Picture this: Friday evening rolls around, the week's chaos fades, and your kitchen fills with the slow-simmering scent of brisket studded with figs and pomegranate. That's the essence of Shabbat captured in Adeena Sussman's Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals from My Table to Yours, an Instant New York Times bestseller hailed by Food & Wine and Eater. As someone who's longed for that weekly reset, I get why this book feels like a warm hug—it's all about creating space for connection through food that doesn't demand your every minute.
Life moves fast, but Shabbat calls for pause. Traditional Jewish observance means no cooking from sundown Friday to Saturday night, so prep has to be clever. Sussman nails this with techniques honed from her Tel Aviv kitchen, drawing on global influences while keeping things approachable for home cooks everywhere. Whether you're new to Shabbat or deepening your practice, these recipes solve the puzzle of feeding a crowd without stress.
Flip through and you'll find nostalgic stars like Bubbe’s Extra-Crispy Potato Kugel, which bakes to perfection with minimal fuss. Sides shine too—think Moroccan Carrot Salad with its zingy spices or Roasted Kohlrabi, Cherry & Feta Salad for a sweet-salty crunch. Staples elevate everything: Amba (that tangy pickled mango spread), Tomato Jam, and Schug-a-churri, a Yemenite-Argentine fusion that jazzes up fresh challah. Desserts seal the deal, from Lemon Black-Sesame Bundt Cake's citrusy lift to creamy Vegan Rice Pudding.
These aren't just recipes; they're rituals. Host friends for a spread that sparks stories, or keep it intimate with family, letting the food foster those lingering conversations. In Israel, Shabbat's a national vibe—Sussman weaves in vivid portraits of local traditions, from bustling markets to home tables. You'll crave that post-meal haze of contentment, where full bellies lead to full hearts. Perfect for anyone seeking Shabbat dinner ideas, Jewish holiday recipes, or simply cozy comfort food that nourishes body and soul.
Grab this hardcover and let Shabbat become your anchor. With 400 words of inspiration packed into every page, it's the cookbook that turns weekly prep into pure pleasure.
