Guest: Chef Laura Frankel​

I couldn’t think of a better way to begin 2020 on The Big Schmear than with the topic of Marijuana and Jewish food. So many states have now legalized recreational pot that it seemed a timely topic.  I went to my go-to expert on all things kosher in the kitchen, Chef Laura Frankel and she even provided two recipes for this episode. In honor of The Big Schmear we now have a recipe for Mixed Green Olive-Cannabis Schmear AND Chicken Soup with Potza Balls. So have a listen to the episode and then, if marijuana is legal where you live, try one of these edible cannabis recipes and let me know what you think.

Guests: Eugenia Moliner & Denis Azabagic

I took a bit of a jaunt off topic to introduce you to the musicians of Cavatina Duo- the theme music for The Big Schmear. i think you’ll enjoy meeting them and hearing about their story behind the music. I hope you enjoy the episode.

Happy Hanukkah and I’ll be back with some fun surprises in 2020!

Guest: Naomi Nachman

There is this iconic cafe in Skokie, IL. It’s called Emma’s and it’s a favorite place for those wanting a great selection of Kosher food from bagels and lox to wraps and soups. And this is where I caught up with Naomi Nachman. Just off the plane from NY, she was in Chicago for a private food event she was heading up.  Naomi has more energy than you can imagine. After Chicago she was heading back to NY to attend Kosherfest. And if you don’t know about Kosherfest please check out my episode when I attended back in 2017. It’s really something else.

Guest: Dr. Aaron S. Gross

I couldn’t resist searching out more information on this new book Feasting and Fasting! I hope you’ll find my conversation with Dr. Aaron S. Gross, co-editor as intriguing as I did. The book delves into Jewish food as a key component to exploring our history, culture, politics, and more. I know it’s going to be my next book purchase. And Aaron offers us a 30% discount if you order your book directly through New York University Press. It comes out in December, just in time for Hanukkah!

Guest: Maxim D. Shrayer

Are you thinking about seasonal menus for fall? Don’t forget to include mushrooms on your search. After listening to my conversation with Maxim D. Shrayer you’ll find yourself hunting in your favorite grocery store for some not so common varieties to try. And do check out his new book: A Russian Immigrant: Three Novellas. You can find out more about Maxim and his book here: http://www.shrayer.com and http://www.shrayer.com/russimm.html.

Guest: Chef Laura Frankel

Chef Laura Frankel and I talk about holiday food prep and planning for Yom Kippur. She shares some great ideas that will be helpful for menu selection through break-the-fast. We even get a chance to talk about Chef’s favorite holiday, Sukkot.