was Elana seeking to make wholesome, gluten free treats that our children may eat- and love- and that their buddies would love as effectively.
Do-it-yourself Hannukah Gelt. I needed to point out this recipe, together with Hamantaschen, as a result of they communicate to Elana’s love of the vacations. The Jewish holidays first and foremost- however Elana actually liked any vacation. It was a time to be collectively as a family- and even as soon as our children left the nest, she simply liked the pageantry and meals of any pageant.
Gluten Free Birthday Cake. I’m usually not a cake lover…however this one was amazing- principally due to the unbelievable frosting. Frosting was essential to Elana- many hours had been spent guaranteeing we had the suitable frosting on our wedding ceremony cake. However this one is particular as a result of it speaks to the place Elana shined brightest- making meals for the children, particularly their birthdays. It was the genesis of Elana’s Pantry- make gluten free treats that will work for his or her birthdays. So many superb clown and bunny truffles over time.
Elana leaves a legacy far and large by way of her influence. However seeing our two boys’ love for meals and fervour for cooking is a continuing reminder to me of Elana as a Mother. Miss her terribly- as a spouse, co-parent and friend- however sending her numerous hugs and chocolate kisses right this moment. Blissful Birthday E. Love R.