Kabocha Squash and Lentils Sukkot Stew

Kabocha Squash and Lentil Stew

Suddenly, like a light switch turned off, summer is gone. The humidity, mosquitoes, long daylight are a memory that I still long to experience because I am not a cold weather person. But, amidst the increasing darkness and cold that is ushering in Sukkot, I seek warm, nourishing foods. Sukkot is one of my favorite holidays because it’s celebrated outside, deepens our connection with nature and celebrates fall produce. This stew that I created uses some of my favorite ingredients, including kabocha squash and carrots. It’s hearty and can be a full meal on its own. Or, serve it over quinoa or rice. Scroll to the bottom for more of my other Sukkot recipes. Continue reading

Passover: Karpas Salad

Karpas salad

This is a really easy, yummy salad filled with lots of karpas or related ingredients. The karpas course of the seder includes a vegetable (often parsley or potatoes) that is symbolic of spring and then dipped in salt water, representative of the Israelites tears. This salad can be served. If you eat light foods during your seder before the main meal, this is an easy addition to the meal that can be quickly prepared. Also, scroll down for my other Passover recipes including sweets and savory dishes. Continue reading

Sukkot: Environmental Refugees and Stuffed Kabocha Squash

Sukkot is a harvest festival that allows us to experience and reflect upon our vulnerability and fragility in the world. All of the practices of this holiday–celebrating fall harvest foods, inviting community and strangers to one’s sukkah and living in an impermanent dwelling for a week–can be examined through the lens of how we are addressing and will deal with the impacts of climate change crisis. Continue reading