You can’t beat a good cookbook

Fran Ostendorf, EditorAfter all the cooking and eating and visiting with family during the Thanksgiving holiday, I returned to the office to tackle the to-do lists. But, I realized that my thoughts are still turning to food. Why? Suddenly, I’m receiving – and hearing about – cookbooks. It seems to be the season for cookbooks.  I have to admit, I love a good cookbook. So, in honor of a time when most of our thoughts have been revolving around big family meals, I thought I’d share some of what’s landed on my desk recently.

Three cookbooks that have landed on my desk stand out because of their historical roots. Don’t go turning the page yet – even if you don’t personally like a good cookbook, I’ll bet you know somebody who does.

You can read about Israeli food writer Janna Gur’s beautiful new book, “Jewish Soul Food: From Minsk to Marrekesh,” on page 18 of this week’s paper. There’s an interview with Gur, editor of Al HaShulchan magazine, and two recipes from the new book. Her first book, “The Book of New Israeli Food” received outstanding reviews. This second book, filled with 100 updated recipes from Jewish grandmothers, does not disappoint. Even if you don’t like a single recipe, the photographs are gorgeous.

If you’ve ever explored the Lower East Side of New York City, then “Eating Delancey: A Celebration of Jewish Food,” by Aaron Rezny and Jordan Schaps (powerHouse Books, November 2014), will be a treat. Between the beautiful photos, the profiles of classic restaurants, the recipes and the memories, your mouth will be watering. There’s even an introduction by the late Joan Rivers. For the non-foodies out there, the book is a pretty good trip down memory lane.

Another cookbook based on family memories and recipes is “Food, Family and Tradition: Hungarian Kosher Family Recipes and Remembrances” by Lynn Kirsche Shapiro (The Cherry Press, August 2014). Part family memoir and part family cookbook, the book is filled with stories, photos and 150 family recipes. Kirsche’s mother and father, who were Holocaust survivors, founded Hungarian Kosher Foods in Skokie, Illinois, the largest all-kosher supermarket in the Midwest. There’s a good  number of uncomplicated recipes in this one.

Among the other items landing on my desk are the entries for the Hanukkah Art and Writing contest. A BIG thank you to all the children who took the time to send us entries. We will publish the names of the winners in the Dec. 19 paper. Stay “tuned.”

And just a shameless reminder. As you shop for Hanukkah gifts this year, remember to check out our advertisers, and tell them where you saw their ad. Our advertisers help us stay in business, and we like to return the favor.