While Ellen White mentions "gem cakes" and frequently writes about the importance of wholesome, well-prepared food, a specific recipe for "graham gems" is not detailed in her writings. Her focus was more on the principles of healthful cooking rather than providing a collection of recipes. She often expressed concern about improperly prepared food. For instance, she wrote, "We frequently find graham bread heavy, sour, and but partially baked. This is for want of interest to learn, and care to perform, the important duty of cook. Sometimes we find gem cakes, or soft biscuit, dried, not baked, and other things after the same order" (1T 681.2). Her general counsel on diet emphasized simplicity and nourishment. She advised that "fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease of all kinds, make, with milk and cream, the most healthful diet. They impart nourishment to the body, and give a power of endurance and vigor of intellect that are not produced by a stimulating diet" (HL 78.6).