Cookbook Reviews by Norene

Book Review by Norene Gilletz

I first heard about The Holocaust Survivor Cookbook, an unforgettable cookbook filled with memories of survival along with treasured family recipes, from my friend Dalia Carmel of New York, when I called her to say hello a few weeks ago and give her regards from a friend. Dalia explained, “Although the recipes are not thoroughly edited like in most cookbooks, this is a very important book and it deserves to be on cookbook shelves everywhere. You need to let people know about it.”

Read more “The Holocaust Survivor Cookbook – recipes seasoned with bittersweet memories” →

Book Review by Norene Gilletz

Eat, Drink and Lose Weight – Really!

I met Dr. Walter C. Willett at a culinary conference a few years ago when he spoke on a panel on healthy eating and nutrition. Dr. Willett is the head of Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition. I was so impressed that I invested in an audio tape of the lecture. His sensible comments and advice has helped shape my thinking – and my waistline, as well!

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Book Review by Norene Gilletz

Levana Kirschenbaum has delighted New Yorkers with her bakery, restaurant, catering and cooking classes for over 20 years. Now she shares her kosher recipes and kitchen wisdom with cooks all over the world in Levana’s Table, Kosher Cooking for Everyone

The magnificent colour photos and 150 delectable recipes reflect her Moroccan upbringing, including vegetarian dishes, foods for the Jewish holidays and entertaining. I’m sure you will enjoy her delicious recipes for Olive-Lemon Chicken and Levana’s Potato Latkes. Read more “Levana’s Table, Kosher Cooking for Everyone” →

L’shana tova tikatevu – May you be inscribed for a good and sweet year! This familiar greeting will be exchanged as family and friends gather to celebrate the high holidays, beginning with Rosh Hashanah which starts at sundown on Wednesday, September 12, 2007.

The holiday table is lavishly laid out with the delectable dishes that form part of each family’s holiday’s traditions. Honey and apples are included in many dishes, symbolizing the wish for a sweet and healthy year. Challah, coiled into a round crown, is torn into chunks and dipped into honey.

Read more “MENU FROM THE MAVENS OFFERS NEW TWISTS FOR A SWEET YEAR” →

There’s no better time to experience an authentic Persian meal than on Purim. Persian Food from the Non-Persian Bride is Reyna Simnegar’s first cookbook and it’s an intriguing and fun read.

Reyna’s family history dates back to the Spanish Inquisition, when her family fled from Spain and eventually landed in Venezuela. Reyna was born in Caracas and moved to Los Angeles in 1995 to study at UCLA. There she met her Persian husband Sammy and when he decided to move to New York City to attend graduate school, Reyna decided to follow him. Sammy’s mother, afraid that her son would starve in New York without authentic Persian food, hosted Reyna for a week and taught her the intimate secrets of Persian cuisine. The rest is culinary history.

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