On June 30, 2006 I e-mailed Karen Barnaby at the Fish House to regale her with stories of how much I adored her cookbook “the Low Carb Gourmet.” Alas, she never replied. Do I sound like a stalker? Following is a verbatim copy of my e-mail. I’ll let you be the judge …

Dear Karen:

I’m convinced we shared a palate in a former life, or at the very least are identical twins separated at birth.

The reason I say this is because I believe every recipe from your cookbook, “the Low Carb Gourmet” was created specifically for me.

I’ve tried dozens of recipes from your book and have savoured every one! My family is getting used to the “triple threat” - three recipes from your cookbook all in the same meal, and have also begun to refer to you as “mommy’s hero.”

I have hundreds of cookbooks, most of which I use a recipe or two out of, and often have to modify to my own liking. With your book I know I will love the way the recipe tastes before I even make it.

Last night I made the prawns and tomato coconut cream, the cinnamon spiced lemon chicken and the cucumber lime peanut salad. Absolutely delicious. I threw some fresh sugar snap peas from the garden in with the prawn dish - ooh la la, it was incredible.

The night before I made the lamb feta meatballs - but converted them to burgers to cook on the bbq. They were so moist and flavourful - a great summer time meal.

Earlier in the week I made the bbq ribs and the edamame with chili, garlic and soy. Another night I made the Korean style tofu, and pork shiitake meatballs. I could go on and on but it makes me too hungry.

My 5 year old daughter made me some bookmarks just for your cookbook so I can refer to several recipes at once.

What’s also great about your book is all the excellent information on ingredients, low carb-ing, cooking tips and techniques, etc. I only wish there was a photograph for every recipe.

I have NEVER written a letter like this to anyone else before. But I felt compelled to write to you to thank you for your amazing taste, passion and willingness to share your love and knowledge of food through your writing.

I’d love to cook you dinner one day!

Sincerely,

Ellen Kurz