More About Leah ~ Blog Posts

We are consistently voted "The Best Kosher Caterer" by local JTNews readers. Since my Orthodox conversion 18 years ago, I am dedicated to elevating the expectations consumers have about kosher food. The community has been supportive of my catering service in a way that goes beyond business as usual.

It is my good fortune to be from Seattle, a city renown for its foodies and eclectic social conscience. Within this Jewish community, we have a long-standing Ashkenazi and Separdi blend of food and ritual. I learn from some of the best Jewish mothers in the city ~ young and old! Through the pages of this website and over time, I look forward to expanding my own learning of the foods Jews eat; classic and trendy, vegetarian and vegan, gluten-free and dairy free.....and, all kosher.

All aspects of Jewish life are expressed with food, both traditional and trendy. Kashrut adds layers of holiness and meaning. Join me in a community of Jewish cooks who are excited to share their regional specialties and global perspectives on food in a Jewish context. Become a Supporting Member ~ its' FREE! Build your profile, share your recipes and feel free to contact me with questions, requests and comments. 

May we all be blessed for the love we share through food ~ Leah

 

Five Part Chinese Sisters
Posted: June 28, 2011

I had big plans today to upload tons of recipes and photos and write a blog. It's 11:43 pm and I'm just starting my work day. It's a hard day. Officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's earlier in the afternoon, my mother struggles to find the words and courage to tell me and my sister Leilani. My sister Terri has already called to break the results of the testing. She asks us to wait for mom to tell us before we say anything. The four of us sit with watering eyes and aching hearts. Sister Dawn calls while we're struggling with the situation. She's working and can't join us. Sister Jeanette is on the way back from Florida. We'll speak tomorrow.

"The Five Chinese Brothers" by Claire Huchet Bishop and Kurt Weise 1938

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Life at a Glance
Posted: June 21, 2011

Like many in Seattle, I have trouble realizing it is June. June 21st, even. The longest day of the year. A record 3 days of sunshine in a row barely breaks 70 degrees. My equilibrium is off; until now life is suspended in perpetual March dreariness. People make small talk about the amount of vitamin D they are main-lining. Me, I've been working and working. Coming home at about midnight the other night, I catch a glimpse of roses blooming by the gate. I tell myself that I should 'stop and smell the roses' and take this photo. It isn't about the clarity of the shot, it is about the need to truly savor the moments.

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WSJHS Cholent Throwdown
Posted: June 15, 2011

Thanks Lisa for writing this on your wall....I have 400 to feed this weekend and am pretty tired to write. You saved me! I was thinking how funny it is that it is June and we haven't been able to break 70' around here. Feels like March; perfect cholent weather!

Food is history, culture, connection, community, ritual, nourishment, sustenance, survival, memory. Food tells stories. Cookbooks tell stories. The Washington State Jewish Historical Society is creating a cookbook - Yesterday's Mavens, Today's Foodies: Traditions in Northwest Jewish Kitchens. The cookbook will include recipes and stories.

Through the lens of our kitchens, our grandmothers’ kitchens, and our children’s kitchens, we will see a slice of our unique history - a history that illuminates our Sephardic and Ashkenazic traditions and combines them with the pioneer spirit of the Pacific Northwest, its bounty of food products, fresh produce and growing foodie culture. This fabulous and unique cookbook will be launched on November 6 – the perfect Hanukkah gift for you, your friends and family.

Leading up to the November 6th launch of the cookbook, the Washington State Jewish Historical Society is sponsoring a series of food related programs that showcase northwest cooking and northwest cooks. The last 2 programs are: Top Cholent The traditional stew made for the Shabbat midday meal is so much more than a stew. Heinrich Heine wrote that “Cholent is the food of Heaven, And the recipe was given By the Lord himself to Moses One fine day upon Mount Sinai.”

Come and learn, taste, and choose your favorite. We’ll make cholent that is traditional, Sephardic, vegetarian, nouveau. And, of course, you’ll take home recipes. Thursday, June 23rd at 6p.m. Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath 5145 South Morgan Street, Seattle $10. Recipes included.

Northwest Gefilte Fish: A Family Affair Dorothy Becker and her family make their fish together. They have it down to a science. Did you never have the opportunity to learn how to make gefilte fish? Dorothy and her daughter Arlene Azose are experts. Come and learn. Step by step. From the first step when Dorothy brings up her large pot and the scarf that protects her hair from the fishy smell, to the taste of the soft, flavorful fish ball that is made with salmon from northwest waters.

You’ll go home with a packet of fish recipes - gefilte, sweet and sour, pickled and a layered fish terrine. Tuesday, August 16th from 11 to 1 Congregation Beth Shalom 6800 35th N.E. Seattle $10. Recipes included. To make reservations for any or all of the food programs, please register online at: www. WSJHS.org/ Or call Lori at The Washington State Jewish Historical Society 206-774-2277

Monday 13th of June at 10:42 ▪ ▪ Like ▪ Hide

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"Apocalypse Now, More than Ever"
Posted: June 11, 2011

My friend Harvey is a poet, writes hybrids of political haiku and Subaru bumper sticker. The title of this blog is from a collection of his I recently read. It stands out in my mind, "Apocalypse Now, More than Ever." The news of nuclear meltdown in Japan after earthquakes and tsunami. Volcanos. Tornadoes. Heat waves. Forest fires. My equalibrium is thrown off kilter. I'm glad to be working, glad to have 400 people to feed this week. Nose to the grind, I can take a break from real time disaster and heartbreak. Cooking is my escape, my oasis in time and space.

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Oodles of Kugels
Posted: May 31, 2011

I'm a week behind in my life and frantically trying to catch up. Walking through the big box store today shopping for yet 3 more events, I decide that I need to get ahead of the game. Holiday after holiday may pass me by over the next couple of months....I'm heading straight to Rosh Hashana....soon. First, I want to post the results of the Kugel Throwdown that happened last week at Hillel. A joint effort of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society and JConnect, 15 contestants throw their kugels into the ovens. I learn a lot about kugels as I supervise the cooks in the kitchen.

Guest Chef Joel Gamoran with his sous chef, and Carol with Joanne

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