The Spice and Spirit of Kosher-Jewish Cooking

I love cookbooks, to read and look through. This one is the best. It has all the basic recipes and loads of information abouth jewish life and general cooking. When I am looking for a good basic recipe I know it will be here. I have given this as a shower gift many times. There are many cookbooks out there with more updated recipes and pictures (this book has no pictures) but when I need something to come out right, not be too difficult, and taste good I go for this book. The brownie and Basic (fruit)filled cakes I have made hundreds of times and they keep asking for them.

I have a lot of kosher and nonkosher cookbooks in my collection, and this is one of the best. I used it quite often to make dinners for the family and guests. The recipes are simple and most of the ingredients can be found in your cupboard. My family especially enjoy the chocolate mousse recipe which is one of our favorite dessert!

I still have my original 1977 copy that my mother gave me when I started to keep kosher. The jacket's long since torn off, but it's as useful as ever. Everything is simple and delicious. I think if I could only keep one cookbook, this would be it!

There are a wide variety of dishes in this book. They range from empanadas to stir fry to couscous with the traditional (matzah balls, cholent, etc.) thrown in for good measure. The instructions are clear. Even a new bride can manage making exotic creations. For the observant or newly-observant, Jewish law is included to help the process of meal creation for every day, Shabbat, Festivals or other occasions (your in-laws first dinner at your house or the boss coming home for example). I have the Settlement Cookbook, Joy of Cooking and many other classics but, this one is the best. I love this book!!!!!!!

The book succeeds admirably in explaining the complexities and nuances of Kosher dietary laws, even to a novice, without oversimplifying or overlooking important rules. It is written from an Orthodox perspective, including special Kosher laws on bread and wine. In addition to a complete cookbook and Kosher dietary guide, this book includes a section on holidays and Sabbath observance which is extremely thorough. I would recommend this book for anyone, but especially for those trying to begin or improve their observance of Kashrut and Sabbath.