Chicky Chaulent

On the seventh day of Creation, “G-d blessed the seventh day and He hallowed it, for thereon He abstained from all His work that G-d created to do” (Bereishit 2:3); therefore, He commanded us to “guard and remember” this day called Shabbat, or, in my Eastern European dialect, Shabbos. While most Jews in the “shtetlach”…

Preserving Jews and All Sorts of Fish: Escabeche (reiteration)

An innovative and highly profitable method of borrowing money was practiced by King Edward I of England: you borrow from the Jews, as there is no one else to borrow from (usury was forbidden by the church), then, since legally all Jews are the King’s property, all debts payable to them instantly become payable to…

Thankful Burgers

When we wake up in the morning, we say a simple prayer of gratitude called Modeh Ani (I am thankful), here performed by an Israeli duet Pumpidisa: A couple of weeks ago, while walking by the New World Symphony Garden, my almost-thirteen grandson Ariel was entranced by the rehearsal of Tchaikovsky’s 5th “Winter” Symphony projected…

Pollo Fritto Artistico

Before presenting to you, Beautiful People, a unique Chanukkah recipe originating in Italy and inspired by non-Jews, it is my great pleasure to share a lovely poem composed by a non-Jewish blogofriend Jonathan Coswell who chronicles every day events in limericks. Please click on the link to enjoy the poem and come back for the…

Crock Pot Turkey Breast and Finding Courage to Love

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued an historic document that started with the following words: The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. The Proclamation continues: I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those…

Stuffed Peppers – Where Is the Beef?

You think veganism is a recent trend? Think again! You think feminism was invented in the twentieth century? Missed it by about 2400 years! Meet Orpheus, mythical Ancient Greek poet and musician, a hero of one of the best-known love stories of all times (if you are wondering about the black hole behind his lire,…

Tofu Can Bite, Too!

When Avrohom (Abraham) Our Father was traveling in the desert, he would make sure to position his tent at the crossroads and make entrances on all four sides, open to travelers coming from every direction. He would then treat them to a sumptuous feast, making sure every guest was offered food of his preference. After…

My Grandmother’s Recipes: Part 6, Main Course.

The story of Odessa synagogue and the unsavory characters who ran it continues in this chapter (click for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 7). *Top of this page was included in Part 5 * 16. Alexander Matrosov – a World War II military hero who sacrificed his life by putting his body in front of the embrasure…

Did Maui Poke the Big Fish?

He did and he didn’t. According to the legend, Maui, demigod and a hero of Hawaiian folklore, had been mercilessly teased by his older brothers for being a poor fisherman. He kept  begging them to take him fishing, but they steadily refused. In one version of the legend, he hid in their canoe and revealed…

Fight with Moishe and Mahi Mahi

I had a fight with my motorcycle whose name is Moishe (Moses the Liberator). We had a difference of opinions: Moishe was intent on going forward, while I was determined to back him up into his proper parking spot. For those of you, Beautiful People, who don’t know, motorcycles do not have a reverse gear;…

Alex’s Hobbies and Sushi Making

As I’ve mentioned before, Beautiful People, logistical considerations have prevented me from creating new posts. All will be revealed soon, I promised. Meanwhile, my funny and extremely creative son Alex stepped in with his own short story. Hobbies“When was the last time you had your eyes checked?” – Slava, my doubles partner, shouts at me.(And…

Well Hello Dolly!

Originally posted on A Jeanne in the Kitchen:
Our very own Dolly Aizerman is back as a guest chef, once again. Though Dolly and I have never met in person, as of yet, we both just know that once we do, we are going to be great friends. We have so much in common. Don’t…