On the Chocolate Trail

Eat kaak all year round or save them for special celebrations, as do many communities of the Middle East and Sephardim (Jews descended from Spain). Kaak (kahk, ka’ak) are ubiquitous, multi-faith and multi-cultural doughy treats eaten throughout the Middle East where they take on regional flavors. In Arabic kaak means cake or baked good.The Egyptian

This stylish Ethiopian celebratory flatbread derives its unique elements from the hand styled design and sweet flavorings. It was probably initially baked over coals. While many recipes give instructions for baking it in the oven, I prefer to use the stovetop for speed and for keeping my kitchen cooler in the summer. adapted from: My

Here’s another easy bread requiring no oven, no mixer and no braiding. Also, no fussy flour needed. Perfect for summer, though delicious all year long. My story about dabo and its use in Ethiopian Jewish practice may be seen at the Jewish Week, Bless This Bread. adapted from The Sephardic Kitchen by Copeland Marks Prep

Yemenite Jews prepared lachuch and saluf for daily and Shabbat consumption. Several food writers claimed it took them a long time to master this bread so I have collected their tips and recipes to make it easier, for you, too, I hope. Lachuch turns out to be pretty easy since you don’t even have to

Easily made without turning on the oven, using a mixer, proofing the yeast, or flipping the bread, or washing lots of dishes. All the prep happens in one bowl and one stove top pan. Simple, tasty and cool!
 Read my story about saluf at the Jewish Week: “Too Hot for Challah?” based on a recipe