What is Schmaltz?
By Shannon Sarna for The Nosher for myjewishlearning.com
What you need to know about this beloved rendered poultry fat.
You have probably heard the word “schmaltz.” But have you wondered, wait — what is schmaltz? Schmaltz is rendered fat, usually chicken fat. But it can also be duck fat or goose fat. (Learn more about other Jewish food terms here.)
And schmaltz is a much beloved substance by many — it is revered in Eastern European Jewish cooking for its richness, flavor and that it is easy and cheap to make, using every part of the animal. It’s also an alternative to butter, which cannot be used when cooking meat or chicken according to kosher dietary laws.
Kanafeh/Künefe (Sweet Cheese Pastry)
From ClosetCooking
A few months ago I got an email inviting me to explore Israel, it's people and it's cuisine on a project called Taste of Israel put on by a group called Stand With Us. At first I was a little leery about the offer but after a bit of research it seemed legit and it was an opportunity that I simply could not pass up and so I went! It turned out to be an absolutely amazing experience filled with lots of great people and of course plenty of amazing food! I enjoyed a lot of dishes in Israel and I just had to try making a few of them at home and sharing them with you!
Bourekas
BY LEAH KOENIG for The Nosher for myjewishlearning.com
A crunchy Israeli classic.
Bourekas are nothing short of edible perfection — heavenly little parcels of dough crisped with hot oil or melted butter and stuffed with any number of delicious savory ingredients. Nutritious and filling, they make a satisfying meal any time of day. And like Italy’s calzone, Spain’s empanada, and India’s samosa, these pastries are self-contained, which makes them the perfect portable snack to power an afternoon spent browsing through the shuk (Israeli market), or just about any other activity.
How a Chinese-Jewish chef finds inspiration on a North Dakota farm
By Gabe Friedman for JTA
Not much could have prepared Molly Yeh for moving from New York City to Grand Forks, North Dakota — a city of a little over 50,000 residents near the state’s eastern border with Minnesota.
At the time of her move in 2013, Yeh (pronounced “yay,” as her website explains with several exclamation points) was a Juilliard graduate and classically trained percussionist playing professional gigs around New York City. She often hosted concerts in her Brooklyn apartment and enjoyed biking around the city with her then-boyfriend to see how many shows and events they could cram into one day.
S’mores Rugelach
By BRITTANY FISHMAN PAIS for The Nosher for myjewishlearning.com
The One Rugelach Recipe You Need This Summer
I am always ready to bake up treats for an outdoor picnic celebration. And Lag B’omer, the 33rd day of the Omer, is a time to celebrate friends, families and the change in seasons. It is traditional to have a bonfire on this joyous day, and so what better to have at around the campfire than s’mores rugelach.
Of course these sweet, gooey rugelach are perfect for any outdoor celebration or summertime gathering, campfire or not. But I must warn you: they are so addictive you may have a hard time sharing.