So this week we have a choice and a tension... symbolize the parasha or the holiday OR both? While I have made this challah a number of times, I was tickled this year when someone who knows my love for challah midrash shared a post in which each "flame" hid a piece of gelt within and had sesame seeds sprinkled on each "flame" area (which I probably would have replaced with coloured sugar crystals)! Brilliant!
This week's Torah portion offers a plethora of verses, symbols, and ideas for meals. The coat of many colours should inspire a colourful table-- probably the exact reminder we all need in the midst of fried starch week! Having already created the rainbow challah for Parashat Noach, I delighted my younger daughter when I showed her pictures of a rainbow layer cake. I should have known better where that would lead-- to six layers of cake each with its own colour stacked on a cake plate to to be frosted before Shabbat. That sweet, persistent helper of mine....
Within the dreams we find stars and sheaves of wheat. The stars (Gen. 37:9)reminded me of the star pasta I use to add into chicken soup or connecting to Chanukah, classic cookies. The wheat in Genesis 37:7 shares Josef's dream that his sheaf of wheat stood and remained upright, while those of his brothers bowed low. For pasta lovers this is a perfect opportunity for spaghetti Shabbat! Or for a twist consider sesame noodles. Alternatively, my family was thrilled to see the return of Yerushalmi kugel last week...
Then there are the dreams of those Josef meets later in the parasha-- the cupbearer and the baker, while imprisoned in Pharoah's dungeon (Genesis 40:9-19). The cupbearer shares his vision: “In my dream, there was a vine in front of me. On the vine were three branches. It had barely budded, when out came its blossoms and its clusters ripened into grapes." A few years ago I came across an intriguing recipe for a Roasted Grape Farro Salad. At the time I had neither thought about roasting grapes nor using them in salads. I have done both numerous times since. If you prefer another salad, consider taking the opportunity for a good bottle of wine in celebration!
The baker, on the other hand, relates his dream, “In my dream, similarly, there were three openwork baskets on my head. In the uppermost basket were all kinds of food for Pharaoh that a baker prepares; and the birds were eating it out of the basket above my head.” My first thought was a very non-traditional albeit family favourite of French onion soup. Somewhere between the pit, the cupbearer, along with the bread of the baker, turned my mind to bread bowls filled with soup seems perfect for these cold and rainy days. Of course, it can also be served in bowls or mugs with bread afloat. While I was thinking about the I couldn't help but reminisce about making haystacks out of Chinese noodles, chocolate and butterscotch or peanut butter. And as I decided to think bigger, various images of baklava type delicacies came to mind. Somewhere along memory lane, I stumbled upon this promising recipe which combines both the basket image and the grapes of the cupbearer. It might just have to be breakfast on Shabbat morning!
While we are down there, in the dungeon or pit so to speak, we might take the opportunity to get out like the cupbearer. As we all anticipate the lights, joy and miracles of Chanukah, I can't help but smile at what one of my students said through his own big smile this week-- nes gadol haya sham (a great miracle happened there) referring to the groundwork of the coronavirus vaccines. As we seek that light and elevation, let's all get out of the pits and ensure we eat something pitted. My favourite olive recipe by far is much tastier than perhaps it sounds: fig-olive tapenade. I leave off the cheese and frankly, sometimes the crackers and bread-- eating it straight from the spoon.
All of this and I still haven't made to a main meal. So here it is in short. When the parasha begins Josef is tending a flock and therefore I am still considering both kofta (I have made out of bison, ground beef and vegan beef substitutes) and shwarma (I tend to use boneless thighs). Although with my Southern senses I might have to go with fried chicken (and falafel) in celebration of Chanukah!
Now let's talk veggies. I have thought of an entire array of colourful salads and veggie dishes. There is one more verse that deserves consideration. In the middle of this portion is the story of Judah and Tamar. Long story short, Tamar gives birth to twins, Peretz and Zerach and within this tale is a show stopping crimson cord. Think beets, pomegranates, and dried cranberries. The stunning, vibrant possibilities are endless! Two favourites are Susie Fishbein's Purple Cabbage Salad and Yotam Ottolenghi's Tomato and Roasted Lemon Salad.
Whatever you make, may it bring joy to your heart, nurture your body and satiate your soul! Happy Chanukah!
Comments