THE ESSENTIAL BOOK OF JEWISH FESTIVAL COOKING: 200 Seasonal Holiday Recipes and Their Traditions

Setting this volume apart from other seasonal cookbooks, sibling authors Phyllis (an American-born food writer living in Tel Aviv) and Miriyam (a professor of literature at the University of Judaism in L.A.) not only provide the recipes and dishes suitable for each festival but offer the historical and theological background of each festival as well as their modern day rituals. Jewish observance has always revolved around food, with traditional dishes and ingredients associated with each festival, and the authors include not just traditional dishes but modern interpretations as well. From the Glazer Family Haroset, traditionally served at the Passover seder table, to Mom's Classic Hamantaschen for the Purim celebration, the authors take readers through the Jewish calendar, branching out to include the international inspirations of local cuisine that the Jews picked up and incorporated throughout their wanderings, both East and West. New dishes are also included from the biblically inspired Fragrant Chicken with Figs and the autumnal Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie to the simple but flavorful "Drunken" Salmon in Sherry-Butter Sauce, so suitable for Purim. Inserted throughout are fascinating explanations of traditions, historical developments and ingredients that make the book a good read as well as a good cookbook. (Mar.)