Category Archives: Heat

YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Vegan Cholent (Crockpot Stew)

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A happy reprise of my seasonal fall cholent recipe, from when my dad was still here to enjoy it with us:

This past week, I made a version of this recipe for the first night of Sukkot, the fall harvest festival, and we ate it inside our beautiful sukkah that my husband built last week. It warmed us from the inside out in the chilly weather. And then it was gone, I mean really GONE, just a few hours later. Even my father, who said “I don’t like cholent,” ate a huge bowlful and said he changed his mind. Please make a note of that. Continue reading →

The Neighborhood, Its Trees, and a Recent Potluck (with Recipe)

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I live on a cul-de-sac with a special group of neighbors. I’ve heard it said that ours was the first residential street in the village; attempts to maintain its character have continued for 70 years. Many homes—though not ours—are identifiable by the local stone used to build their original facades. The Neighborhood Lane Association that was formed shortly after people began moving in continues to this day. We have seen members of the last generation grow up, and then return to raise a generation of their own.  Continue reading →

YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Carrot-Zucchini Soup

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Here’s a lovely plant-based soup that I tossed together a couple of weeks ago. I made it in a little green Staub Cocotte that I’ve had for a very long time. It always seems like everything I make in that pot comes out so flavorful and delicious. Any soup pot will do of course, but it’s always nice when you have a favorite. Continue reading →

Three Kinds of Charoset 2024

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At our upcoming Passover seders to be held on Monday and Tuesday nights this coming week, we will be serving a number of different kinds of charoset (kha-ROE-set). In addition to our traditional apples-and-walnuts charoset that I make each and every year, we’ll be serving two other truly extraordinary charoset recipes. I want to share for a moment that my mom and my Grandma Rosie actually taught me to make charoset in a large wooden chopping bowl (such a special memory), a bowl that continued to hold a place of honor in my parents’ house for many, many years after Grandma Rosie was gone. Things go much faster now with the food processor, though I always process each ingredient separately almost to the desired consistency, and then add them all back together for a big stir with a big fork. Otherwise you are likely to get fruit-nut spread, which is a different recipe entirely.  Continue reading →

YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Tofu Time

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One day last week my son-in-law made a fantastic tofu curry, and it came up in conversation at least a few times in the following days how much my 18-month-old granddaughter enjoyed that curry. By the third telling, I got the impression she loved that tofu curry so much that there wasn’t much left for her parents! Continue reading →

Korean Barbecue Love

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Korean Barbecue Love
from Joe Gardewin

Over the past months, as you probably know, our family has been the recipient of an extraordinary amount of generosity and support of all kinds. Today, I am sharing the gift of a post from a friend, Joe, sent to me two weeks ago in hopes that it might lighten my load. It has achieved its intended purpose and for that, and more, I am very grateful. Thank you very, very much, Joe, for your kindness. Continue reading →

YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Gazpacho!

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If your counter looks anything like mine, it’s probably that time of year when you gather up your haul of tomatoes and turn them into soup. Tomatoes are best stored and eaten warm, so you’ll probably be starting with tomatoes at room temperature. Plan on making this recipe early enough in the day that it has time to cool thoroughly. It will be worth it, especially on these hot, humid, late summer days. Continue reading →

YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Cauliflower Popcorn

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This spices in this recipe appeal to me big time, and hopefully you’ll feel the same. I spent some time with my kids in Jerusalem this past winter, and they cook with lots of heat and spice. In fact, I’m sure they would increase the cumin to 1 or even 2 teaspoons, use hot paprika instead of sweet, and add more hot sauce at the end. Everything they made was fabulous, so if you’re a fan of heat (like me), I’m going to suggest you try it that way, too. This recipe reminded me of some of the things we cooked while I was there, and making their favorites always makes me feel a little closer to them. This recipe is fantastic as a snack, a side, or sprinkled on top of soup, salad, or grains. Continue reading →

YOUR HEALTHY PANDEMIC: Heavenly Date-Almond Latte

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This recipe has it all. It’s comfort food, it’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s bright, it’s smooth, and it’s caffeinated. Medjool dates are incredibly rich and moist, and they provide all the sweetness this latte recipe needs. The cinnamon is cozy, the citrus oils are bright, the cayenne provides a bit of heat, the almond butter is soothing and satisfying, and the vanilla offers a final kiss to bring it all home. If you’re living through a pandemic, and let’s be honest here — who isn’t? — then this latte is exactly what the doctor is ordering. Continue reading →

YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

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Our recent seasonal recipes have left us with a large amount of pumpkin seeds. This is my favorite recipe for what to do with them. Apropos of nothing, seeds are a great idea for families with nut allergies. But they’re really delicious no matter what. And they’re a great treat for when you’re on the couch watching a movie, or for sprinkling on salad, soup, or even roasted squash. Continue reading →