I read an interview with a recipe developer recently that struck a real chord with me. The developer said that a good recipe isn’t just a list of ingredients and directions. Rather, the recipe should tell a story with the aim of exciting the reader and drawing them into the recipe. I was struck by how much this exemplifies the recipes that make up Greater MetroWest at the Table, the new cookbook produced by Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ in honor of our Centennial celebration. Each recipe is the story of a family, or a synagogue, or an agency, like our Jewish Community Centers and preschools. As you read through the recipes in Greater MetroWest at the Table, the voices of grandmothers and granddaughters, the accents of overseas contributors, the get-it-done advice from young families, and the giggles of preschoolers will echo in your head.
As the co-editor of this cookbook, along with Debbie Janoff, I’ve had a head start on perusing this collection of joyous memories and voices. So, now I’m ready to use Greater MetroWest at the Table for planning my holiday menus. After years of only thinking about the “big” meal we host for extended family on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, I now know to plan for the Erev Rosh Hashanah meal we share with dear neighbors every year. And it never hurts to plan ahead for the important pre-fast dinner before Kol Nidre services. I’ve also learned that my butcher and I are both happier when I plan to cook “for my freezer” and get out in front of those things I can prepare in advance. Although Greater MetroWest at the Table includes many everyday recipes, I’m looking forward to starting off the New Year with several new dishes from the cookbook.
For our Erev Rosh Hashanah dinner with friends, I’m looking forward to making Roasted Squash, Pear, and Onion Soup (p. 23), which, like many of the recipes in the book, is pareve. (All the recipes are kosher, and marked as pareve, meat, or dairy, and there are symbols for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, and plant-based. This soup recipe is all of these!) I’ll make the Vegetarian Chopped Liver (p. 41), because one guest doesn’t eat red meat, and Pan-Roasted Salmon with Tomato Vinaigrette (p. 113) as the main course. I’m thinking the Mediterranean Rice (p. 74) will be a nice side, and the Sweet Potato Puff (p. 58) might be something my guests want to bring. Mom’s Austrian Peach Cake (p. 159), very different from the usual kuchen, can also be made with the plums that might still be available at the farmer’s markets, or the apples that abound in the next few weeks.
The big family meal has some stalwarts I can’t change. Real chopped liver is one of my specialties. My mother-in-law, of blessed memory, made a beef barley vegetable soup that must make an appearance. But I can’t wait to share the Chicken with Roasted Lemon Salsa Verde (p. 90) and the Apple Sweet Potato Bake (p. 77) with all of the in-laws and cousins. For dessert, I’ll be adding the Carrot Cake (p. 163) to my repertoire – I’ve had an advanced taste and it’s absolutely delicious.
I’ve already decided that the simple Roast Chicken with Dried Fruits and Nuts (p. 97) will be what my husband and I have before we head to Kol Nidre services, and there are also wonderful recipes for Sukkot in our future – Stuffed Cabbage (p. 83), anyone?
But you don’t have to take my word for any of this. You can find your favorites in time to plan for the upcoming holidays, or to refresh your own rotation for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. And if you order your copy (or copies, it makes a great hostess gift!) by September 15, you can save on the shipping cost by selecting to pick up at one of four convenient locations in Scotch Plains, Union, West Orange, or Whippany on September 18.
I don’t like to brag about my children (who are fully grown adults, cringing as they read this) but I am definitely ready to brag not only about the great recipes and stories in this community cookbook, which reflect the breadth, depth, and diversity of Greater MetroWest, but also how beautiful this cookbook is – you will love owning it, reading it, giving it as a gift, and serving the recipes from Greater MetroWest at the Table.
From my table to yours, wishing you all a sweet, peaceful New Year.