Our trip to Israel is already a distant memory. Spending 3 and 1/2 weeks in Israel was a guilty pleasure because we were away from our life for so long.
What can one say about Israel, the people and the foods? They are all a unique entity. Israel is a tiny country that has grown up to lead the world in computer technology and medical research. Not many people are aware of their accomplishments, everything good is overshadowed by their difficult times with their country's security.
The people and the foods are as warm, delicious and authentic as each other. The men are handsome the women are beautiful and the food....the food is breathtaking in every way. Even the open air markets are gorgeous, smell heavely and are lined with every imaginable spice, fruit and vegetable to create tantalizing dishes.
The restaurants were always packed with single people, couples, young and old all enjoying a dish, a snack, a coffee and a nibble. For a country with so much pressure from the world, you would never know it when you look at the happy go lucky people lounging around the abundance of restaurants and cafes.
The Friday afternoon food market on Yehudah Street in Jerusalem was at a frenzie with people shopping and rushing home before Shabbat. I loved watching the transaction between buyers and sellers. From freshly baked pita bread to roasted almonds to pounds of vegetables for an Israeli salad, food is just a pleasure to buy, sell, prepare and consume in Israel. I wish this experiece for all of you.
We wish you a beautiful New Year full of health and happiness and of course great food to share with family and friends.
Here is a simple way to prepare walnuts for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday.
Cinnamon Walnuts
1. Preheat the oven to 250
2. Beat the following ingredients until frothy
1 egg white
1 tbsp water
pinch of salt
3. Add a pound of nuts and stir to coat evenly....set aside for now.
4. Mix the following ingredients together
1 cup of sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
5. Add the mixture to the nuts and stir to coat evenly.
6. Spray a cookie sheet lightly with PAM
7. Spread the nuts all over in a single layer
7. Bake at 250 for 1 hour, stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
Enjoy.
Dafna
