Purim We are a few days from Erev Purim! I hope you have a costume planned and a place to go for the Purim Schpiel. Purim is one of those “different” holidays. There’s the kids’ level – a story of Queen Esther saving the Jews, and the adult level – where there’s a lot of…
Read More »symbolic foods
Cooking Jewish Whether You’re Jewish or Not: Shabbat!
Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the central observance or holy day of Judaism. Just about everything gives way before Shabbat – including Yom Kippur. Because it is the day that God gave us for rest and enjoyment, it should be a day of joy. It’s a great time to put something absolutely delicious on the table…
Read More »We are what we Nosh
Rabbi Milder of Beth Emek in Pleasanton sent out an email to his congregation last Friday reminding them of the importance of food – as a gesture of hospitality, as a social mixer, as a gesture of caring. Here’s what he had to say: Shabbat services don’t feel complete without Oneg Shabbat. It’s like dinner…
Read More »Challah-Baloo!
Now I ask you, is there anything better than hot homemade bread? I’ll answer, No! Come make challah, the most delicious bread ever! We’ll mix, knead and braid our own challah dough. Learn how to braid with 3 or 5 strands as well as making round loaves. You’ll take home your own loaf of warm…
Read More »Tu B’Av – a holiday of love
Tu B’Av, the 15th of Av, is a minor holiday with few customs. In modern times it has become a sort of Jewish Valentine’s Day in Israel. You can read a traditional view of the holiday here. To add some romance to the day my friend, Faith Kramer, came up with two recipes that are…
Read More »Chocolate Caramel Crack(ers)
From my friend, Francisco, an addictive Passover dessert. (In this batch Francisco substituted 2 1/2 cups of chopped up almond M&Ms for the chocolate & almonds the recipe calls for.) Chocolate Caramel Crack(ers) 4 to 6 sheets matzo or approximately 40 Saltine crackers or crackers of your choice 1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces)…
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