Passover: Mandel Bread

I'm making Mandel Bread today, which, in Yiddish literally means twice- baked almond bread.  It's made by forming dough into a loaf, baking it, slicing the loaf into oblong cookies and baking again. Apparently these crunchy cookies were popular in Eastern Europe among Jews and merchants as a staple dessert that kept well. Mom's recipe, as I imagine most, is extremely easy to follow and only allows for 30 minutes baking time.  While many people like to add nuts or raisins to the mix, I played it safe and used chocolate chips. Just two … [Read more...]

Red and White Quinoa with Grapes

This week I received a review copy of a cookbook called Celebrate: Food, Family, Shabbos  by Elizabeth Kurtz (author of koshergourmetcooking.com and columnist of the Jerusalem Post), which features easy to follow recipes with amazing photos and helpful hints for any home cook. What makes it unique is that it features over 120 recipes that can also be used for Passover and then there are others that are labeled "Perfect for Passover as-is." It's a relief to find a cookbook with richly-illustrated recipes that are easy enough for every … [Read more...]

Passover: Brownies

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. … [Read more...]

Passover: Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread

Most desserts that are kosher for Passover don't seem that appealing. How good could they be without flour and baking soda and baking powder?  To me, it's the same as eating a pizza without the tomato sauce--- you're more aware of what's missing than what you have. There's nothing appealing about this display- neither the sign, nor the flavorless treats in the boxes However, one of my favorite Passover desserts is Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread. Maybe that's because I'm also a lover of biscotti, the well-known Italian dessert, to which Mandel … [Read more...]