Phyllo Meat Burek

Phyllo Meat Burek

Meat Filling
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced 
2 garlic cloves, finely minced1 lb ground beef
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander1 tsp cinnamon1 tsp sweet paprika1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper1/3 cup currants or raisins, roughly chopped1/3 cup pine nuts 
1 cup tomato purée
1/4 cup water PASTRY
12-16 sheets phyllo pastry 
1/3…

A Babka By Any Other Name

A Babka By Any Other Name

Whether you call it babka, “ugat sh’marim” or by its modern Israeli name “crunch,” this is a truly easy and brilliant dessert for busy Jewish cooks the world over. It was Israel in the 1970’s. I was nine years old and we were visiting my maternal grandparents, as well as my many aunts and uncles…

Babka Recipe

Babka Recipe

Filling1/2 cup brown sugar1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon1 tbsp ground cardamom2 tsp vanilla extract1 pinch salt1/3 cup pareve butterZest of 1 whole orange 1/2 cup crushed walnuts In a bowl combine the sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla extract, and salt. Add in the butter and orange zest and combine to form a paste. Add walnuts and mix….

Quinoa Recipe

Quinoa Recipe

1 cup Eden Foods Organic quinoa 2 cups cold water 1/2 tsp Eden Foods French Celtic sea salt Place quinoa in a small saucepan. Add water and bring to a boil. When water begins to boil, stir the quinoa. Lower heat and cover the pot. 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 large onion,…

Yabragh – Iraqi Jewish Rolled Vine Leaves Recipe

Yabragh – Iraqi Jewish Rolled Vine Leaves Recipe

30-50 grape leaves, fresh or store bought Base:4 large Roma tomatoes, sliced into rounds2 lemons with rind, sliced into rounds6-8 garlic cloves, sliced Filling:2 cups of basmati rice, soaked for 10 minutes, rinsed and drained3 medium onions, finely chopped1 large bunch mint1 large bunch Italian parsley2 medium lemons, peeled, seeded and chopped2 cups roasted pine…

Of Prayers and Grape Leaves

Of Prayers and Grape Leaves

Grapevine leaves are the perfect festive food. A food that requires the luxury of time. The preparation, research and publication of this article was made possible by a grant from the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture. My grandmother Nana Aziza  had a generous heart and a nurturing spirit. She lived her life recreating the warmth and beauty of her…

HARIRA MOROCCAN VEGETABLE SOUP

HARIRA MOROCCAN VEGETABLE SOUP

(gluten free)YIELD 8-10 servings INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup olive oil 2 large onions, thinly sliced 3-4 celery stalks, sliced 2 large carrots, halved and sliced 1 large sweet potato, cubed 4 cups butternut squash, cubed 1 large potato, cubed 1 tablespoon fresh grated turmeric, or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon black…

Sponge Cake

Sponge Cake

7 egg whites5 egg yolks1 1/2 cups sugar, divided1/4 tsp cream of tartar1 tsp vanilla extract1/2 cup vegetable oil1 Tbsp orange or lemon zest3/4 cup of orange juice or water2 1/4 cups plain flour3 Tbsp baking powder Preheat oven to 325°F.  Grease the bottom and sides of  the tube pan. Do not grease the middle tube….

In Salads We Trust

In Salads We Trust

This red cabbage and fennel slaw has a truly festive feel, with its ingredient list of fresh pomegranate, crispy apple and nutty, earthy pistachios. They say hindsight is 20/20 and when I look back at my life, I’m amazed by all the people, famous and not so famous, I’ve met. In 1980’s Los Angeles, my…

MEMBRILLO-CANDIED QUINCES

MEMBRILLO-CANDIED QUINCES

10-12 small quinces 1 lemon, sliced 3-4 cups sugar Juice of 1 lemon Cinnamon stick or 2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, to taste) 6 cloves (optional, to taste) 2 star anise (optional, to taste) Juice of a small lemon Wash quinces well, cut into slices, leaving skin on. Place in large bowl with cold water…

Moroccan Fish Balls

Moroccan Fish Balls

🐠Fish5 pounds white fish (salmon or combine 1/2 salmon 1/2 white fish)5 slices of lox(optional)One onion6 cloves garlic3 eggs1 teaspoon mace (optional)1 tablespoon salt1 teaspoon White pepper1/4cup lemon juice1/2 cup matzah meal1/2 cup finely minced parsley 🍅For poaching4oz can of tomato sauce1 teaspoon salt 🍋🍅Sauce1/4 cup olive oil1 onion finely chopped4 minced garlic cloves.1 red…

Caramelized Date Brisket

Caramelized Date Brisket

Marinade1/4 cup brown sugar2 tsp kosher salt1 tsp ground black pepper2 tsp granulated garlic powder2 tsp paprika1 tsp sumac1 tsp cinnamon1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil1 cup water Mix the sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, sumac, cinnamon and olive oil into a paste. Add water and stir until the paste has a uniform consistency….

The Sweetness of Being

The Sweetness of Being

Our sincerest wishes for a sweet, happy, healthy, and most peaceful New Year. About 15 years ago, I was on a visit to Israel and staying at my aunt Daisy’s home in Ramat Gan. On motzai Shabbat (Saturday night), there was a gentle knock at the door. I went to open the door with Shevy, my…

Okra With Roasted Tomatoes

Okra With Roasted Tomatoes

Okra season in Southern California comes from midsummer until October. (Luckily, frozen baby okra is available all year long.) The key to success is selecting smaller size okras that have less moisture content and fewer seeds. 1 pound fresh okra or 1 bag frozen baby okra, defrosted2 14oz cans cherry tomatoes2 garlic cloves, finely chopped1…

CHALLAH

CHALLAH

4 Tbsp active dry yeast4 1/2 cups warm water2 Tbsp sugar5 lbs high gluten bread flour1/2 cup sugar2 Tbsp salt3 large eggs1/4 cup honey1¼ cup vegetable oilEgg Wash1 egg and 1 Tbsp honey, beaten Combine yeast, warm water and sugar in a glass bowl. Cover with a towel and set aside to proof for 10…

A Tale of Two Challahs

A Tale of Two Challahs

May our homes always be filled with the sweet, fragrant aroma of freshly baked Challah. When my beloved grandmother Nana Aziza passed away, my grandfather Aba Naji was 90 years old. Although he was sad and bereft, he was determined to write his memoir. Every day, he and I sat with a hot cup of…

Ode to an Apple Cake

Ode to an Apple Cake

This cake is perfect for Rosh Hashanah and any special occasion. Writing this recipe made an old childhood memory pop up. I hadn’t thought about it in a million years. Perhaps it entered my consciousness because in a few weeks Beverly Hills High School will be hosting my 40th reunion. (I’m still undecided about going.)…