Shepherd’s Pie 

Shepherd’s Pie 

Beef filling1/3 cup vegetable oil, divided6 onions, finely chopped1 1/2 pounds ground beef1/2 cup Char-B-Que Barbecue Sauce2 Tbsp tomato paste2 Tbsp soy sauce1 tsp allspice1 tsp paprika1 tsp turmeric1 tsp garlic powder1 large eggplant, salted, drained and diced1 lb mushrooms, cleaned and sliced Mashed potatoes8 large potatoes, peeled and cubed2 cups water (more or less)3…

Rachel’s Corn Salad

Rachel’s Corn Salad

3 ears of white corn4 romaine gems, chopped into thin shreds2 medium avocados, cubed2 oranges, peeled and cubed1/3 cup roasted and salted pistachiosDressing:1/4 cup olive oil1 large lemon, juiced1 teaspoon dry oreganoSalt and pepper to taste Grill the corn for 10 minutes or until fork tender. Let cool, then strip the kernels.Prepare the dressing in…

Sharon’s Corn Salad

Sharon’s Corn Salad

3 ears of corn, boiled or microwaved1 red pepper, 1 orange pepper, 1 yellowpepper, diced2 large firm heirloom tomatoes, diced1 bunch Italian parsley, soaked, rinsed androughly chopped1 purple onion, thinly sliced1 ripe avocado, cubed6 radishes, thinly slicedPlantain chips or corn chips, for garnish Dressing1/3 cup olive oil2 limes, juicedSalt and pepper Strip kernels of corn…

A Heavenly Sephardic Bread

A Heavenly Sephardic Bread

Called pan de siete cielos (seven heavens bread) it is a traditional Sephardic recipe that barely survived the Spanish Inquisition. Last week, in anticipation of Shavuot, Rachel and I hosted an amazing community baking class at Kahal Joseph Congregation in Westwood. It is always a pleasure for us to be at Kahal because it’s where…

Knafeh Cheesecake

Knafeh Cheesecake

For the crust:2 cups graham cracker crumbs3 Tbsp sugar1 tsp cinnamon1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus extra forgreasing For the filling:4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, roomtemperature4 Tbsp all-purpose flour1/4 tsp salt1 1/2 cups sugar1 cup sour cream1 tsp vanilla extract1 tsp lemon zest4 large eggs, at room temperature Preheat oven to 400 F.Lightly grease a 9-inch…

Scone Recipe

Scone Recipe

2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour2 teaspoons sugar2 teaspoons baking powder4 ounces (one stick) salted butter1 cup milk, approximately Preheat oven to 400°F.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Sift the flour, sugar and baking powder into a medium bowl.Rub in the butter until flour feels sandy. Stir in enough milk to achieve a soft, sticky…

Maman’s Tortilla de Patatas

Maman’s Tortilla de Patatas

8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered1 Tbsp turmeric1 large onion, finely diced10-12 large eggs1 bunch fresh Italian parsley or cilantro, finely chopped2 Tbsp chicken consommé powderSalt and freshly ground black pepper1/2 cup avocado or vegetable oil, for frying1 lemon quartered, for serving Fill a large pot halfway with cold water, then add the potatoes…

Puréed Tomato & White Bean Soup

Puréed Tomato & White Bean Soup

2 14oz cans of white beans, washed and drained4 tablespoons olive oil2 large onions, chopped10 cloves garlic8 Roma tomatoes2 teaspoons kosher salt1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper2 teaspoons paprika1 teaspoon cumin6 cups vegetable broth or water1 ripe avocado, cubedHot sauce1 limeCrunchy tortilla strips Preheat oven to 400°F.Arrange onions, garlic and tomatoes on a baking sheet…

Tortilla Espanola—The Classic Spanish Egg & Potato Dish

Tortilla Espanola—The Classic Spanish Egg & Potato Dish

This week we present the recipe for tortilla de patatas, lovingly handed down by Rachel’s Maman, who hailed from Larache, which was part of Spanish Morocco. This past week, Neil and I had the great pleasure of visiting our daughter Rebekah in Madrid, where she is doing her semester abroad. Since arriving here in January,…

Preserved Lemons

Preserved Lemons

18 lemons, washed and dried1 cup kosher salt Remove the stem of the lemon. Quarter the lemon lengthwise, with two cuts three-quarters of the way. Make sure that the lemon stays intact.Stuff all sides of the lemon with a generous amount of salt and squeeze lemon closed.Place lemon inside a 1-liter glass jar with an…

An Iconic Israeli Sandwich

An Iconic Israeli Sandwich

In honor of Israel’s 75th celebration of modern statehood, we present to you the recipe for this crispy schnitzel and spicy matbucha sandwich. JEWISH JOURNAL Menu An Iconic Israeli Sandwich In honor of Israel’s 75th celebration of modern statehood, we present to you the recipe for this crispy schnitzel and spicy matbucha sandwich. Sharon Gomperts…

Rachel’s Matbucha Recipe

Rachel’s Matbucha Recipe

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 10 large cloves of garlic, peeled and    chopped 4 28oz cans of whole tomatoes 4 large red bell peppers 1 large green bell pepper 1 small can of fire roasted green diced    chiles or 2 teaspoons red chili flakes or    2 jalapeño peppers  1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon…

Schnitzel Recipe

Schnitzel Recipe

2 pounds boneless chicken breast, cutinto 5×3 inch pieces¼ cup mayonnaise2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar1 Tbsp garlic powder1 gallon size freezer bag2 cups all-purpose flour2-3 large eggs1 tsp salt4 cups panko crumbsAvocado or vegetable oil, for frying1 carrot, for frying (keeps oil clean) In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and garlic…

Marzipan Stuffed Dates Are the Ultimate Moroccan Jewish Treat

Marzipan Stuffed Dates Are the Ultimate Moroccan Jewish Treat

For Moroccan Jews, no celebration is complete without marzipan-stuffed dates, walnuts and prunes, including for Mimouna. PREP COOK YIELD READY IN 15 minutes + 1 hour setting time 0 minutes 36 dates 15 minutes + 1 hour setting time For Moroccan Jews, marzipan is central to celebratory occasions and Jewish holidays. Made from ground almonds and sugar,…

Sesame Brittle Is the Ultimate Jewish Celebration Candy

Sesame Brittle Is the Ultimate Jewish Celebration Candy

Vegan and gluten-free, it’s the perfect quick treat to add to your holidays. PREP COOK YIELD READY IN 5 minutes + 15 minutes cooling time 10 minutes 24 squares 15 minutes + 15 minutes cooling time Along with the cans of macaroons, jelly rings and coconut marshmallows, every Passover supermarket display includes bags of Joyva sesame…