Romance writer Jill Shalvis got it right: “Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don’t need an appointment”. And so without further foofaraw, indulge yourself in a bonanza of chocolate dishes inside the distinctive recipe book, Babka, Boulou and Blintzes. Compiled by Michael Leventhal the delectable, gorgeously photographed recipes, ranging from the traditional to the exotic, open enticing horizons for seriously addicted chocophiles and those who support the seductive habit.
Starting with a brief history of chocolate from around the world, Leventhal highlights fifty Jewish bakers and pastry chefs with easy-to-follow step by step instructions to produce decadent treats-- either sweet or savory. Some are gluten free and parve, some just in time for the new year or a decadent birthday party.
Take your pick from an eclectic assortment of hot and cold desserts to after- dinner delights. Surprise the gang with “Boulou,” Tunisian biscotti, or crowd- pleasing Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes topped with gorgeous raspberry frosting. An awesome Israeli White Chocolate Cheesecake for a special Shabbat, or a Basque Chocolate Cake brought to France by the exiled Jews of Spain promises to guarantee raves and enrich any festival. Some may immediately become your guilt-free favorites.
Among the more sensational recipes try the show-stopping Chocolate Salami, or the spectacular Brazilian Molten Brigadeiro Cakes oozing dark chocolate. A traditional Babka, or mouthwatering Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies sprinkled with Sea Salt are great candidates for yummy, edible gifts.
For the adventurous cook, Leventhal suggests adding dark chocolate to your Chilli con carne. Make your very own Chocolate Peppermint Macaroon Kisses or impress the gang with Homemade After Dinner Mints. You can get as creative as you like with kid-friendly Jeweled Chocolate and Pomegranate Discs or the more sophisticated Sicilian Caponata both perfect treats for any Chagim.
If you really want to go all out, try the new version of the world-renowned Sachertorte. Its creator Franz Sacher was a Jewish pastry chef. It is tricky to achieve the “glossy topping” for this divine cake but a dollop of whipped cream covers myriad mistakes. For, out of the home, working moms a quickie Chocolate Chip Banana Cake or the all-time popular Dark and White Chocolate Marble Cake will wow the nahshers in the house as will the Triple Threat Chocolate Brownies or a “healthy” vegan Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies.
I’ve always been a “klutz “in the kitchen capable of burning water! But I manage to save time for sampling the alluring recipes baked by balabustas with “brown thumbs” who’d love experimenting with Babka , Boulou and Blintzes.
October 3 Arquimedes Silva Gonzalez Margarita Almorza
September 4 Scott Felder Craig Kalter
October 5 Maya Goldenberg Sara Ingber Rayna Sietz
October 6 Veronica LeVine Eyal Moran
October 7 Hailey Cohen
October 9 Jack Wright Cameron Tebbi
October 5 Laurin and Ronald Jacobson
YAHRZEIT OBSERVANCES
Louis Schonbrun Alan Sear Alyce Wiener Joseph Friedman Dora Hyman Joseph Klein Clara Wohl Szol Don Joan Levant Max Rashkin Alfred Haubenstock
Anna Liebowitz Medoff Allen Friedman Minnie Phillips Fred L. Katz Charles Henry Schulman Ed Zack Judith Schwartz Pearl Berland Eugene Linsky Claire Billing
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Tampa Jewish Memorial Gardens Plot space is available at the Tampa Jewish Memorial Gardens operated by Congregation Rodeph Sholom (formerly the New Rodeph Sholom Cemetery). Rodeph Sholom Members $3,000 and Non-Members $3,500 per plot. Price includes perpetual care. Interfaith family section available. Payment plans may be arranged. Please contact the synagogue office at 813-837-1911 or email at info@rsholom.org.
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