
 |
|
February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
February 9, 2012
Laura McMullen: 10 Least Expensive Public Schools for Out-of-State Students
Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
February 8, 2012
Warren Richey: Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups
Menachem Wecker: Though Controversial, LL.M.'s Can Lead to Specialized Legal Jobs
The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
February 7, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Caught off-guard? President's Super Bowl interview with Matt Lauer gives those who need a reason not to vote for him, a darn good one
Suzanne Bohan: Leaping lizards! Tiny reptiles advancing robot design
February 6, 2012
Jonathan Tobin: Iran Threatens Israel With Destruction, But the New York Times Doesn't Hear It
Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
Caroline B. Glick: Obama: Of course I intend to prevent a nuclear holocaust . . . in a few months
Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
|
| |
Jewish World Review
CHANUKAH: FORK-FINGER FOOD FEAST
By Ethel G. Hofman
|  |
|
|
|
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
Across the Jewish world, during Chanukah, potato latkes are on dinner tables. Some are homemade, some store-bought but all adhere to the ancient custom of serving foods cooked in oil.
Oil emphasizes the miracle of the cruse of oil found in the Temple and which burned for eight days although there was only enough for one day. Dairy products commemorate the heroism of Judith. She fed the enemy general Holofernes large quantities of a salty cheese and wine, perhaps the specialties of the area. He fell into a drunken stupor, Judith killed him, the enemy army fled and the Jews were saved from annihilation. Thus the Chanukah custom of serving dairy dishes and other fried foods or foods containing oil.
It's tradition. Back in Eastern European shtetels, the crisp, golden potato discs fried in goose fat were the essential Chanukah dish. Though times were hard, potatoes and onions were cheap and plentiful and geese slaughtered in Fall provided the rendered fat for frying.
You may cling to the tradition of chicken and brisket dinners. But there are a week-plus of nights to celebrate and observe. Consider a fork and finger food feast with dishes to appeal to young and old.
Potato latke men tiny latkes make the head and ears, insert raisins for eyes and nose and a red apple wedge for the mouth. Use the same potato mixture to make medium sized latkes along with almost instant accompaniments. Cranberry sauce stirred together with a tablespoon thawed orange juice concentrate, spike store-bought chunky applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon to taste, mix low fat sour cream with a heaping spoonful of low fat plain yogurt. Hard to tell the difference from full fat cream. Pineapple "candles" are easily put together by littlest kids who love to help. Insert a blanched almond into a maraschino cherry and press into the top of a pineapple spear. If desired, use a tiny piece of cantaloupe, instead of almonds.
With nutrition in mind, include vegetable dishes such as the Sweet Potato and Apple Kugel and Israeli vegetable wrap (recipes below). Nova Enchiladas and Salmon Schnitzel along with platters of mini designer latkes will add to the tempting table. For designer latkes, add vegetables such as grated carrots, chives, diced bell peppers to potato latke mixture. For a sweet variation, stir in chopped fresh or dried fruits to a pancake batter before cooking. And for a change from potato latkes, serve Potato and Zucchini Kugel. Cut into small squares and serve warm. A salad of baby greens tossed with goat cheese, dried cranberries and mandarin orange sections completes a fork and finger food feast -- so popular, you will have set a new Chanukah tradition.
Worried about calories? Preserve and treasure the rich symbolism of Chanukah by using moderation, serving small portions, exercise and enjoy.
SWEET POTATO AND APPLE KUGEL (PAREVE)
Serves 12
Chop the apples and sweet potatoes in the food processor before beginning
- 1/2 cup matzo meal
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, unpeeled, cored and coarsely chopped
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and finely chopped
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 3 tablespoons thawed, frozen orange juice concentrate
- Grated rind of 1 orange or lemon
- 4 tablespoons margarine, melted
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a bowl, mix the matzo meal, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Add the apples, sweet potatoes, raisins, orange juice, orange or lemon rind, margarine and 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Stir to mix well.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Drizzle remaining oil over.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 to 1/4 hours. Top should be nicely browned and kugel soft throughout. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Cool slightly before cutting into squares.
POTATO ZUCCHINI KUGEL (PAREVE)
Serves 10 - 12
A nice variation on potato latkes. Freezes well.
- 3 large baking potatoes, peeled
- 1 medium onion, peeled
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/4 cup chopped canned pimento
- 1 1/3 cups matzo meal
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 4 tablespoons margarine, melted and divided
- 1/4 cup snipped fresh dill
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick baking spray. Cut the potatoes and onion into chunks large enough to go through the food processor tube. Chop coarsely and transfer into a mixing bowl. Using the grater blade, shred the zucchini and add to the potatoes and onion. Stir in the remaining ingredients using only 3 tablespoons melted margarine. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the remaining margarine over. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until nicely browned and firm in center. Cut into squares and serve warm or hot.
NOVA ENCHILADAS (DAIRY)
Makes 10 pieces From: Everyday Cooking for the Jewish Home by Ethel G. Hofman
(Linked at bottom)
- 8 corn tortillas
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 to 4 ounces smoked salmon
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 sweet onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 lime
Heat a large skillet,preferably non-stick, over high heat. Warm tortillas, 1 or 2 at a time, until pliable, about 30 seconds on each side.
Spread the cream cheese over each tortilla. Layer the salmon, tomatoes, onion and lettuce over. Squeeze a little lime juice over. Roll up and serve.
SALMON SCHNITZEL (PAREVE)
Makes 10 pieces
- 2 pounds salmon fillet, 1-inch thick
- 1 1/2 cups chopped mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh or frozen chopped chives
- 1 1/2 tablespoons matzo meal
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup walnut oil
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
Cut the salmon into 10 equal pieces. With a sharp knife cut a pocket in each almost all the way through. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the mushrooms, parsley, chives, matzo meal and lemon juice. Stuff the salmon packets with the mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with walnut oil. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until salmon is opaque throughout. Serve warm or at room temperature.
SWEET BABY GREENS (DAIRY)
Serves 6 May substitute shredded lettuces, such as romaine or iceberg, for baby greens. Save the drained juice from canned mandarin oranges for the dressing
Sweet Dressing:
- 1/4 cup oil and vinegar salad dressing
- 2 tablespoons mandarin orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey, warmed
- 6-8 cups baby greens
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3-4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1 (8 ounce) can mandarin orange sections, drained
PREPARE DRESSING: Whisk together the oil and vinegar dressing, orange juice and honey. Set aside to use at room temperature.
In a large bowl, toss the baby greens, basil, goat cheese, cranberries, walnuts and mandarin oranges. Before serving toss with Sweet Dressing.
Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
WANT MORE GREAT RECIPES?
"Everyday Cooking for the Jewish Home: More Than 350 Delectable Recipes"
From the former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals comes a beautifully designed, accessible and uniquely comprehensive guide to Jewish home cooking. Unlike many Jewish cookbooks that are limited to the traditional dishes of Eastern Europe, Everyday Cooking for the Jewish Home gives readers a truly international sample of what the world of Jewish cooking has to offer. Structured from soup to nuts, and including a special Passover section, it presents a spectacular array of dishes such as Peppered Chickpeas (Arbis), Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Beef and Barley Soup with Kale, Homestyle Gefilte Fish, Potato Chicken Cutlets, Shabbat Beef and Eggs, Cholent, Steamed Beef Greens, Israeli Salad, Poppyseed Noodles, Kasha and Bow Ties, Glick's Colossal Butternut Latkas, Shabbat Wine Mold with Cherries and Walnuts, Springtime Kugel with White and Sweet Potatoes and Matzoh Brie. Sales help fund JWR.
|
JWR contributor Ethel G. Hofman is the former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members include -- and have included -- respected gourmets like Julia Child. To comment, please click here.
© 2008, Ethel G. Hofman
|