Pickled Pink Turnips

Pickled Pink Turnips

Recipe 2 pounds small white turnips, peeledand cut into 1/4 inch thick batons1 cup water2 cups apple cider vinegar2 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons kosher salt2 teaspoons mustard seeds1 medium beet, peeled and cut intothin slices Place turnip batons in a large bowl. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, bring the water, vinegar, sugar, salt…

Ruby Red Kubbah

Ruby Red Kubbah

Semolina Kubbah For the filling1 pound ground beef1/2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley1 medium onion, grated2 teaspoons baharat1 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon pepper For the dough1 cup farina1 cup semolina1 cup warm water1 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon pepper In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian parsley, grated onion, baharat, salt and pepper. Set aside….

Preserved Lemons

Preserved Lemons

12 lemons, washed and dried1 cup kosher or sea saltRemove the stem of the lemon and make one cut down halfway, then crisscross the lemon and make another cut halfway, making sure that the lemon stays intact in four sections.Stuff all sides of the lemon with a good quantity of salt and squeeze lemon closed.Place…

Fabulous Freekeh

Fabulous Freekeh

Freekeh has a rich, nutty flavor and can be cooked like rice and barley. It makes an excellent addition to soups, stews and pilafs. Move over quinoa. There’s a new grain in the kitchen.  Freekeh is the new (rather ancient) grain darling of the foodie scene! Called carmel in ancient Hebrew, it is mentioned in…

The Essence of Almond Cake

The Essence of Almond Cake

For centuries, Sephardic women have soaked almonds and ground them to make almond cakes. Many, many years ago, whenever my grandparents would land at LAX from Sydney, Australia, their first stop was at the Culver City cottage of Trinh Le. Trinh Le was a petite old lady who packed a powerful punch. She was a devout…

The Essence of Almond Cake

The Essence of Almond Cake

Almond Cake Recipe 4 large eggs 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup coconut or avocado oil 1 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups almond flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Confectioners sugar, for garnish Preheat oven to 350°F.In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, then add sugar.Beat to a creamy consistency, then add oil and mix well. Add…

Sfinge

Sfinge

Ingredients 2 teaspoons yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1 1/4 cup warm water 3 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt vegetable or peanut oil for frying 3-6 baby carrots to absorb the burnt black crumbs and keep the oil clear sugar, for dusting In a small bowl, add the yeast and sugar, then add the…

Sweet Potato Latkes

Sweet Potato Latkes

1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and grated by hand or in a food processor 1 small red onion grated 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup vegetable oil In a large bowl mix together potatoes, onion, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in…

A Delicious Twist on Latkes, and the Perfect Sephardic Donut

A Delicious Twist on Latkes, and the Perfect Sephardic Donut

Hanukkah is truly the coziest, most joyous time of the year. Artemisia Gentileschi was a famous Baroque artist who lived in the Florence of the Medici and the Rome of the Popes. Her dramatic paintings are filled with heroines from the Bible. But it is the audacious story of Judith, a young widow and unlikely…

The Sephardic Spice Girls Helped Me Connect With My Jewish Roots

The Sephardic Spice Girls Helped Me Connect With My Jewish Roots

Thanks to Sharon and Rachel’s expansive collection of recipes, I have discovered a way to respectfully explore my Sephardic heritage. Jewish cooking in my f wasamily has always been an act of revival and reconnection. My family, though very dedicated to Judaism, has very few Jewish recipes that have been preserved throughout the generations. Growing…

Malabi

Malabi

Malabi2 13 1/2oz cans coconut milk2/3 cup water1/3 cup sugar4 tablespoons cornstarch2 teaspoons rose water Berry Sauce1 pound raspberries1/4 cup sugar2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice For GarnishPomegranates, raspberries or strawberriesCoconut flakesPistachios, unsalted & shelled Shake coconut milk well. Then open cans and pour contents into a medium pan.Add 1/4 cup water.Add sugar and stir well….

Thankful for Our Blessings: The Best Sides of Thanksgiving

Thankful for Our Blessings: The Best Sides of Thanksgiving

While everyone knows that the turkey is the star of the show, every Thanksgiving feast relies on the best supporting actors—delicious side dishes.By The boundless Pacific Ocean filled the horizon beyond the big glass doors. The sun was setting and the sky was perfectly gray and purple and streaked with red. The fireplace crackled with…

The Sephardic Spice Girls helped me connect with my Jewish roots

The Sephardic Spice Girls helped me connect with my Jewish roots

Sharon and Rachel, aka the Sephardic Spice Girls (@sephardicspicegirls), are a cooking duo who run an Instagram account by the same name. Jewish cooking in my family has always been an act of revival and reconnection.My family, though very dedicated to Judaism, has very few Jewish recipes that have been preserved throughout the generations. Growing…

Fried Fish Recipe

Fried Fish Recipe

2 pounds cod, seabass, sole or halibut,fillets, cut into pieces1 teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 teaspoon garlic powder2 large eggs1 cup flourSunflower oil for frying 2 small carrot sticks Wash the fish fillets, arrange on a plate and pat dry with paper towel.Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder.In a small bowl,…

Fish to Fry

Fish to Fry

Fried fish is very common in the Moroccan kitchen. The Bondi Fish House on Campbell Parade in Bondi Beach has been selling the best fish and chips for longer than I can remember. In February 2020, when I was lucky enough to find myself in Sydney, Australia for my cousin Ari’s wedding, that was my…

Rachel’s White Bean (Avas) Recipe

Rachel’s White Bean (Avas) Recipe

1 pound white beans, soaked overnight1 large onion, diced3 cloves garlic, chopped1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil1 1/2 tablespoons sweet red paprika1 teaspoon cumin2 tablespoons tomato paste2 tablespoons Pareve chicken consomméWhite pepper and salt, to taste2 bay leaves8 cups waterSauté onion in olive oil over medium heat until onion becomes translucent. Add drained beans, garlic,…

Ktzitzot

Ktzitzot

(Makes between 12-18 ktitzot)Avocado or vegetable oil for greasing1 lb lean ground beef1 large onion, grated1 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro1/4 cup chopped green onion1/2 cup potato starch1 large egg3 teaspoons shawarma spice mix1/2 teaspoon kosher saltFreshly ground black pepper In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, herbs, potato starch, egg and…