Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

Food Photo - The Hot Cocoa Bar

2012-01-01T12:41:00.012-05:00

When choosing melave malka food for large groups, I like to have one "interactive element". I've done fondues - both pizza with bread cubes, and chocolate with everything under the sun ;).

Last night I tried something that seems to be quite "up and coming" ... the Hot Cocoa Bar.

It is deliciously simple - and I do mean DELICIOUS. Simply set out a carafe of steaming hot cocoa and serve with a variety of toppings. I chose cinnamon sticks, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, freshly whipped cream, candy coated chips, peppermint sticks and these wonderful dipping spoons. To create these spoons, I simply filled them with good quality melted Swiss chocolate and sprinkled with decors. Within moments of being submerged into a steaming mug, the chocolate is warm and creamy and it infuses the entire drink. Not to mention they LOOK SO PRETTY!

I also made these lox canapes on toast squares:

and here's the rest of the spread (thanks to the help of many of the guests)............

Pirsum Project - Food Photo Edition

2011-12-28T09:11:00.002-05:00

All I can say is WOW WOW WOW to itsagift's mother's menorah challah.
That is EXQUISITE!!!
Thanks for sharing.

Pirsum Project - Reflections

2011-12-28T09:06:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to Gavi for sending in this photo of his menorah, reflected in his black glass chanukas habayis sign, which hangs directly opposite.

What an interesting shot.....

For another lovely "dark shot", check out SiBaw's menorah here.

Pirsum Project - Zos Chanukah

2011-12-27T18:32:00.000-05:00

Chanukah Guilt, I Mean Gelt

2011-12-26T20:00:00.000-05:00

Choir of KAJ Sings Lo Omus for Shabbos Chanukah

2011-12-25T19:02:00.004-05:00

In honor of Shabbos Chanukah the choir of KAJ introduced a new composition of Lo Omus in Hallel.
The following audio recording was taken at a rehearsal in shul last week.
I hope you enjoy it.

Pirsum Project - Super Sized Menorah Cookie

2011-12-25T01:25:00.001-05:00

How many children do you suppose it will take to devour this adorable GIANT menorah cookie?

Thanks, to blog reader C for permission to post!

An Incredible Dreidel Collection

2011-12-24T22:10:00.001-05:00

Hat Tip: Blog reader SF.

Guess Whos Coming To Dinner Pirsum Project - Sushi Style

2011-12-22T10:06:00.000-05:00

Pirsum Project - Easy Kids' Craft

2011-12-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

Look what my granddaughter made L'Kovod Chanukah.
What a clever idea....

You Think They LOOK Good? They Tasted EVEN BETTER!!!

2011-12-20T19:55:00.002-05:00

Pirsum Project - First Night, First Light

2011-12-20T16:58:00.002-05:00

Our first submission to the Pirsum Project comes from Jonas..... A real "blast from the past".
Jonas originally hails from Germany, though he is currently on a kibbutz in Israel on leave from the Israeli Army.
Jonas came to us as an unexpected guest whom we met via a mutual friend outside of shul on Purim afternoon three years ago and promptly brought home for seudah (and yes, he was delicious ;) .....). Imagine the challenge of quickly getting him his own verse in the traditional grammen!
Having never visited Washington Heights before he was astounded that there were "true Germans" living outside of Germany. In a veritable "bringing coals to Newcastle" story, Jonas had never seen Gruenkern before and promptly took a bag home to his motherland.
Thanks Jonas, for staying in touch and for this lovely photo of the shul in Sde Eliyahu!

More submissions are always welcome: guesswhoscoming2dinner@gmail.com

Make Way for the Kitsch.....

2011-12-18T21:28:00.000-05:00

While I should be on a lowfat diet in preparation for all the oil soaked delicacies I am about to indulge in to celebrate a miracle that had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with stuffing one's face, I find myself doing nothing of the sort.

I do find myself rummaging through designated "Chanukah Drawers and Shelves" to locate all the necessary 'accouterments' that grace our home. To that end, the dreidels and gelt are happily swinging from the light fixture, assorted other dreidels are scattered throughout the house on mirror tops and decorative platters, menorahs have been polished, sentimental home-made dreidel signs nearly a quarter century old have been posted on the front door and I have managed to locate one menorah pin and two NON-MATCHING menorah earrings (sigh....).

Gearing Up for the Second Annual "Pirsum Project"

2011-12-15T19:46:00.003-05:00

Things at the G6 household are slowly inching forward in the Chanukah spirit.

Once again this year, I welcome your menorah photos, Chanukah "kitsch" photos and any other submissions that might marginally fit the theme of the Guess Who's Coming To Dinner Pirsum Project.

Send submissions to guesswhoscoming2dinner@gmail.com and tell me how/if you would like to be credited.

Now for the big question: Will adding gelt on top of the dreidels be overkill?

Now for the obvious question: Who wants to guess how many dreidels are in the glass?

Remember to check out this photo for sizing.....

Chanukah Approaches - Let The Insanity Begin

2011-12-13T20:21:00.004-05:00

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry about this one....

A must have! Menorah kit includes:

Tin can for used wicks
Plastic bag liners for tin can
Scissors
Wick remover
Wick adjuster
Digital timer

It's a wonder we've managed all these years without a dedicated receptacle for our used wicks and a timer (!!) to grace our menorah display. What is next????

Wednesday's Wacky Signs

2011-12-07T01:55:00.000-05:00

Spotted on the refrigerator door of a dear friend of mine (and a most capable "Mommy")......

Although I must admit that I myself have once or twice texted my child so as not to have to (a) shout for them or (b) go to wherever they were....

More Tradional and Popular Melodies Sung by the Choir of KAJ

2011-11-25T07:48:00.002-05:00

KAJ Choir Sings Bendigamos

2011-11-25T07:22:00.003-05:00

The Choir of KAJ went out on a limb yesterday and added an unsual piece to their repertoire when performing at the Moriah Senior Center.

Who would expect that along with the traditional renditions of Mizmor L'Dovid, Lecho Dodi, Tzaddik Katomor and even an old Carlebach favorite, Eilecho, one would hear the beautiful Ladino bentching, BENDIGAMOS?

According to Wikipedia:

Bendigamos is a prayer said after meals according to the custom of Spanish and Portuguese Jews. It is similar in meaning to the Birkat Hamazon that is said by all Jews. Bendigamos is said in addition to Birkat Hamazon. The text is in Castilian (Spanish language). The prayer was translated by David de Sola Pool. … The melody is that of the “Az Yashir".

Bendigamos

Bendigamos al Altísimo,
Al Señor que nos crió,
Démosle agradecimiento
Por los bienes que nos dió.

Alabado sea su Santo Nombre,
Porque siempre nos apiadó.
Load al Señor que es bueno,
Que para siempre su merced.

Bendigamos al Altísimo,
Por su Ley primeramente,
Que liga a nuestra raza
Con el cielo continuamente,

Alabado sea su Santo Nombre,
Porque siempre nos apiadó.
Load al Senor que es bueno,
Que para siempre su merced.

Bendigamos al Altísimo,
Por el pan segundamente,
Y también por los manjares
Que comimos juntamente.

Pues comimos y bebimos alegremente
Su merced nunca nos faltó.
Load al Señor que es bueno,
Que para siempre su merced.

Bendita sea la casa esta,
El hogar de su presencia,
Donde guardamos su fiesta,
Con alegría y permanencia.

Alabado sea su Santo Nombre,
Porque siempre nos apiadó.
Load al Señor que es bueno,
Que para siempre su merced.

Hodu Lahashem Ki Tov Ki L'Olam Chasdo

English:
Let us bless
Let us bless the Most High
The Lord who raised us,
Let us give him thanks
For the good things which he has given us.

Praised be his Holy Name,
Because he always took pity on us.
Praise the Lord, for he is good,
For his mercy is everlasting.

Let us bless the Most High
First for his Law,
Which binds our race
With heaven continually,

Praised be his Holy Name,
Because he always took pity on us.
Praise the Lord, for he is good,
For his mercy is everlasting.

Let us bless the Most High,
Secondly for the bread
And also for the foods
Which we have eaten together.

For we have eaten and drunk happily
His mercy has never failed us.
Praise the Lord, for he is good,
For his mercy is everlasting.

Blessed be this house,
The home of his presence,
Where we keep his feast,
With happiness and permanence.

Praised be his Holy Name,
Because he always took pity on us.
Praise the Lord, for he is good,
For his mercy is everlasting

More videos from this event will follow shortly, but I'm interested to know who of my readers are familiar with or sing Bendigamos at their table.

How NOT to Perform Bikur Cholim

2011-11-24T08:11:00.001-05:00

This one made me literally LAUGH OUT LOUD!
Enjoy.
HT: Rafi

Shabbos Flowers

2011-11-18T14:19:00.003-05:00

I love natural beauty - Hashem's artwork if you will.

I appreciate brilliant flowers and eye catching stones.

With the new vase I bought, we can meld the two for a beautiful Shabbos table arrangement. The vase is a piece of quartz sliced from an unassuming rock, cloaking unbelievable beauty within, mounted on a hidden base.
...'מה גדלו מעשיך ה

Challenges Everywhere

2011-11-10T08:52:00.001-05:00

I can't tell you what it is like to run a marathon. That is a challenge that I have as yet not attempted. The only thing that I can write about, is what it is like to be the proud mother and mother-in-law of marathon runners.

We too feel anticipation of the day, though our hopes are a bit different. We don't focus on a specific finishing time. We want our loved ones to be safe and feel good about themselves at the end of the race. In short - we continue to be "Jewish Mothers".

I spent the day racing around the city, from downtown Brooklyn to Williamsburg (the New York Times caught a better shot, but I had fun trying to get a photo of the natives trying to dodge the runners as they crossed the street {now THERE'S a challenge!} - see my photo below), then on to the Bronx and Manhattan's East Side. I think I covered more miles on the subway than Joey did on the course, and I made WORSE time (I actually missed him in one location and near missed him in several others...). I couldn't have done it without a certain person who hates to be mentioned on blog but who knows the NY Subway system like nobody's business. So you know who you are - thanks a LOT!!

We were there to cheer on the runners, provide sustenance in the form of bananas and "goo", and rejoice in the spirit of goal setting and accomplishments.

... and the end result? Two very happy runners who are eager to push themselves again to achieve newer and greater heights.

Cristoph Niemann of The New York Times, embarked on a project to "live illustrate" the marathon as he ran. He completed the course, and 46 sketches in an undisclosed amount of time but the results are quite entertaining. You can see his works here.

After Months of Training - NYC Marathon Day Arrives

2011-11-06T02:12:00.000-05:00

G6 Jrs. Get Ready for Race Day

2011-11-05T21:52:00.002-04:00

Technology is finding more and more ways to become a part of Marathon Sunday.

Aside from being able to track your favorite runner with cool smartphone apps that pinpoint their locations with surprising accuracy all along the route, Asics, one of the race’s sponsors, is allowing people to send a message, video or text to specific runners that they will see as they pass giant screens along the route.

Message submitted at SupportYourMarathoner.com will be seen by racers in three spots along the course, because the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag in their bibs that track their time will also send signals to the big screens and trigger the messages at the exact time that the runners approach.

Here's one that my granddaughters made to cheer on their father as he triggers the sensors along the route:

Food Photo Friday - Marathon Birthday Cake

2011-11-04T08:35:00.003-04:00

My daughter Erica is totally rocking the buttercream transfer technique. That little marathon runner on the birthday cake she made for Moshe (shhh ... it's a surprise...) this weekend (complete with his actual bib number for Sunday's race) is not fondant, but buttercream.

I reall need to try this out!

In Others' Words: Why Joey and Moshe Will Be Out Running. Why I'll Be Out Watching

2011-11-02T17:17:00.000-04:00

Mary R. Wittenberg, president, New York Road Runners Club:

"A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day’s effort, be it fast or slow. It's all in conquering the challenge."

Kathrine Switzer, women's marathoning pioneer:

"If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon."

The New York City Marathon will be held this Sunday.

Both my son and son-in-law will be running.

I will be dashing madly through the NY Subway System from mile marker to mile marker, ringing a big orange cowbell in support.

They are covering this 26.2 mile course to raise money for the Blue Card Fund. It is not too late to donate to this worthy cause which helps holocaust victims.

It's also not too late to make plans to be somewhere along the route to cheer the runners on.

Thanks to Steve Jobs, I will hopefully be able to pinpoint Joey's location with incredible accuracy throughout the run. Shoot me an email if you'd like to be kept updated.

And to everybody, everywhere who refuses to remain content with the status quo in their life and insists on challenging themselves constantly to achieve new heights and accomplish greater goals - I Salute You!

Scene Around Town - Green Leaves Atop Snow

2011-10-31T12:15:00.002-04:00

Here's a sight you don't see often anywhere.

Fresh green leaves laying atop a blanket of snow.

It's global warming, I tell you!!

"Dinner" Etiquette III

2011-10-31T07:58:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've done an etiquette post, or linked what I think is a must read article for all guests, so for all those who've gently and not so gently prodded me to continue the series, here goes.

This post concerns guests with special diets.

I always make it a point to ask potential guests if they have any food allergies or strong food preferences at the time I extend the invitation. This affords me enough time to shop for and prepare a meal that the guest will enjoy. A guest that eats with gusto makes the hostess feel that her endeavors were not wasted. So a little advance knowledge is a win/win situation for everyone in my book. For instance, I don't have to serve a fish appetizer if my guest hates fish. There are other options.

There are some guests though (usually the ones with the most restrictive and complicated requests), who "don't want to inconvenience" the hostess and don't mention their food preferences until very late in the week. Now to my mind - this is rude. Don't come to me Thursday night with a laundry list of off-limits foods and tell me "not to bother".

Either:

a) tell me earlier in the week and I will bother or

b) don't tell me at all and I won't bother

But telling me Thursday night with the caveat not to do anything different is disingenuous.

I have mixed feelings about option "b" by the way. If your diet is highly unusual, you run the risk of having nothing at all that appeals to you, and then I feel like a failure, despite your gentle smiles and demure assurances. You are trying to save me the work, but you create a different problem in the process.

Belated (and Photoless) Food Friday - Sweet Potato Leek Soup

2011-10-29T22:37:00.002-04:00

This weather BEGS for comfort food.
So I'm going to share with you a new favorite of mine.
SWEET POTATO LEEK SOUP.
This recipe was given to me by a friend of mine and I adapted it a bit.
It's been home and blog reader tested and you don't need to like sweet potatoes to love this soup! It's not sweet. It's savory with a little kick of cayenne (it had a bigger kick - that's one of my adjustments. Feel free to "up" it if you wish...).

2 Tablespoons Oil

1 Large Onion, chopped

1 Clove Garlic, minced

2 Leeks, chopped

4 Sweet Potatoes, cubed

1 Tablespoon Salt

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

32 ounces Broth (or water seasoned with a bullion cube)

Heat the oil. Add onions, garlic and leeks. Sautee five minutes. Add sweet potatoes, salt and cayenne pepper. Mix and cook five minutes more. Stir in broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Puree.

This is a very thick soup. If you'd like it less thick (though I can't imagine why...) either cut back to two sweet potatoes, or add more water.

Delicious on a cold and snowy October (?!?!?) night!

GWC2D Succah Hop - Succos In The City Part II

2011-10-18T16:24:00.002-04:00

The Bryant Park succah has always been a favorite of mine. The park itself offers free ping pong (free ice skating each year in the winter, but not over Succos) a well stocked outdoor "reading room" for little ones (tiny tables and chairs provided), a sweet carousel for children and a lovely fountain - all in a few square blocks. (Special events take place throughout the year - definitely worth checking out)

The succah is beautiful, well appointed and spacious.

Not to mention the fact that the Bryant Park bathroom is without a doubt the nicest public bathroom around (full time attendant, piped in music, fresh flowers, automatic seat covers....).

Your Mother Doesn't Live Here......

2011-10-18T08:37:00.000-04:00

... kindly "clean up"accordingly.

You might not guess from the title of this post, but it is NOT about our homes... it is about SHUL.

It is surprising how many people who need to revitalize their arba minim over Succos, think nothing of leaving the detritus of their lulav's previous life scattered about shul. Dead haddassim. Woefully overshaken arovos. Just left for garbage where ever they were removed. Is this kovod beis hakneses? Am I expecting too much? Does your wife follow you around with a garbage bag at home?

Don't get me started on residents and guests alike who borrow seforim, siddurim and machzorim from the back of shul and when davening is over, just leave them at the seats. You're passing the book shelves on your way out any way, IS IT SO MUCH TO ASK TO RETURN THINGS TO THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE??! Am I the only one, who when travelling out of town for Shabbos or Yom Tov still returns seforim to where I got them? Is this also becoming passe? "Go with the changes... Lighten up".

Must I?

GWC2D Succah Hop Visits Moriah Senior Center

2011-10-17T22:02:00.000-04:00

As a rule, I don't blog about work.
It's too personal.... it's too real. (Those of you who think you really know everything there is to know about us bloggers, THINK AGAIN!)

I'm making an exception this time because it fits so nicely with the theme of the Hop.

Moriah Senior Center hosted a Succos Lunch today and I just had to share a photo or two (OK... three) from the event. Though the main dining hall remained open, over 50 seniors chose to dine al fresco and enjoy a fun filled, music filled afternoon. (Our own Music Man dubbed it a "Senior Bais Hashoeva")

GWC2D Succah Hop - Succos In The City Part I

2011-10-17T07:18:00.001-04:00

Chabad of Midtown, in partnership with Stonehenge NY, has erected this lovely succah located in the Ritz Plaza Firefighter's Memorial Park at 235 West 48th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway. {The peaceful fountain memorial commemorates firefighters from the station house across the street who were lost on 9-11} It is the first ever public succah in the Times Square area.

We found the schach to be a bit sparse, but the Chabad representative at the Succah Hop's next Succos in the City location (stay tuned for Part II... there's more ;) ), assured us that he will remedy the situation asap.

GWC2D Succah Hop - Staggered Succos in Betar Illit

2011-10-16T23:13:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Etty Robinson over at the Quilting Corner, our Succah Hop gets a chance to stroll down the streets of Betar Illit, Israel.

I REALLY enjoyed these photos! Thanks for sharing Etty.

GWC2D Succah Hop - Scene Around Town Edition

2011-10-16T15:48:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Yekke Wannabe for sending in this photo of our local Center for Rehabilitation's succah. Look what lovely environs the patients have to enjoy!

GWC2D Succah Hop Visits Chicago

2011-10-16T09:43:00.003-04:00

Jron's family in Chicago just built their dream succah and I think it's lovely - made lovelier by the fact that they shared it with family and friends and filled it with guests!!

Enjoy the rest of Succos, guys.

Keep sending in those succah pix to guesswhoscoming2dinner@gmail.com

GWC2D Succah Hop Stops in at Chashmonaim

2011-10-15T22:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Annette for sending in this lovely photo.

Keep them coming and enjoy your chag - wherever you are.

The Succah Hop Begins

2011-10-12T10:36:00.002-04:00

Rafi over at Life in Israel has been kind enough to share his succah photos with us.

Since they are a few hours ahead of us, and it's obviously not raining there like it is here in New York, his table is already set!

Chag Sameach, Rafi!

Get Ready to HOP!!

2011-10-08T20:52:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is correct.

We here at Guess Who's Coming To Dinner are gearing up for our Second Annual Succah Hop!

We are accepting your photo and/or video submissions at guesswhoscoming2dinner@gmail.com

Let me know if/how you would like to be credited.

Photos can be of either your completed succah, or the building process, or the decorating process.

It doesn't even have to be YOUR succah.

Send in photos of succahs you pass on your travels!

Share with the rest of us!!

Thanks for playing.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Decisions, Decisions....

2011-10-01T22:52:00.003-04:00

Since all of you are the ones who visit this site, I feel as if I should include you in my next design opportunity.

Blogger is offering all bloggers the opportunity to try out new designs which may make it easier for readers to navigate the blogs. If you are interested in all the technicalities, you can read about it here.

If not, you can still help me make my choice, by clicking HERE and previewing what the new format might look like for my blog. There are several choices - Classic, Flipcard, Magazine, Mosaic, Sidebar, Snapshot and Timeslide. Click on each choice at the top of the page to see how they would look.

You can then feel free to leave me a comment stating which, if any, you'd prefer over my current format (am I ready to say good-bye to the pretty orange background?).

Thanks for your feedback!

כתיבה וחתימה טובה

2011-09-28T14:34:00.001-04:00

Wishing all of my readers a year of good health, happiness, success in your endeavors and nachas, along with all of Klal Yisroel.
May all our tefillos be answered for the good and may we see the Geulah Sheleimah speedily in our days.

ונתנה תוקף - Unesane Tokef

2011-09-25T16:10:00.006-04:00

There are plenty of websites out there that will provide you with current and contemporary Rosh Hashana music.

This year, I decided to pull something out of the archives for you.

Chazzan Robert Frankel led the davening in K'hal Adath Jeshurun (Breuer's) for over fifty years and his soulful Yomim Noro'im davening moved many hearts.

So sit back with me for a moment, close your eyes, and be transported back in time listening to the voice of Chazzan Frankel singing ונתנה תוקף, one of the most stirring pieces in the Rosh Hashana liturgy.

This audio player below has some difficulties. The video above (click above) is more reliable.

(For those of you viewing this post in Google Reader - there is an audio player inserted here. If you do not see it (I do not) please click and listen on the blog itself)

Ruby Tuesday - Mini Cooper

2011-09-20T05:27:00.000-04:00

Where can you see a red mini Cooper hanging overhead upside down?
Only at New York's World Financial Center.
Why?
I have no idea.......

You too, can participate in Ruby Tuesdays! Just post a photo of something red, and link to her blog, Work of the Poet. Then go there, and sign up. Or if you don't have a blog of your own, you can send me your Ruby pics and I'll post them for you!

Washington Heights - A Saner Succos

2011-09-19T20:19:00.002-04:00

This post may seem a bit premature, but ProfK, over at Conversations in Klal has some very nice things to say about my little corner of the world and how Succos is approached here by the Kehilla.

I couldn't agree with her more.

Our Kehilla provides both catered meals for elderly residents who find preparing Yom Tov too difficult but who want to stay home and not leave their beloved community, as well as a public succah for use by families for whom catering costs become prohibitive and who enjoy the camaraderie and sharing with other families. This public succah is available for ALL meals, to men, women and children, throughout the entire week.

Our Kehilla provides this option at NO COST to the local residents. They provide refrigerators and indoor storage space. They provide a well stocked washing station outside the succahs. They provide security. They make it as easy and as pleasant as possible to keep the mitzvah of eating in the succah, and for this I am very grateful.

They serve as a model for other communities to aspire to.

Thanks, ProfK for noticing!!

The 9-11 Memorial

2011-09-18T17:48:00.001-04:00

Avram and I went today to the newly opened 9-11 memorial at the site of the World Trade Center. One of the names I wanted to find was Boris Khalif's. Boris was the son in law of a man that I worked with at the time of the attack and he left behind a 2 year old son.

I found Boris' name - and many others.

The site is a fitting tribute to the nearly 3,000 lost lives.

It is beautiful, peaceful and moving.

... and as you can see, the American Spirit continues to rebuild.

Always Time For One More Shabbos Table Photo

2011-09-16T17:28:00.008-04:00

Wishing all my readers a beautiful Shabbos, full of peace, healing and love.

(You all know which ones apply.... and if you think I mean you, I probably do... and if more than one apply - feel free to grab the bunch)

"Only In New York"

2011-09-16T07:23:00.006-04:00

... or as a good friend of mine likes to say, "...for the 'chavaya'!"...

Last night, when I could have been busy making Shabbos for our table of eleven (this is going to be another one of those "Guess Who's NOT Coming to Dinner" weeks...), Avram, Eric and I - and 60,000 fellow New Yorkers and visitors - made our way downtown to see Andrea Bocelli live in concert on Central Park's Great Lawn.

These free tickets were a hot item but I didn't realize HOW HOT until we arrived at the 72nd Street entrance to the Park an hour before showtime, only to be directed to the back of the line.... all the way down Central Park West, to Columbus Circle at 59th Street and around half of Central Park South and then into the park.... that's well over a MILE...!!! Of course, what goes to the end of the line, must walk back.... in the on and off rain for over two hours. New Yorkers are far more congenial than we give them credit for though, and the wait was pleasant, save for the brief interludes of showers. Of course, some people didn't quite know where or to what they were going:

Fellow "a", who must have been making his way briskly uptown to the park entrance, questioning loudly into his cellphone as to why everybody was walking downtown, not realizing that the group facing uptown was the LINE and when he got to the front of it, he would be sent right back down with the rest of us to wait in it....
Grandma "b", talking in to her cellphone, telling her friend, "I'm on line for a concert in the park. Who is Bocelli anyway?"

And what I DON'T DO, to get the shots for you.....

(of course, typical 'group psychology' - the moment I got down, dozens of other people decided to try it out as well.... more on group psychology later...)

After about two hours on line, darkness had descended and we finally made it INTO the park. I didn't say into the CONCERT, just into the PARK.... there was still another half hour walk as the line snaked its circuitous route to the Great Lawn. Further disheartening us at this point, was the sight of people LEAVING the concert! The rain and cold had discouraged them and they were heading for home. (More room for the rest of us!)

But even Avram, who may have grumbled once or twice during all that "fun", admitted that once we actually found our places, it was well worth the hassle. To see that many people, enjoying such lovely music and in such good spirits, is yet another one of those ONLY IN NEW YORK moments.

Now before you watch the video, I promised to discuss more on "Group Psychology". I think anybody studying this, should be required to attend these sort of events because I never cease to be fascinated by how personalities change when people become part of a group.

As you can see, the crowd was quite thick, even AFTER some delicate souls departed. One or two inconsiderate people chose to STAND so that they could have a better view, thus obstructing the view of tens of thousands of people behind them.

While many grumbled silently, nobody was able to venture more than one or two mildly audible snide remarks. But every group needs a hero to start the revolution. Eric slowly wended his way to where the offenders were standing and very kindly explained to them that they were obstructing the views of many and could they kindly sit down. Though they paid him no mind, he realized that they were recording and refused to budge. He then jockeyed himself into a standing position directly in front of THEM, so that they could see the impact they were having first hand. Still no movement. Finally, as they were recording, he loudly voiced into their devices that he was terribly sorry that he was ruining their recording, but could they kindly sit down so that others could see as well. This, coupled with the fact that the group now had a "leader", led to countless cheers from the crowds and energized others to shout their own requests for consideration. I even heard suggestions from the crowd that everybody should photograph the offenders and post the pictures on Facebook (today's universal "group"). The group won out. They moved.

It's tough to record in the dark with spotlights. The actual live stage is the semicircular halo to the right of the screen. We were treated to a lovely performance by not only Andrea Bocelli, but other well known vocalists as well (who knew Tony Bennett was still alive...?).

And I don't even get first dibs to blog about my own experience. Apparently, one of the local news agencies recorded our group and beat me to it on the 11 o'clock news....

New York.

Gotta love it.

Further Forays Into Round Challah

2011-09-11T18:19:00.003-04:00

After the resounding success of my Croatian Star Challah experiment, I was emboldened to try yet another round shape for the upcoming Yomim Tovim.

My friend Hadassah patiently walked me through the steps for what I am calling her Twitter Challah (purely because the first formation is a hashtag... draw no conclusion as to how she spends her time....), which looks more complicated than it really is.

So many lovely ways to honor the holidays....

And while you're at it, please have Hadassah in your tefillos early tomorrow morning, as she undergoes spinal surgery - Hadassah Henya bas Rivka.

Refuah Sheleima Hadassah!!!!

Ten Years Later - Reflections

2011-09-11T08:15:00.002-04:00

There appears to be a largely unwritten request that bloggers dedicate their posts today to their memories and reflections of their own personal 9/11 experiences.

I was already hard at work at the Senior Center that morning. The location doubles as a polling site and for those who recall, it was primary day, so we had the addition of many policemen lounging around on what should have been a quiet morning at the Senior Center/Polling Site, where I would ply them with cookies and juice and admire the photos of their loved ones that every serviceman keeps tucked in the lining their caps.

Unfortunately, the scene changed very quickly. The policemen's radios began squawking and the polling site was quickly shut down. We wheeled out the big screen television as the horrors began to unfold. A co-worker's son in law worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. He frantically hailed a cab to go and be with his daughter's husband in his time of need.... (He stopped working shortly thereafter to become the full time caregiver of his orphaned grandson. He was never the same again....)

Rebbeim and teachers made their way over from the Yeshiva across the street to witness the unthinkable and receive updates.

I spoke to Avram on the phone. I reached my mother, who could see the buildings (still standing) from her office window and was describing the "birdhouse" quality (a hole straight through...) in disbelief. I was on the phone with Avram, who only a few years earlier would have been at his desk on the 17th floor, as the first tower fell and our definition of "Freedom from Fear" was forever altered.

Avram was going to attempt to make his way home on foot. The cell phone service that we had only recently come to depend on was failing us for the first time as lines were overtaxed. I busied myself with tending to my seniors, many of whom were holocaust survivors and to whom terror was not a new phenomenon. I also ran back and forth to my home, which had become a "safe house" of sorts for the out of town High School Yeshiva students in my children's class. We ordered some pizza pies and I tried to keep them feeling "safe" ("fear", "safe".... there went those words again...).

We watched sickening images - as yet unedited - as they unfolded at Ground Zero. Images that human beings should NEVER have to witness. Images that I wish I had not seen, for they can never be erased.

I will never forget the relief I felt as I watched Avram walk slowly through the doors of the Senior Center, after walking more than 7 miles. Those of you who know Avram will not be surprised to hear that he still had on his tie and suit jacket..... (he apparently wasn't going to give in to terrorists either ;) ....)

Accounts say we lost 3,000 lives that day.

We also lost one of Norman Rockwell's Four Freedoms - Freedom From Fear.

We, as frum Jews, learned to draw on our Bitachon, our faith that we are merely passengers on this bus of life that Hashem is driving, in new and challenging ways.

May we all merit the Geulah Sheleimah B'karov and may we know of no more tza'ar.

Food Photo Friday - Chocolate Leaf Cake

2011-09-09T16:46:00.002-04:00

Shhhh...... there's gonna be a birthday girl at the G6 table tonight.

And I've prepared a little surprise for her.

You've already seen other versions of my chocolate leaf cake, but there are so many different ways to do it, that I thought I'd show you another.

While the aforementioned cake was a bit more sophisticated, this time I went with a bit more "funky and fun". It also has a sort "fall foliage" feel to it, I think. It doesn't really matter though, because it tastes DELICIOUS ;)

Food Photo Friday - Mini Gourmet Apples

2011-09-02T01:06:00.001-04:00

Remember my penchant for minis?

These may the best ones yet.

Miniature gourmet apples.

How did I do it?

I simply used a melon baller on a granny smith apple, skewered the balls, dipped in melted chocolate and toppings.

The results are quite convincing... and no core :)

Wouldn't these be pretty at a kiddush?
Along with my Croatian Star Challahs, they would also tie in nicely with Rosh Hashanah.

Butterscotch or peanut butter chips for dipping.... the possibilities are ENDLESS.

Let me know if you try them and how they worked for you.

Food Photo Friday Sunday - Hurricane / Pre-Rosh Hashana Edition

2011-08-28T14:19:00.007-04:00

While everybody else was out at the store on Friday stocking up on bottled water and flashlight batteries, yours truly was buying yeast, bread flour and parsnips.

What others saw as an impending disaster, I viewed as a good excuse to get some heavy-duty cooking and baking done for Yom Tov.

Hurricane for me meant a big pot of soup for the freezer and 5 lbs. of raisin/craisin challahs.

I had been wanting to experiment with the Croation Star shaped challah for Rosh Hashana ever since Chaviva linked this blog post over at The Challah Blog. The round shape, coupled with strategic placement of raisins and craisins seemed so well suited for this purpose.

The results were even more stunning than I had hoped.

And the best part?

I got to do it all with my evacuated little granddaughter - as we played dress up ;)

Our First Hurricane Party Game

2011-08-27T22:21:00.003-04:00

Thanks to the Gothamist, for providing us this wonderful little game to keep us occupied tomorrow.

HURRICANE IRENE BINGO

If anybody has suggestions for additional squares on other cards, let me know....

Food Photo Friday - Blueberry Cobbler Crisp

2011-08-26T18:15:00.005-04:00

The way I've cooked this week, you'd think a HURRICANE was coming!

Pastrami egg rolls, (yes, again), sweet and peppery noodle kugel, red cabbage and angel hair salad (note all the carbo loading foods for my {favorite} son in law's half marathon this Sunday which has since been cancelled....[donate to his and Joey's tzedakah marathon run in November here]) and these lovely individual berry cobbler crisps.

Any leftovers will be served at our Hurricane Party on Sunday.

Who's in?

Because it's MY blog and I CAN.....

2011-08-24T16:00:00.002-04:00

I know this video has nothing much to do with anything, nor does it really tie in with the few "themes" this blog actually has (food, family and community), but I really liked it so I thought I'd share.

I admit to being a bit of a "gym rat" and spending what some may say is too much of my day surrounded by treadmills, which may be why I was so impressed with this performance. These guys certainly have more fun on the equipment than I ever do.

The Things We Stopped Doing Along The Way...

2011-08-22T21:01:00.002-04:00

... not sure quite when.

But they sure were fun.

Please add your own to the list

Finding "twin" cherries and wearing them as earrings
Blowing bubbles in your chocolate milk with a straw
Turning round and round until the room spins
Lying on the floor and imagining walking on the ceiling
Purposely running out into the rain (sometimes with your mouth open)
Trusting people

Food Photo Friday - Pastrami Egg Rolls

2011-08-19T15:29:00.004-04:00

.... otherwise entitled - Why Do I Start These Projects?

Life has been busy.

It's been a few weeks since the G6 table was in "full-house" mode, and I was eager to try something new.

I'm not sure where or why I got the idea to attempt pastrami egg rolls at the very last minute without a recipe, but I must say that the results were quite satisfying.

I began by combining a can of stir fry vegetables, chopped fine, with some sauteed chopped red cabbage and some finely diced pastrami. I seasoned it with soy sauce and a secret ingredient or two. I rolled the mixture up in egg roll wrappers and fried them quickly in super hot oil.

The results were pleasing to both the eyes as well as the palate.

Of course I just had to cut one open to give you the full benefit of the crispy goodness.

And once the roll was cut, it wasn't suitable for guests any more.

So Jennifer and I took the full burden of ensuring that this lonely egg roll did not go to waste....

Oh, how I LOVE Food Photo Fridays......

Fish Camp Is Over

2011-08-13T22:23:00.003-04:00

To all those of you who have been wondering - YES, that is indeed the same goldfish that Erica brought home from camp over 15 years ago - in a plastic bag.... on a Friday afternoon.... Yes, it is remarkable. (Just go with it, ok? Though we may not have small children around anymore, we now have grandchildren, and frankly, I've always found the "burial at sea" thing just a tad disturbing...)

In any case, our fish bowl has been empty for the past several weeks, because... {insert silencing glare here}, our fish "went to Fish Camp". But since we expect a visit from our granddaughters soon, it was time for our fish to return from camp. Wouldn't you know it? Our fish even brought a new friend with her back from camp (lucky fish)! In my experience though, when our fish returns from outings with a playdate in tow, generally the friend has to return home shortly thereafter. (Sometimes, our fish even goes back to the friend's house to play there for a while too)

We shall see......

Rosh Chodesh Av 5771

2011-07-31T19:38:00.002-04:00

Rosh Chodesh Av approaches.

A time of great sadness and grief for all of Klal Yisroel.

A time of remembering staggering losses for all Jews.

A time of great personal loss for myself as well.

Tonight - Rosh Chodesh Av - marks the 10th yahrzeit of my dear father, Raphael N. Levi, z"l.

I can still hear his unassuming voice - his soft chuckle - his wise words.

How typical of my father to pass away at a time that we are all mourning anyway, so as not to inconvenience anyone in his family with undue sadness.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I admired my father, and continue to do so today {though the expression of this admiration may have changed slightly.... ;) }

As we prepare for these upcoming sad days, one of the books that come down from the shelf is my father's Kinos. The book itself is no more remarkable than any other of its kind, except for the fact that my father kept within reminders for himself of other more recent horrors and annihilation. Stored inside my father's sefer, are crumbling pages of The New York Times, dated August 1943 and 1944, detailing horrors beyond measure. They are difficult to read. They are imperative to remember.

(read column one on this one, then go down to the next one before returning to the remaining columns here)

May our tefillos and our actions merit the Geulah Sheleima speedily in our days when we all be joyfully reunited with our lost loved ones.

The Bathmat Is Soaking Wet - Yep, She's Home...

2011-07-30T23:37:00.002-04:00

The "first half", as it is affectionately known is now officially over.

We know this by the number of "Mommy Blogs" posting how many loads of moldy, grubby laundry they have done in the past several days.

I am no exception. Within minutes of getting Jennifer's overstuffed duffels through the door, the washing machine was humming away. There is NO WAY that I'm going to leave that stuff in my house overnight!

This was not easy considering that Jennifer's luggage arrived in Brooklyn (where we DON'T live), at around 10pm. I had intended to take a photo of the luggage scene but I forgot as I got caught up in the mosh pit.

You see, since the girls fly to and from camp and airlines have gotten utterly ridiculous when it comes to baggage fees, we choose to BUS her luggage. The luggage - like the campers - got delayed and the truck only arrived well after dark - on a deserted street with no street lamps adjacent to a cemetery (I kid you not, folks). They lined up all the bags along the fence (think Alfred Hitchcock - ravens, headstones, grave robbers etc.....) and parked some cars with headlights shining on the eerie tableau .

Being the good yekkes that we are, we arrived with flashlights in tow and quickly retrieved the bags.

But I digress.

The point of this post was NOT luggage, NOR laundry.

The point of this post was to make the observation that when one's children take "staggered" vacations, it quickly becomes evident who the culprit is in situations such as (but not limited to), "Who soaked the bathmat again?!?!?".

Enough said.........

Food Photo Friday - Many More Minis

2011-07-22T16:35:00.002-04:00

My affinity for "minis" in food preparation has been previously documented on this blog.

This weekend, I eagerly continued the theme.

Our local grocery store had mini piccolini farfalle pasta on sale, so I made this pasta salad with pretty red and orange peppers, sauteed vidalia onion and garlic, and toasted slivered almonds. It's bright and fresh and summery looking (plus the teeny tiny bowties are just sooo cute).

I also managed to get my hands on another ingredient that I've been dying to play around with in the kitchen - adorable baby zuchinni!

I sauteed them up with a whole bunch of onion rings and sliced portobello mushroom caps. I added just a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper and the flavors of the vegetables themselves will take center stage.

Do you make any "minis"? What do you do?

Are you also crazy enough to go on cooking binges during the hottest week of the year?!!?

Good Shabbos to all!

Keep cool, and as a commenter so rightly mentioned on an earlier post - take the time to check in on your elderly and infirm neighbors.

Biking the City - Week Two

2011-07-18T08:45:00.006-04:00

Lessons painfully learned, sunscreen in hand, Avram and I set out yesterday to enjoy another rare temperate Sunday in New York City.

This week's goal was to go a few rounds with the bikes on the Loop at Central Park.

I've always been a great fan of Central Park and all that it has to offer, though usually we enjoy only one small segment at a time - whether it be the now defunct Philharmonic Concerts on the Great Lawn (why they chose not to run them this year is beyond me... ), boating on the lake by Bethesda Fountain (I searched this blog for a photo post showing the actual fountain, and can't believe that I never have.....), Shakespeare in the Park, Shakespeare on the Run (not to confuse the two), whatever happens to be going on at the bandshell (and something ALWAYS is...), the carousel, the zoo, or the numerous playgrounds and walks.

What was nice and new about circling Central Park on bikes, was that we could enjoy so many different corners of it all in one day. We started by sharing paths with all manner of tourists and attractions at the Columbus Circle Entrance to the park. We rode alongside pedicabs, hansom cab drivers and their horses, tourists, joggers and families out for an afternoon stroll. We took a break and enjoyed lunch while overlooking the scenic views of the Reservoir. We pedaled on and enjoyed the strains of all sorts of street performers as we flew by. We stopped for a drink at the fountain and admired the beauty of the lake, dotted with boats (and secretly were glad that we had chosen biking instead that day - affording us a cool breeze not present under the hot sun on the water).

Central Park is truly one of New York's great treasures.

Next week, I'm tempted to try out the Hudson River Greenway.

Any readers who have gone that route are welcome to offer tips and suggestions.

Good Shabbos - May Hashem Help Us Through The Sadness

2011-07-15T17:54:00.004-04:00

When I light my Shabbos candles this evening, I will say an extra prayer for those people whose Shabbosos have been forever altered.

I will try to continue the spirit of Achdus and Ahavas Yisroel that seems to be the only silver lining in this very difficult week.

Food Photo Friday - The Season's Bounty II

2011-07-15T01:13:00.001-04:00

Though I can't seem to break the habit of hot chicken soup every Friday night, for summer Shabbos lunches, the crock pot is stored away and Fruit Soup reigns supreme.

I got my original recipe for this delicious concoction from my dear mother-in-law. Over time, I have made some changes and tweaked the recipe a bit and this is what has emerged - a ruby red soup that is bursting with the flavors of summer.

The following recipe freezes beautifully and makes enough to last two weeks in our house .

Please keep in mind that EVERYTHING in this recipe is "to taste" - the ingredients, the varieties, the preparation methods (I leave skins on for texture) AND the quantities.

FRUIT SOUP

1 Can Pitted Sour Cherries

1 Can Water

1 Apple (I like Granny Smith or another firm variety), chopped

8 Peaches (or if you're not a big "fuzz" fan, 4 Peaches and 4 Nectarines), chopped

4 Plums, chopped

A Few Handfuls of Grapes

A Few Handfuls of Blueberries (only when they are "in season", i.e. cheap. Don't let me catch you putting $3.49 blueberries into this soup!!!)

1 Tub of Frozen Strawberries in Syrup

1/2 Package Strawberry Jello

Sugar (depending on how sweet the fruit is.... by August you should be able to omit this)

Combine cherries, water and apple in your largest parve pot (you never know when you'll want to serve the leftovers). Bring to a boil. Begin adding roughly chopped fruit, putting in the hardest varieties first to maximize their cooking time, adding the grapes and berries during the last 5 minutes. Boil until fruit is soft ~ 20 minutes. Add the frozen strawberries and any sugar that may be necessary (making allowances when tasting for the jello yet to come....). Return to a boil. Add in jello. Turn off flame and cool.

These vibrant colors:

meld into this tantalizing soup:

Bon Appetit!

Camp Mail - An Experiment

2011-07-12T19:19:00.003-04:00

I mentioned earlier that Jennifer is off at camp.

The days of sporadic communication and no phone calls are long gone for today's young campers.

They get an unlimited long distance phone card upon arrival at camp, and they may receive emails to the camp address, which are printed out by the camp office for delivery to them daily.

For joy!

Because of all these conveniences, my daughter calls me fairly regularly - mostly to update me on the status of her "on again - off again" - (probably, not really, but maybe) broken finger.

Regardless, most phone calls seem to originate from the nurse's office.

There was the one that went something like this:

"Hi, Mom? The whole bunk is getting sick because we're not getting enough sleep and we all have runny noses and coughs so yesterday, we all packed up all our stuff and moved in to the infirmary for the night. It was a BLAST!"

I even had to speak to her new found friend today - also from the nurse's office. (Miriam B.'s Mom in Brooklyn: your daughter is having a lovely summer and she tells me that you may be hosting my daughter for Shabbos sooner than you think.....)

But I digress.

Apparently, even though I speak to her on the phone FAR too often, she's annoyed that I'm not sending her enough emails.

I HAVE NOTHING MORE TO SAY.

During our spoken conversations at home, I don't usually get a word in edgewise, so I'm not used to being the one to have to come up with content.

So here's where YOU come in, dear readers.

I'm going to try and inundate her with blog reader email.

Send me an email (of any length) to guesswhoscoming2dinner@gmail.com and I will forward it to Jen at camp, along with this post by way of explanation.

She has a good sense of humor so feel free to get creative.

Tell her about YOUR summer. Ask her how ceramics was. Send her a joke. Freak her out by telling her it's already two weeks until camp is over and why hasn't she begun packing for the trip home yet ;) ? I don't care. Just help me out here so that I can have a bit more time to focus on the blog.

Consider it your version of sending me to camp for a day or two.....

Good luck.

I'm counting on you.

Remember To Pack The Sunscreen....

2011-07-10T20:49:00.005-04:00

That is about the ONLY thing that was missing from our day today at Governor's Island, off the southern tip of Manhattan.

I had heard all of the positive press about the advantages of spending the day on this quiet park-like island, accessible only by a free ferry from either Manhattan or Brooklyn.

There a lovely places to picnic, scenic views of the Manhattan skyline, lots of places to sit, walk or eat. There are playgrounds for the little ones. There is a free mini golf course. There are art exhibits and special activities almost every weekend. Families can rent quadricycles in various sizes and bike with their little ones in tow. Avram and I chose to rent bicycles and circled the island numerous times, enjoying the breeze off the water and the views of the city.

What I didn't expect to see on the island was THIS shul. It is not listed in any of the literature that we collected there, so I don't have any information about it. But if any of my readers do, I'd be very interested.

Food Photo Friday - Dressing Up The Ordinary

2011-07-08T17:41:00.004-04:00

One of my family's preferred cakes is a one bowl, no egg recipe entitled Quick As A Wink Cake. It is delicious to be sure.

But sometimes, I want to dress up a dessert a bit more.

This Shabbos, I have taken a few small steps to do just that.

I cubed the cake, placed it in a decorative dessert dish, with whipped cream, strawberries and chocolate sauce.

All of a sudden it becomes a decadent Chocolate Cake Sundae Trifle.

[This one won't make it to the Shabbos table. The table setter gets it ;) ]

Wednesday's Wacky Signs - Mail List Classifieds

2011-07-06T12:23:00.001-04:00

.... otherwise entitled, "You can't make this stuff up"....

The following is an ACTUAL email list post and response from this week. I'm not sure what about it disturbs me more - the nonexistent command of the English language or the content.... You decide.

Original Posting:

"I'm looking for a full time frum babysitter in my home in Far Rockaway starting this coming September. The hours will be Mon-Thurs starting somewhere between 8 and 9:00 am -7:00 pm. My 3 yr old daughter will be in school from 9-3 and my 1 1/2 yr old will be home all day. Any and all suggestions are welcome."

Actual Response Received:

"i now some one who would be great but she is in brooklyn no car would need transportation with small dog can cook great glat kosher meals let me know"

Thanks to Molly (and the "Aibishter"....)

2011-07-06T07:14:00.001-04:00

I went on another one of Molly Resnick's Senior Trips again last night.
Molly, who tirelessly organizes these outings, is the most important part of the trip.
I know, because she told me.
NUMEROUS times.

I was resoundingly chastised for not mentioning her in previous posts.

So you've now been put on notice. The trips are NOTHING without Molly (though she does occasionally share credit with the "Aibishter").

That said, let me tell you about the less important part of my evening - namely the actual outing.

The New York Philharmonic Summertime Classics Series presented a Star Spangled Celebration, featuring The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps. What a perfect ending to a wonderful long July 4th weekend.

I never thought I'd laugh so much at the Philharmonic. Who knew conductors could be so cheeky?

It was rousing, humorous and entertaining all at once.

I snuck a few glimpses to share with you. I won't tell if you won't....

Enjoy.

July 4th Secret Discovery Revealed

2011-07-05T07:04:00.004-04:00

I am fully aware that by sharing this information, I may be diluting its value, but I can't help spreading the joy.

I think I may have discovered the perfect way to navigate the Macy's July 4th fireworks WITHOUT waiting for hours in the sweltering heat to garner a plum position with a perfect view (aside, of course, from making fast friends with an apartment dweller whose apartment overlooks the festivities...).

Now let me say right off, that I believe that everybody SHOULD go the route I just described ONCE in their life because those views are incredible and incomparable. Once you've gotten that out of your system, you should do what we discovered last night.

Our out of town company is still with us and we went out to dinner in a restaurant just outside the "official optimal viewing area" for the fireworks. We finished our relaxing meal just in time to saunter over at a leisurely pace to the West Side Highway (which was plenty crowded there too - don't get me wrong) and see the fireworks begin. While the views were not AS good at in the designated area, we were plenty close enough to see the blooms in all their glory (putting last years glimpses all the way from the George Washington Bridge to shame).

I am definitely doing this again next year. Dinner out anyone? I can highly recommend the Fettuccine Francais........ (shhh....don't tell anyone. I haven't cooked dinner in three nights. I sure hope I remember HOW when I get home tonight. A girl can get used to this.......)

Running for a Cause

2011-07-03T21:12:00.000-04:00

My favorite son-in-law, Moshe, and my son, Joey, are currently training for the New York City Marathon, which will take place in November 2011.

They are running for a good cause, too.
The Blue Card is a non-profit organization with a mission of providing DIRECT financial assistance to needy Holocaust survivors who live at or near the Federal poverty level.

Please check out their fundraising page and consider donating to this worthy cause.

Moshe's grandmother is a Holocaust survivor, so this cause is particularly meaningful to them. If you're down by the Far Rockaway Boardwalk, you might even catch a glimpse on some days of Moshe training with a double stroller! Now THAT'S dedication to his training.

To read more about Joey On The Run, you might want to click here and follow his new adventure through his own ~~feet, ahem...~~ eyes.

שבת שלום ומבורך

2011-07-01T16:48:00.006-04:00

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes. The G6 Shabbos table was BARE at noon on Friday!

What could cause such a diversion from the norm (the norm being waking up on Friday morning to see a table decked out in all its Shabbos finery, whetting one's appetite for the menuchas Shabbos just around the corner)?

Guests arrived last night. Not just ANY guests. Close family from Israel that we haven't seen in nearly 30 years. We sat at the dining room table past midnight and the prep work just had to wait. A good thing too, because our cousins brought us the most lovely matching challah board and challah cover (& more) to further adorn the setting.

There's nothing a beautiful table and a delicious Shabbos meal needs more than family and friends to share it with.

And to all those people who requested a meal this week and were told that I would be completely fixated on my far flung family, rainchecks WILL be issued and honored all summer long ;)

An interesting aside - if you look carefully at the challah cover, it has the words of the Shalom Aleichem written around its borders, beginning with "Shalom Aleichem Malachei Hashalom", which happens to be the wording that is our minhag, but we found that interesting because we don't know anyone else who sings those words. Most people begin with "Malachei Hashares". I'm interested if any of my readers have information about these disparate wordings.

MY official start to summer begins...... NOW!

2011-06-28T14:21:00.004-04:00

Ah, the "lazy hazy days" are upon us.

Summer is very much a sensory season.
First you feel the chill leave the air and the humidity rise.
Then you start to hear the gentle tinkling of the ice cream truck hawking its delights to young and old......
OK, OK - so I fib a little. Nobody likes the creeping humidity OR the sound of that infernal truck.... but allow me a brief interlude to wax nostalgic.
I think we can all agree that the smell of the barbeque grills firing up and the soft scent of sunscreen puts a smile on our faces and fills us with anticipation for the impending season.

But for me -

the OFFICIAL START to summer begins with the scent of....... jet fuel!

Jen flew off to camp today in the midst of high pitched squeals, giggles and quite a bit of haggling with the nice folks at United Airlines to seat the two chatterboxes next to each other, so as not to "disturb the other passengers".

Let me backtrack so that you get the picture. Jennifer's camp mate is her diametric opposite. Whereas last year, as camp was entering it's final week of fiestas and farewells, Jen was completely packed for the journey home 7 days early, her camp mate, on the other hand, was cheerfully and nonchalantly picking items off the clotheslines that she identified as her own, even as they were heading towards the bus to the airport. "Oh, look! That's mine" {stuffs in her bag} "Oh! That too :)" {tighter squeeze}

These two girls are perfectly suited for one another. One gives stability. The other gives lightness of being. Each can use a bit of the other.

True to form, as we were headed off - already a bit behind schedule - to the airport early this morning, camp mate arrived with her ever present smile, lugging a carry-on in one hand and a large stack of towels in the other..... and an additional girl in tow. I chuckled. I politely informed "extra girl" that I doubted she'd fit in Jennifer's carry-on - especially since Jen was by then busily stuffing her friend's TOWELS inside.

Apparently, they had not yet had their "official" good bye, which included the requisite group hug.

Teary-eyed teen goodbyes on the street gave way to joyful reunions with summer friends at the airport terminal. I fast became superfluous at best, an embarrassment at worst.

So I went home to begin MY summer. It's so quiet. The house phone won't ring for days on end. Wouldn't it be nice if I were able to carve out a little "me" time during my hectic work weeks? I have been heard to respond to those who ask, "How was your summer", with "Just like my winter, only hotter". I'd like to change that this year, but even if I don't manage it -

I've got a whole four weeks without THIS:

Encore! Encore!

2011-06-27T20:30:00.001-04:00

I've received a number of requests to see the remainder of the KAJ Choir's most recent performance, so I've compiled a YouTube playlist here, which contains the pieces in order, as they were sung, including the three pieces previously posted on this blog.
Enjoy the show.

Choir Of KAJ Celebrates the 100th Birthday of Mr. Salomon Koenigsberger

2011-06-26T13:49:00.005-04:00

Mr. Salomon Koenigsberger, the oldest male member of K'hal Adath Jeshurun is about to celebrate his 100th birthday.

What birthday gift can one get for a 100 year old man? A personal visit and private performance from his beloved choir, whom he is unable to hear on a regular basis since he is currently residing in a senior citizen residence outside of Washington Heights.

Not only did Mr. Koenigsberger enjoy the music - he jumped right in and sang along.

At 100 years old, it is perfectly acceptable to upstage the announcer with greetings of your own!

Look how beautifully Mr. Koenigsberger joins in and sings his favorite Tzaddik Katomor!

We wish Mr. Koenigsberger many more years of good health and many more opportunities to sing along with the choir.

How Graduation Ties Into Fathers' Day

2011-06-19T10:45:00.003-04:00

Today is Fathers' Day and I've spoken previously about why I feel it important to commemorate such days, even for frum people.

Hakaras Hatov is a lesson that cannot be taught too frequently.

This leads me right in to the second part of today's post.

Today is Jennifer's Middle School Graduation.

A milestone to be sure {though some members of the family can't resist a well placed guffaw at this juncture} in the life of a teenage girl.

What should she take away from this day?

Yitzchak Alderstein has a wonderful post on Cross-Currents on this topic and he includes remarks made by Dean Victor Gold at Loyola Law School's commencement exercises this year.

I am including his words here, for they contain quintessential truths about Hakaras Hatov.

"I do not remember who spoke at my law school graduation and I do not recall what was said. I remember only one thing, the serious expression on my parents’ faces after the ceremony.

As I stood there in my cap and gown, I thought that I looked like a clown so I did a little dance as a joke. My mom shot me a dirty look that told me, this is no joke. This is important to us. So I stopped dancing.

Neither my mother nor father ever had the chance to go to college, much less law school. Mom was an immigrant. Dad had to quit high school to go to work. They married during the Depression and had my sister and brother by the time Dad was drafted and went off to war. Their lives were hard. So my graduation from law school was no joke to them. I could see written in their faces the years of sacrifice that made my graduation possible and the pride they took in that accomplishment.

This is all I remember about my law school graduation but it taught me everything I needed to learn that day. It was simply this – be grateful. Be grateful for those people who helped you get here. For most of you, they are your parents, a spouse or significant other, maybe a friend or a teacher. Maybe it was a law professor or even a dean. Thurgood Marshall said, “None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here only because somebody bent down and helped pick us up.”

If the people who helped you are with you today, here is the first thing you have to do after all these speeches are over. Run to them. Find them. Give them a hug and say thank you. Then here is the next thing I want you to do. Take some photos with them. When you start to feel sorry for yourself in a few weeks as you are studying for the bar, take those photos out and look at them. Be grateful all over again. It will get you through the tough times that lie ahead.

After you become a successful lawyer, whenever you start feeling full of yourself, when you think you are G-d’s gift to the law, take out those photos again. Be grateful again. If those people are still around, call them and say thank you all over again. It will make you a better lawyer.

And finally, I want you to do one more thing. During the rest of your life, every time you look at the photos you take today, ask yourself this question: Does someone have a photo of you that reminds them of what they have to be grateful for? If the answer is no, then look around for someone who needs your help. Bend down and help lift them up. If the answer is yes, someone can be grateful for the help you have given to them, that is when you can stand up and do a little dance."

So Mazel Tov, my dear Jennifer.

May you reach great heights in your life and always be mindful of those who contributed to your successes.

And Happy Fathers' Day, dear Avram. So far - a job well done! Do a little dance.

Texting Codes Change As You Age

2011-06-15T20:36:00.003-04:00

With the advent of social media and the rapid pace of the cyberworld in general, we've all had to learn "texting codes" - abbreviations to make online communications easier and/or to convey emotion that might otherwise be lost on screen.

LOL, BTW... all part of our new lexicon.

But did you know that as you age, the same texting codes mean different things?

My day job is as the Director of a Senior Center and one of my members was kind enough to clue me in to the meaning of those same little letters for the 60+ set. I thought you might enjoy them as well.

Middle Age Texting Codes:

ATD: At The Doctor's

BFF: Best Friend Fell

BTW: Bring The Wheelchair

BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth

CBM: Covered By Medicare

CUATSC: See You At The Senior Center

DWI: Driving While Incontinent

FWB: Friend With Beta Blockers

FWIW: Forgot Where I Was

FYI: Found Your Insulin

GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low!

GHA: Got Heartburn Again

HGBM: Had Good Bowel Movement

IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On?

LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out

LOL: Living On Lipitor

OMMR: On My Massage Recliner

OMSG: Oh My! Sorry, Gas.

ROFL... CGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up

SGGP: Sorry, Gotta Go Poop

TTYL: Talk To You Louder--

WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?

WTP: Where's The Prunes?

WWNO: Walker Wheels Need Oil

GGLKI (Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking In)

Erev Shavuos - The Table Is Set

2011-06-07T15:26:00.006-04:00

The table has been set. The greenery has been hung.

All that is left to be done is to cook the salmon and the eggplant parmesan.
The mushroom onion quiches, sweet dairy noodle kugels, cream of asparagus soup, cream of mushroom barley soup, classic cheesecake and cranberry cheesecake are all ready to go. I sure do hope that none of our guests are "lactarded" {awesome phrase coined by my dear friend Hadassah}

The hand painted dishes and monogrammed table linens, were a favorite of my dear mother in law and were lovingly cared for by my husband in his youth. They hold many special memories and add immeasurably to our simchas Yom Tov. The floral napkin rings are our own addition to this lovely tableau and have long ago become a tradition in our house as well.

Erev Shavuos at K'hal Adath Jeshurun (Breuer's)

2011-06-07T11:57:00.002-04:00

The flowers are up in shul.
Now it's time to start decorating the house.
Have a wonderful Yom Tov!

(P.S. Even if they won't credit us, our video got top billing over at The Yeshiva World again this morning. Matzav used our photos and 'forgot' to credit us as well...)

Food Photo Friday - Minis

2011-06-03T17:40:00.004-04:00

I'm a sucker for "minis".

Baby corn.

Baby patty pan squash.

Baby peppers.

You get the idea....

Tell me this isn't the cutest little watermelon you've ever seen!

Just carrying it to the cash register made me smile......

Shavuos At KAJ - Repost (Photos and Video)

2011-06-02T21:10:00.003-04:00

I took this video two years ago, over a period of two days, to illustrate exactly what goes into making Breuer's look the way it does over Shavuos. A year later it was picked up by The Yeshiva World (without crediting the blog, I might add....)

It is as relevant today as it was then.

For those with thejnet, the KosherTube link is here.

Anyone wishing to make a tax deductible donation to Khal Adath Jeshurun (KAJ/Breuer's), to help defray the considerable cost of this endeavor, is urged to do so via this link. Make sure to tell them G6 sent you ;)

Wednesday's Wacky Signs - In My Own Backyard

2011-06-01T10:54:00.005-04:00

A well placed reminder to people to appreciate services afforded to them by their local organizations and contribute to the pushke is always a good idea.

Actually having a pushke available would be an even better idea.......

On a related but tangential note, Moshe raises an interesting question in this post (mild profanity alert - which this blogger does not condone) as to whether or not home goods stores with mikvo'os on the premises should accommodate non-customers, and though I think two and three times before commenting in disagreement on somebody else's blog, this one struck a chord with me. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts as well in the comments section of THIS post......

"We Are Family...."

2011-05-29T20:28:00.001-04:00

We all know that the internet brings people together.
The folks on twitter have a name for their global community. They call it the "Twitterverse".
The Jewish community refers to it affectionately as the "Twitpacha״.

This past Erev Shabbos a lone tweet went out from somewhere in New York City. So short and simple, you would almost expect it to be overlooked.

"Visiting a Yekke shul tonight! I'm a little more than excited :D"

Mere moments passed before a response appeared from somewhere in South Florida.

"I think @Gsix davens there. Say hello."

Another tweet followed shortly thereafter from Monsey.

"Snicker"

South Florida asked what was so funny......

I finally jumped into the fray and answered -

"Because Guess Who's Coming To Dinner!"

Now, Hadassah in Monsey was snickering because she had in fact been the one to make the introductions and arrange for the invitation. What might be interesting to note is that neither Hadassah, nor the gentleman in South Florida have ever met my Shabbos guest in person, but "Kol Yisroel Arevim Ze Lozeh" - Every Jew is responsible for one another. They were both taking upon themselves the responsibility of making connections and helping people "find their challah".

It is in the zechus of this sort of unconditional unity and pure Ahavas Yisroel (regardless of where a person lives, davens, etc.) that I hope will merit the arrival of the geulah sheleimah.

Conformity vs. Individuality

2011-05-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

A favorite bit of wisdom that I have on occasion doled out to those around me, goes something like this:

"You wouldn't worry nearly so much what people thought about you, if you realized how infrequently they did".

And yet.....

There is so much pressure out there to wear the "right" clothes. The "right" hat. The "acceptable" color(s) {or lack thereof}.
There is pressure to go into the "appropriate" professions.

There is little wiggle room left for personal expression and individuality.

But are those things inherently contrary to halacha?

Is color by definition untzniusdik?

Is being an individual and having free expression NECESSARILY a dangerous or bad thing?

There is definitely something to being part of a group and trying not to stand out too much. I understand that. But to what degree?

I'm throwing it out to you all.

Go 'have at it' in the comments section.

Good Shabbos - Don't Forget To "Omer"

2011-05-20T14:11:00.008-04:00

I've mentioned in a previous post that where I come from "Omer" is a verb.

"Omering", or remembering to do so, has become much easier for me with the advent of email reminders, iPhone apps - all things not available to me in childhood, where the dreaded threat of "not getting any cheesecake" was the only incentive assistance available.

Nowadays, any time I have access to technology, I'm pretty sure to remember.

That leaves Friday night as the only tough night.

A nice Omer Counter left out on the Shabbos table, is tremendous help. When clearing the table after the meal, you're sure to notice it. Oh, right! That means you'd need to be sticking around and helping clear.... Well - at least some of us won't forget ;)

It Is Now SAFE To Come To Dinner!

2011-05-18T13:02:00.003-04:00

You might have noticed that posts have been spotty lately.

Yes, Pesach has passed, but the challenges of my job have not.

In a continuing effort to build the Senior Center that I work for into the absolute best that it can be, I challenged myself to "go back to school".

I am pleased to report to you that after exhaustive study into the precise minutiae of e coli, salmonella, scromboid poisoning, vermin infestations, commercial kitchen design and plumbing, I am the proud holder of a New York City Food Handler's Certificate.

So for anybody who was hesitant to come to Dinner because they were worried about anisakis worms in the fish - I now know more than you'll EVER want to know about them!!

Segulah Monday

2011-05-16T11:15:00.003-04:00

It seems every place you turn today, you find new segulos popping up like mushrooms.

I thought my readers might be interested with this bit of research that I received via email, into bona fide, money-back guaranteed segulos.

The Hebrew isn't too difficult.

Enjoy the blessings they bring!

בשנים האחרונות מגלה הציבור הישראלי צמא מפתיע לסגולות ישנות וחדשות. אם אנשים כל כך רוצים סגולות שיושיעו אותם מצרותיהם, מי אנחנו שנבקר אותם.

לתועלת הציבור, הכין הרב חיים נבון רשימה קצרה של סגולות מועילות ובדוקות. ברשימה רק סגולות המופיעות במפורש במקרא או בדברי חכמינו.

"כל הסגולות המוזכרות כאן נבדקו, בידַי או בידֵי אנשים המוּכּרים לי, ונמצאו יעילות להפליא. בדוּק ומנוסה!", כותב הרב נבון.

1. סגולה לפרנסה: ללמוד מקצוע (בראשית ג', יט; קידושין כט ע"א).

2. סגולה לרפואה: ללכת לרופא (בבא קמא מו ע"ב; ברכות ס ע"א).

3. סגולה לאריכות ימים: לנהל אורח חיים בריא (רמב"ם, הלכות דעות ד', כ).

4. סגולה לחתונה: לחפש בת זוג. (קידושין ב ע"ב).

5. סגולות לשלום בית: אהבה, סבלנות וויתור (סנהדרין ז ע"א; בבא מציעא נט ע"א; ויקרא רבה ט', ט).

6. סגולה לפרי בטן: להתפלל לה'. (שמואל א א').

7. סגולה ליראת שמים: ללמוד תורה. (אבות פ"ב מ"ה).

8. סגולה להתעלות רוחנית: לעמול בתורה ובמצוות. (מגילה ו ע"ב).

9. סגולה לתפילה בכוונה: לעמוד לתפילה בכובד ראש. (ברכות פ"ה מ"א).

10. סגולה לאמונה טהורה: לא להאמין בסגולות, אלא בה'. (דברים י"ח, יג).

My Senior Citizens' Group Vacation

2011-05-10T10:44:00.002-04:00

What It's Like To Vacation With Senior Citizens

A few quick thoughts before the actual post begins:

Over a period of two days, the process of "deboarding" the tour bus at each stop, is whittled down to a commendable time of 9 minutes, 37 seconds. (Seniors seem to only remember their sweaters in the overhead bins, AFTER the aisle path has completely cleared in front of them.)

The first thing everybody does after said deboarding, is make a BEELINE for the nearest rest room.

I am embarrassed to find myself at the front of that line and realize that I am closer to "seniorhood" than I care to admit.

I feel a bit better about my symptoms of advancing age when I hear the lady behind me mutter to herself, "I sure hope I can go...." and realize that I am not quite THAT FAR GONE yet.

I spend the next few minutes in a stall pretending that I don't hear the entire conversation that another senior is having in the stall next to me with her son in Israel over her cellphone. (Be careful! Don't drop that phone!!!)

But in all seriousness, I just came back from a lovely two day vacation which I shared with over 40 men and women who could be my parents and grandparents.

And don't count seniors out when it comes to interesting conversation and/or eavesdropping opportunities. I learned more about Elton John, Shidduchim, Chastity Bono's recent operation (who knew?), Shidduchim, Outlet Shopping and Ralph Lauren's new flagship store on 72nd than I ever did before (Oh, and did I mention Shidduchim?). And everywhere they go, they ask you if you want to go back and get your sweater. Who cares that it's 76 degrees? It's BREEZY!

I love seniors. That's why I work with them. That's why when I take a coveted 2 day in 5 years vacation, I STAY WITH THEM. They warm my heart. (and make me feel really really young!)

We started our trip to Baltimore early on Sunday morning. Did I mention that senior trips are all about the food?. Cheese danishes and orange juice on the bus started our morning. After checking in at our hotel and eating a quick lunch (I said quick - I didn't say SMALL), we stopped at Sherwood Gardens and Avram and I did some house hunting. What do you think of this little gem?

I'm kind of embarrassed to tell you that it is more affordable than most cramped apartments in my neighborhood. New York City living might be making fools out of all of us......

We also took a lovely boat tour of Baltimore Harbor. I showed my rebellious side and went without my sweater.

What next? A visit to 7 mile market. I was told that this is the largest kosher supermarket in the States. I have not personally verified this, but I will tell you that it provided ample opportunity to purchase and shlep home bags and bags of items that are just as available in New York City.

I soon tucked my recently purchased, half-eaten pizza flavored Pringles away, because it was time to visit Yeshivas Ner Yisroel and eat dinner there. Rabbi Neuberger was an amazing host, dinner was incredible and I even got to squeeze in a quick visit with some Baltimore friends.

Off to bed at the posh Hyatt Place hotel. End of Day 1.

Day 2 began with a blur of overindulgent meals (Bagels & Lox, French Toast, Hash Browns, Eggs, Whitefish, Fruit, Danishes and more....) and bathroom breaks.

We then headed off to Gettysburg to visit the site of the historic three day battle and Lincoln's well known address.

I am no history buff, but I will say that if children were able to go on field trips and witness history as we did on those grounds, they might become history buffs. We teach our children in such a rote manner that the meaning - the flavor - the UNDERSTANDING is sometimes utterly lost. Our tour guide was 92 years old, a native of Gettysburg and his grandfather fought in the Civil War. He himself remembered meeting veterans of the Battle of Gettysburg in his youth. (It should be noted that I never ONCE saw HIM go to the bathroom....) {OK, I see you, BLD, poised to make some tasteless comment about Depends.... don't go there....}

In any case - in the words of Jackie Mason, "They tried to kill us. We won. Let's eat!".

We were exhausted from hours of virtual battle and decided that a quick stop at the Hershey factory was in order.

Taking the factory tour made me feel like a kid again.

We then went outside for a fried chicken dinner and I sat without a sweater again!

All in all, a relaxing and satisfying two day getaway.

I returned to work at the Senior Center this morning because I just can't get enough of our "Silver Citizens".

I did however, get MORE than enough in the way of nutrition. The diet began at 6 am.....

Wednesday's Wacky Signs - Your Freudian Slip Is Showing..

2011-05-04T01:58:00.004-04:00

I know that many of my readers may have seen this quintessential Wednesday's Wacky Sign already, but there really can be no other this week.

Scene Around Town

2011-05-01T18:42:00.004-04:00

I have no idea what they're doing here, but it's VERY loud and close to my home. Now that the windows are open again, I can fully enjoy the constant chattering of drilling into concrete.

I'd like to know what is going on and when it will be done.

Anybody have the inside scoop?

For Those Of You Who Overslept - The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T06:44:00.002-04:00

... or a reasonably humorous facsimile thereof....

Strawberry Fluff - The Ritual Continues

2011-04-18T15:35:00.003-04:00

I posted a couple of years back about my family's Strawberry Fluff Making Ritual.

Over the years, it became harder and harder to get everyone together for the "event".

I'm pleased to tell you that this year, I had the great joy of continuing the tradition with the NEXT generation.

Of course my hand mixer is from the "older generation" and one of its beaters gave out mid-whip. FSIL (favorite/only son-in-law) pitched in and held the decrepit appliance until all the fluffy goodness was achieved.

Wising you all a very sweet Yom Tov.

Chag Kasher V'sameach!

Busy Season - A Repost

2011-04-17T06:48:00.000-04:00

The following was posted last year shortly before Pesach and it bears reposting (with added links) in my current state of "cooking hibernation".

I'm very sorry but now that I've "turned over" my kitchen, posts are spotty.

I've been up to my elbows in potatoes, though I do plan to give you a delicious recipe for eggplant fritters shortly.

In the interim, please feel free to view some of my previous Pesach related posts.

There's my post about traditions.

There's my post about an unusual plate.

We've got recipes for Chocolate Matzah, Strawberry Fluff and Mushroom Onion Farfel Kugel.

There's even a post about how our fish deals with Pesach.

Gee, how did I manage to be so prolific last year?

Oh and don't forget the first and second photos in my "Chossid on Chol Hamoed" series!

Enjoy the look back and stay tuned :)

Oh, and here's yet another "oldie but goodie" - My Lesser Known Universal Pesach Moments.

Food Photo Friday - Pesach Fingers from Joy of Kosher

2011-04-15T14:08:00.004-04:00

These beauties come from the new Joy of Kosher magazine with Jamie Geller.
They are entitled Pesach Fingers.
I like everything about them, except the name.
I'd rather call them Chocolate Dipped Almond Fingers.
But don't worry about what to call them. Everybody's mouth will be too busy chewing to call them anything.

My New Favorite Rebbetzin

2011-04-15T13:44:00.002-04:00

Good for a laugh on these crazy days before Pesach.

Wednesday's Wacky Signs - The World of Business

2011-04-13T08:27:00.004-04:00

I didn't think I'd have much time for blogging this week, but sometimes posts just come to me. Literally.

You'd think a reputable jewelry repair company in the heart of New York's diamond district, would change their sign if somebody pointed out an error. I find it hard to believe that in all the years that this company has been in business, NOBODY has mentioned the glaring error in their policy...

Then again, I sure didn't.

In Praise of Mariella...

2011-04-10T12:13:00.001-04:00

If you are lucky enough to have cleaning help around your home these last few hectic days before Yom Tov, I am here to remind you to appreciate them and be kind to them.

This is not THEIR Yom Tov and yet they do a lot of the heavy work for it. I am frequently astounded at how much my dear cleaning help has learned over the years. This can be problematic for me, since some other homes she works for haven't yet come to the conclusion that dirt is not chometz and I still get a skeptical look or two when I reassure Mariella that she really DOESN'T need to climb up to the top of my bookcases to do a thorough check up there.

I am very blessed to have Mariella come once a week to help me before Shabbos and Yom Tov. But it's moments like the one that occurred last week that truly make me smile.

Mariella approached me to tell me that our vacuum cleaner bag was full. She also conveyed to me that she was hesitant to change it because it seemed a waste, considering the fact that we have to change it again in two weeks.

We changed it, but I couldn't help smiling......

BITAYAVON - Another Cooking Magazine Giveaway

2011-04-07T18:14:00.002-04:00

If you didn't win my last cooking magazine giveaway, fear not.

Life is full of second chances.

What better time of year to have the market spring up with so many new and exciting publications for the kosher cook?

Bitayavon magazine, already in its second issue, is not just a mini cookbook. Aside from the 65 completely original and previously unpublished recipes that are bursting from its pages, Bitayavon also has interesting and informative articles that provide reading material for amateur and well as advanced foodies.

Interesting food facts, contests, interviews with chefs and recipes containing both common as well as some with a few more unique ingredients, make for a well-rounded publication. It even has a Kid's Cooking Column.

Bitayavon offers international subscription and distribution to Australia, Israel, South Africa, England, Canada and throughout the USA.

Bitayavon is offering a free one year subscription to one lucky blog reader.

Simply leave a comment with your favorite Pesach related tip and one winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday at 10pm.

The contest is open to readers worldwide :)

Purim - A Look Back

2011-04-04T20:27:00.001-04:00

Now that everyone is immersed in earnest in Pesach preparations - cleaning, shopping, planning and (for those with a Pesach Kitchen, perhaps) cooking, I thought it might be fun to take one last look back at Purim.

Purim fun has been around for a long time, but lately, I've gotten jaded and seen so little innovation. I don't enjoy pranks that involve destruction of property or embarrassment to others.

It's HARD to be funny without hurting something or some one.

Enter blog reader Mar Gavriel.

He had a GREAT idea.

He painted his wall with luminescent paint, which is virtually invisible with the lights on.

He invited a group of people to Purim Seudah and arranged for the lights to shut off just after it had gotten dark outside (window shades were drawn as well).

This is what appeared on his wall, much to his fake consternation and terror, in the darkened room. (Keep in mind, luminescent paint in a dark room is tough to photograph... use your imagination. It was much better in person....)

Well done, Mar Gavriel!

JOY OF KOSHER With Jamie Geller - Grab Them While You Can (Giveaway)

2011-04-03T02:59:00.002-04:00

Did you ever climb in to a brand new automobile and get all excited about that "new car smell"?

Well, on a slightly smaller scale, I had that feeling this past Friday when I ripped open my Priority Mail package from the folks over at Joy Of Kosher, and inhaled that "hot off the printing presses" aroma of Jamie Geller's inaugural issue of Joy of Kosher magazine.

I didn't know what to expect, considering the large influx of Kosher food magazines hitting the market lately. But I'll tell you what I noticed right off the bat.

The photos are STUNNING!

There were a LOT of dishes that made me say, "Hey! I'm going to try that!".

There were several dishes/presentations that made me say, "Hey! Now why didn't I think of that?!?".

There were more mouth-watering recipes than advertisements. (A pet peeve of mine)
This magazine is professionally presented without appearing pretentious.

Real food. Real YUMMY LOOKING food. Real SIMPLE recipes for yummy looking food.

With Pesach coming, who can't use a few new ideas?

And with such Pesach recipes as Caramelized French Roast, Beef Cigars, Chocolate Meringue Stars with Raspberry Sauce and Two Tone Zucchini Frittata - there's more than enough to entice.

I wouldn't be surprised if you see some of those recipes turn up on future Food Photo Fridays.

So now here's where YOU get to get in on the fun too.

The first five (USA only, sorry...) readers to send me an email at guesswhoscoming2dinner@gmail.com (leave a comment telling me you did, while you're at it) with your mailing info, will receive a brand spanking new copy of your own. Ready? Set. Email!!!

I will pick another three winners at random from all the remaining emails that come in, to receive a copy as well.

Two MORE copies (yes folks, that's TEN copies in all) will go to the two readers who leave me the most humorous/entertaining Pesach related story that they share in the comments section. Pesach cleaning. Pesach cooking. Seder mishaps (Oh, do I have a good one... Paprika... that's all I'm going to say....). Anything Pesach related.

The deadline is Wednesday at 9 pm, my time.

UPDATE: The fastest five are gone, but there are still 5 copies remaining. Send me an email with your address (3 random winners), and/or send me a funny/entertaining Pesach related story (2 winners).

If you're not a winner, the magazine is currently being distributed for purchase in locations across NY, NJ, Baltimore and Canada, with more expansion planned soon, but you can always order yourself a copy here.

Food Photo Friday - And You Think I Do Nice Presentations...

2011-04-01T01:05:00.001-04:00

All I'm going to say is that a certain member of my family has more talent for food presentation in her little pinky than I have in both hands.

She made this for a friend's simcha. Did you EVER??!?