Let me start this review by saying that you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy this cookbook, just as you wouldn't have to be Christian to enjoy a book on Christmas cookies. I'm not Jewish, but found so many of the recipes perfect for the current needs of my family, that I had to buy a copy after checking this out from the library. Several of my family members have mild allergies, and this cookbook provided great recipes for those with that allergy in particular, since the Jewish religion has rules governing kosher, parve, and unclean foods and food combinations, among them being the combination of milk and meat. So this recipe book works perfectly for our family, with each recipe not only being delicious, but rich in cultural and religious context.
Nathan is a renowned scholar of Jewish cuisine, and this book provides seven chapters on holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purin, Passover, Shavout and even Israeli Independence day. There is also a long chapter on the Sabbath meal. Besides the recipes themselves, I found the book an excellent study in the history of the Jewish people, and their migration throughout the world, as recipes found here bear a resemblance to recipes from the Middle East, but also mirror the cooking styles of various parts of Europe. I found it fascinating that European recipes in this book were very similar, in name and ingredients, to those passed down by my German grandmother, showing that people from different religions are not that very different after all in the way they celebrate and live their lives. In short, this book is a fabulous find, whether you're looking for a great meal or snack, or a look at the history, festivals, and dietary prohibitions of the Jewish people.
Submitted by Gerti
Submitted by Gerti
No comments:
Post a Comment