Shalom NoVA - Jewish Food

I hope you all had an exciting beginning of the year. Here we are couple of days before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. As a preparation for the holiest day we have to keep in mind that eating the day before the Yom Kippur fast is different from any other day. It should be done slowly and joyfully.

Here are some tips:
• We should stay away from caffeine a few days before the fast to prevent withdrawal headaches and irritability.
• Throughout the day before the fast, we should plan to have small meals every couple of hours. This is in order to prevent your stomach from being empty before the feast (which can lead to overeating).
• Plan to serve an hour and a half before sunset so you can enjoy it. On our meal, in the Yom Kippur Eve Feast, we should use only small amounts of salt and spices.

My suggestion for Yom Kippur before and after the fast is Matzo Ball soup.

Ingredients for the vegetable broth
3 tablespoons instant soup & seasoning mix
3 carrots cut into chunks
2 medium onions cut into chunks
3 potatoes cut into chunks
2 zucchinis cut into chunks
1-2 tomatoes cut into chunks (optional)
Pepper to taste
Handful chopped dill
Water

Directions
In a large stockpot, add all ingredients and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning.


Ingredients for the Matzo balls
5 eggs
2 cups of water (room temperature)
Salt and pepper to taste (or instant soup & seasoning mix)
2 cups Matzo meal




Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add 2 teaspoons oil and salt.
Mix all of the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
Roll dough into balls about the size of a golf ball.
To keep batter from sticking to your hands, rub them with oil or water as needed.
Drop balls immediately into boiling water and cook for 15 minutes.

Wishing for you and your family,
Gmar Hatima Tova
גמר חתימה טובה
May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.
Dorit & Hava