Braided Challah bread is traditionally served by Ashkenazi Jews during rituals, particularly for Friday and Saturday Shabbat, except during Passover. Its woven ropes symbolize unity and the twelve mounds represent the twelve tribes of Israel. I'm sure you will agree that unity is much needed today. The origin of challah bread goes back to medieval times in Southern Germany … [Read more...]
German Gingerbread Recipe: Authentic Lebkuchen
Europe sparkles in the winter and Christmas decorations are everywhere. It’s a magical time to travel. During a Christmas Market cruise, I tasted authentic German gingerbread which inspired the recipe you see below. German gingerbread is much different than the kind we have here in America. If you can't go there to taste it, you can make it European-style at home. Enjoy … [Read more...]
Freezy Vanilla Pumpkin Smoothie
My friend Michele the Trainer shared a wonderful pumpkin smoothie recipe with me that's perfect for fall. She's a Los Angeles-based Concierge Celebrity Fitness Trainer who lost 165 lbs and has kept it off since 1998 without drugs or surgery. Her philosophy is to eat plant-based healthy foods and, of course, stay active. She's also a published author, lifestyle coach, and … [Read more...]
Classic Summer Italian Bruschetta for Two
When I was in Italy almost a day didn't go by when I had some type of bruschetta. (brews-kay-ta) There are so many variations of toppings you can put on toasted bread. Often it doesn't involve tomatoes but when they are in season, there is nothing better. Bruschetta is an antipasto from Italy consisting of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt. … [Read more...]
Andalusian Gazpacho: Spanish Cold Soup
Cold soup is one of my favorite things to eat in summer and nothing beats a good cup of gazpacho for not only flavor but nourishment. It was first mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman literature but became known in its modern version during the 16th century when tomatoes and green peppers were brought to Andalusia in Spain from the New World. Andalusia is located in … [Read more...]