Shabbos Shira

This is the week that we read the portion of the Torah when the Jewish People crossed the Sea of Reeds. When they crossed to the other side Miriam led all the women in a song of gratitude to G-d for saving them from the Egyptians and bringing them out of slavery. It is noted that as they sang they all played their tambourines. The women had the foresight so know that they were going to be saved and they we were going to need to celebrate, so as they were leaving Egypt they brought all packed these small instruments that would allow them to sing praises to G-d and rejoice in the fullest way possible. It is known that when G-d again redeems his people, and indeed redeems his entire creation with the coming of Moshiach that the women will again praise G-d with tambourines. So, as preparation for this coming Shabbos and the immanent coming of the righteous Moshiach, a few friends and I took it upon ourselves this week to decorate tambourines this week. Please G-d, we should be able to use these immediately!

My current favorite evening drink? A nice cold glass of Reed's Extra Ginger Brew. Between the bubbles and the flavor, there really is nothing quite like it....

A little calm before the storm: I made up a nice pan of home made lasagna last night as a nice good bye to the cheesy goodness of my favorite italian comfort cuisine. And now you might ask? I venture into the world of RAW! A mid-winter cleanse is in store and with G-d's help it will be just what my body needs to feel rejuvenated on the inside in order to change the world on the outside. The winter is a time of hibernation. A time to look inside and digest the goings on in life. Its when we step back and say OK, when I come out of this cocoon, where am I going? Who will I be? And most importantly, how in the world will I get there? So embrace these cold days of isolation for the beauty they bring us each year and take account of where your holding. So that when the spring air moves in, your braced and ready. So that this year, when you move back out into the world, its not back out into the same old mundane life your used, but rather....into the life you want it to be, moving the whole world one step closer to perfection. 

Dear Omelet, I will miss you over the next few weeks. You were there for me through thick and thin. Always by my side with a suggestion of ultimate culinary perfection. Sometimes you handed me vegetables I had not seen in ages, other times you offered up a chance to try the cheeses I normally only sigh over at the grocery store. But you were always there Mr. Omelet. And now, I abandon you. For what? I know, and I'm sorry. But await my return Omelet, because I will be back. I would never leave you forever. Just know, that in my heart, you will always be there. 

Back In Action

Hello all!! It's been WAY too long but, thank G-d, we are back up and running strong. I have a few fun projects underway that I cant wait to share with you. But in the mean time you will have to suffice with my culinary adventures. Having spent 5 months without a kitchen to call my own, I have a new found appreciation for the haven of my kitchen space. Despite the lack of time in my life at the moment, cooking has been a priority and I have been whipping up scrumptious meals on a regular basis. As a new member of a local (AMAZING) food co-op, I have been thoroughly enjoying fresh, organic produce that was harvested within 500 miles of my home! It is such a treat to eat veggies that are packed with so much nutrients like the ones I buy at the Co-op.

Favorite vegetable of this winter: Jerusalem Artichoke. I like to roast it in the oven with beets for a sweet side dish, put chunks into stews and soups, as well many other tasty recipes. 

The dish pictured is one of my easy, delicious dinners I have been making a lot this winter. Tofu in a tamari/olive oil/nutritional yeast/maple syrup dressing with roasted beets, jerusalem artichokes, carrots and purple potatoes. (Want grains? Try it with a base of quinoa!!)