On the Chocolate Trail

Aka Ataïf, atayif, qata’if, qatayif, katayef, these pancakes may be filled with nuts or also prepared with cheese fillings for Chanukah or Shavuot. They are also popular at weddings spread with cream and rose petal jam or simply topped with pistachios or almonds. This recipe guides you through a nut stuffed option. Read my story

Who knew that quality chocolate Chanukah gelt exists? I thought it had to be waxy and tasteless and that it best decorated a table rather than my mouth. Only recently, with the publication of Marjorie Ingall’s comprehensive piece “Gelt Without Guilt”  in Tablet, (based largely on my book and her interview of me, yes I

The book launch party last week for On the Chocolate Trail brought together longtime friends, chocolate lovers, food writers, and rabbinic colleagues. Spirits and calendars were understandably subdued by Superstorm Sandy and by the Israel/Gaza conflict. Those able to attend included–Lenny and Linda who had supplied us with chocolate treats from their exotic travels, endorsement

In response to a recent request: (fuller information in my forthcoming book Jews on the Chocolate Trail: Stories of Jews and Cacao) 1.  Some people think that Jews brought chocolate to France. 2.  In the eighteenth century, Jews were thought to be specialists in chocolate making. 3.  Woody Guthrie wrote a song about Chanukah gelt.