Photo by Alejandro Barba on Unsplash
This week is all about sevens, well perhaps a pre-Shabbat or Shabbat afternoon treat of good ole' Good & Plenty's. WHY you might ask?
In this week's parasha (Miketz, Genesis 41) we find Pharaoh and his dreams. First Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my dream, I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when out of the Nile came up seven sturdy and well-formed cows..." which of course were followed by seven emaciated cows. The seven lean and ugly cows devour the seven healthy ones. This dream was followed by "seven ears of grain, full and healthy, growing on a single stalk; followed by seven ears, shrivelled, thin, and scorched by the east wind. And the thin ears swallowed the seven healthy ears."
"And Joseph said to Pharaoh, Immediately ahead are seven years of great abundance (otherwise translated as GOOD & PLENTY) in all the land of Egypt."
In short, I see preparing for a famine - pickles, relishes, food that is somehow preserved. I intended to start earlier and preserved lemons. Alas! Quick pickles will have to do!
As for the grain, I want to make quick mention of the idea of multi-grain whether it be a multigrain challah this week or a regular challah that has a multigrain topping. I remember this stunning challah from the shuk in Tel Aviv which was topped by several forms of seeds and oats, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and pepitas. On the other hand I thought of a wild rice of sorts-- or a rice salad with corn and that feels full!
As for the number seven-- my first thought was a book my girls received years ago from PJ Library for Rosh HaShanah. Talia and the Rude Vegetables by Linda Elovitz Marshall. In the back of the book, there is a recipe in the back for a stew of seven vegetables, an auspicious number in our tradition and for the new year as it symbolizes wholeness. In short, I make a stew of onions, carrots, parsnips, sweet potato (or potatoes) or squash, turnips, rutabaga, and often cabbage or I throw in zucchini at the end or chick (garbanzo beans) peas or raisins and cook it with cinnamon sticks. I tend to serve it over dry, instant couscous which soaks up some of the broth. Yummy!
Other ideas include a seven layer dip, seven layer bars like my husband's baubie used to make. Here is an easy to follow recipe from Belle of the Kitchen. One last seven brought to you by my husband-- 7up (or Seagram's 7) which in my girl's world translates into a Shirley Temple-- some grenadine, 7up, ice, topped off with maraschino cherries and a drinking straw! We started this tradition for Rosh Hashanah (grenadine was pomegranate originally) and it quickly became a favourite in our home!
Whatever you make, may it bring you wholeness, fullness and satiate your soul! May all of your dreams come true! Happy Chanukah and Shabbat shalom!
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