Moshe Safdie, famed designer of L.A.’s Skirball Cultural Center, displays his creativity in the kitchen, too Branzino Baked in Foil. Photos by Dan Kacvinski. Food preparation and styling by Judy ZeidlerI first met architect Moshe Safdie about 30 years ago, at the base of a barren hill in West Los Angeles, where he envisioned the setting for the Skirball Cultural Center, now the nation’s largest Jewish cultural institution. It was…
Pomegranate Ice With Frosted Grapes. Photos by Dan Kacvinski Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered a High Holy Day, but it’s also a happy holiday, full of hope and optimism. I am always impressed by the fact that food plays such an important part during one of the most sacred of Jewish holidays. The traditional foods — apples, pomegranates, honey, grapes — all have a special meaning, and…
Honey adds special touch to Jewish New Year Honey Chocolate Fudge Bars. Photos by Dan Kacvinski. Food coordinated by Judy Zeidler The use of honey for Rosh Hashanah symbolizes a sweet year and dates back to biblical times, when refined sugar was unknown. Its sweetness adds a distinctive flavor to a variety of dishes in addition to dessert: It can be used as a glaze for everything from carrots to broiled…
Some teachers love to get things cookin’ in the classroom Judy’s Signature Strudel. Photos by Dan Kacvinski. Food coordinated by Judy Zeidler. When I think of heroes, I think of schoolteachers. A good teacher can make a big difference in a student’s life. Our daughter Kathy is one of those teachers who I think of as a hero. When Kathy was a little girl, she had a reading problem, and…
The kids may be gone, but the kitchen still gets a workout Chiles Rellenos My son Paul and his wife, Amber, were the original baby boomers, graduating from college in the ’80s, getting married and raising four children. They both love to cook, and when their kids were growing up, they always ate family dinners together, every night. The only rule was for the kids to try everything on their…
Cooking up kids’ favorites can be delicious and nutritious Macaroni and Cheese. Photos by Dan Kacvinski. Food coordinated by Judy Zeidler Kids can be picky eaters, but there are several dishes that they always seem to enjoy. Among the dishes that seem to be popular from generation to generation: pizza, pasta, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly and grilled cheese. Too often, though, these meals are not filled with…
Hoop Cheese Blintzes. Photo by Dan Kacvinski Shavuot celebrates the receiving of the Ten Commandments and the arrival of the spring harvest. But, for food lovers, it is noted for the array of dairy foods that are served — delicious combinations of cheese, sour cream, milk and eggs. Also in abundance are “stuffed” foods, such as blintzes with cheese fillings. For this holiday, I have experimented with dairy ingredients…
Smoked Salmon and Dill Mini Sandwiches. Photos by Dan Kacvinski. Food coordinated by Judy Zeidler Perhaps the most anticipated family event during May is Mother’s Day. If you are cooking for your wife, mom or mother-in-law for the first time, why not delight her with a delicious brunch, dinner or dessert? It’s easier than you might think to create a meal she will remember — especially if you can get…
Richard’s Hummus, Lina Style. Photos by Dan Kacvinski. Food coordinated by Judy Zeidler Who makes the best hummus? Everyone in Israel is passionate about the taste of genuine hummus, and each individual believes deeply that his or hers is the best. In Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, hummus remains a daily staple. Village streets are dotted with tiny shops that prepare hummus swirled in a brown-and-cream-colored bowl, drizzled with extra virgin…
Chocolate Truffle Cupcakes. Photo by Dan Kacvinski Passover, the Festival of Freedom — also known as the Festival of Unleavened Bread — is celebrated for eight days. Over the centuries, Jewish cooks have produced a rich array of foods for the Passover holiday, and desserts are an especially important course of the meal. No leavened ingredients may be used, such as flour, grains, cornstarch, baking powder or baking soda. One…