Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world. SUSAN LIEBERMAN, New Traditions The fall Jewish holidays are so very bittersweet for me. I have the most vivid memories of Mom slaving away in the kitchen for weeks leading up to the Jewish New Year. She’d willingly make multiple versions of her Noodle Kugel (Noodle Pudding), her infamous Sweet and Sour Brisket, chopped liver, Matzoh Ball Soup and of course, her Banana Chocolate Chip … [Read more...]
Apple Cider Challah
September 17, 2012 By 3 Comments
It’s the Jewish New Year. A time of the year when Mom could be found cooking up some of her favorite holiday delicacies: from brisket to tzimmes to noodle kugels. I miss watching her in the kitchen, keeping it bustling with activity and full of sweet comforting smells. Now her kitchen is sterile and cold, devoid of use and love. This year I committed myself to bake my first-ever challah with my daughter. I have so many fond memories of Mom making unusual breads; watching her carefully place the dough in our dark, hot, creepy furnace … [Read more...]
Passover: Haroseth with Pear, Pecans and Figs
April 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Haroseth is a chopped nut and fruit mixture served during the Passover seder. It's usually eaten between two pieces of matzoh, to represent the mortar used by Jews in building palaces and pyramids of Egypt during their slavery. I simply cannot figure out why I eat this amazingly flavorful fruit dish only two days out of the entire year. It should NOT only be designated for this holiday. This year was my first attempt at making a haroseth recipe. Like many other dishes I've tackled, once in the kitchen and confronted with the ingredients … [Read more...]
Passover: Chocolate Brownies
April 5, 2012 By 4 Comments
Ahem. Take one look at these brownies and you tell me....do they look kosher for Passover to you? How can you tell they don't contain any flour or baking powder? Well, you can't tell... Absolutely NOTHING in these brownies is sacrificed. Not looks. Not even taste. That's right my friends. Another simple, easy, Passover dessert that plays nice with your taste buds. Don't be afraid. Even though the recipe calls for a whopping 5 eggs, and a hefty 2 1/2 cups of sugar, these brownies don't taste like imposters. This is what 5 eggs plus … [Read more...]
