Normally, you won’t find me making or sipping a smoothie. Or a green kale juice thing. I like to chew my food, and I don’t subscribe to the need for detoxes or cleanses. BUT, after a season of too much—sweets, rich and bountiful meals, chocolate, whipped cream, politics, tweet-storms, everything—a sparkling glass of green goodness suddenly […]
Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts
September 27, 2016 · by
At my recent talk about the rich culinary history of Italy’s Jews, I discussed how Sicilian Jews had adopted the combination of raisins and pine nuts (often with spinach) from Arab conquerors. This beloved pairing stuck and became a common dish among Italy’s Jewish communities. We offered samples of this dish at the event, and I […]
Strawberry and Mint Granita
April 14, 2016 · by
There’s not much that’s truly simple about Passover cooking. I think that’s why a granita seemed like such an appealing addition to my playbook. This Sicilian frozen sweet is not only easy but also fresh and refreshing plus it requires just a few ingredients, looks beautiful, and is a versatile nondairy and pareve dish. It can […]
Chef Brian Robinson’s Hazelnut Dukka
March 31, 2016 · by
Early on, one of the most intriguing aspects of DGS Delicatessen Chef Brian Robinson’s menu of dishes inspired by Meatballs and Matzah Balls for the April 3 Jewish Food Experience special event was his plan to garnish my pasta with hazelnut dukka (pronounced DOO-kah). It sounded good, but I’ll confess I didn’t really know what it was. And I’m rather sorry […]
Manischewitz® Roasted Tomato & Garlic Bruschetta
November 3, 2015 · by
The Italians excel at making simple ingredients delicious, something I’ve admired over and over again on my Jewish-Italian culinary exploration. Take bruschetta. This appetizer that you find in both Italian and Jewish-Italian recipe collections is simply toasted or grilled bread, garlic, and good extra-virgin olive oil—ridiculously basic and ridiculously irresistible. Although the traditional topping is […]
Avocado, Spinach, and Pickled Jalapeño Dip
March 18, 2015 · by
One year, someone requested I make a nondairy “green” dip for Passover. Challenge accepted, especially because I loved the idea of something colorful and fresh, and somewhat nutritious for the holiday. Avocado, with its luscious flavor and texture and appealing color, called to me as the base. A simple mixture of avocado, spinach (for more […]
Dates Stuffed with Roasted Pine Nut Butter
February 3, 2015 · by
Spring might seem pretty far away for many of us (I write as a wicked winter wind howls outside my window), but in Israel, the earliest blooming trees are starting to shake off winter. Marking that is the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, or the new year for trees. One of the traditional foods to enjoy […]
