“A living stew of inconsistencies” is how our friend Meyer described himself in a Dvar Torah that he gave several weeks ago. Many of us are inconsistent in how we practice or observe Judaism, but Passover is a holiday when perfectly rational people behave in irrational ways. My daughter has repeatedly accused me of being too “machmir” (strict) when it comes to Pesach.
I actually made a decision that this year would be different and I would adopt a come what may attitude. My plan was to arrive back East and cook, not get involved in the kashering, and only minimally involved in the shopping. I was doing SO well until tonight when I stopped at Western Kosher on my way home, my excuse being that I wanted to see any new Passover products that came on the market. I swore that I wouldn’t buy anything, but here I am sitting at the kitchen table writing this post and in front of me there are six shopping bags filled with all kinds of Passover groceries. Who could resist Masala Chai Tea??? Somehow they will all need to be packed into our luggage along with a tin of our favorite Passover Mandelbroit that I will bake on Sunday. There are some things that never change, no matter how hard we try.
I wish each and every one of you a Zisn Pesach.
Loretta’s Chocolate Chip Mandelbroit
3 sticks margarine
2 cups sugar plus an extra 4 Tb for sprinkling
6 eggs
2 3/4 cups cake meal
3/4 cup potato starch
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp cinnamon
2 12 oz. bags of chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Reserve 4 Tb sugar and mix with 2 Tsp cinnamon and set aside. Cream sugar and margarine. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg. Add dry ingredients. Divide dough into 4 equal portions and with oiled hands, form 4 loaves, divided between 2 greased cookie sheets. Sprinkle each loaf with an equal amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake for about 30-40 minutes. Slice loaves and place Mandelbrot cut side up, sprinkling with more cinnamon sugar. Return to oven and bake another 10-15 minutes per side or till crisp.
Enjoy,
Irene
March 30, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Hi, Irene.
It brought a smile to my face when I finished reading your blog and read the same words I used last night when I wished a very good friend a “zisn pesach.” I was telling her what wonderful sedars you and Norman always had in your home. With the children all being in NY that will now probably change. It is so sad but I am sure that the sedar in Connecticut will be just as joyful and all the songs will be sung and the food will be delicious. Sing one my way. Have a wonderful and very “zisn” pesach.
Love, your shvester.
March 30, 2012 at 3:30 PM
I will really miss having both you and Jeffrey. Seders aren’t the same without you insisting that we sing every single song in every single version!! We can’t let this happen again!!!
Love you both,
Irene
March 29, 2012 at 8:46 PM
Looks delish – beautiful photo – thanks! Wendy Brachman Fisher (Nancy’s cousin)
March 29, 2012 at 9:02 PM
Thank you so much Noga. It is a very easy recipe and we make it all year round! Chag Sameach!!
Irene
March 29, 2012 at 8:42 PM
You just had to see what was new!!!!! RIGHT oh well somethings just never change. thank goodness . Now for the baking I think i will be over just watch and then maybe try it next year after I actually see the real thing…….
March 29, 2012 at 9:01 PM
Come watch with pleasure!! Not sure if it will be sunday or monday night but I promist to let you know!!
Irene
March 29, 2012 at 8:32 PM
Irene-
All our love and best wishes for a wonderful Pesach with your family. Send our regards to the kids and I look forward to hearing about your food experiences.
Elayne
March 29, 2012 at 7:55 PM
Who knew you were such a frummie? I’ll miss you so much this year! Have a wonderful time (if that’s possible without US).
Love,
elin
March 29, 2012 at 7:59 PM
Only Shira thinks that!! I will miss you too!! When will we see you???
Love,
Irene