Israel - Hadassah - part 1

 I recently returned from Hadassah Convention in Israel. It was amazing. Let me share some photos with you. This is from the first full day I was there. We had a big celebration with an amazing view on day 1.

Then, we were went to a theater and heard many inspirational stories about Hadassah. We met Fayez (yellow sweatshirt) and his cardiologist from Hadassah Hospital (man in a suit). This Israeli doctor has treated many, many patients and he lost his house in a missile strike, and had to rebuild. I later met him again at Hadassah Hospital during my tour.

We also heard from a team at Hadassah Hospital who delivered a baby in March, 2020. What made this delivery special is that the mom was Covid positive, and she was the first woman in labor with Covid in Israel. Because the mom was positive, they had to whisk off the baby. As you can see from below, the mom and the baby boy are healthy today. Because the family was Covid positive in March, 2020, the Hadassah Team were the only people attending the bris.

We also met Sasha, a teenager from Ukraine. His mom arranged for his passage to Israel after the Russian invasion started. Sasha has been living in one of the Youth Villages in Israel for the past 8 months. He told us how much he LOVES Israel and wants to stay in Israel. The best part of meeting Sasha, was that Hadassah flew in his mom from Ukraine for a mini re-union.

I will share more snip its at a later date, but this is just the FIRST MORNING of being in Jerusalem.

Mae's Chocolate Pie

 When I was growing up, my parents were friendly with two sisters, Mae and Diane. Both were amazing cooks, and Christmas was a FEAST. Diane would host. Mae would bring dessert. Diane made baked ziti for an appetizer! There were cannolis for dessert. Mae often made the cover of Bon Appetit, including this one. It was amazing.

However this chocolate pie is much easier to make!

Ingredients:

1 frozen pie crust

1 1/2 c sugar

6 oz semi sweet chocolate

4 eggs

2 sticks butter

2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Bake pie crust and let cool

Melt chocolate and butter together. Put in mixer, and add sugar. Mix. Add four eggs and vanilla and have the stand mixer mix for 5 minutes (I use the whisk attachment). Pour into crust. Put in fridge.

 

Sweet and Sour Meatballs - A Weitzman Favorite

 I didn't make meatballs when the kids were younger. I am not a meatball lover, and didn't really care. But I have made this recipe for Passover and all year round. I can also make them with meat or with vegetarian balls.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/4 c. matzo meal
• 1 t onion powder
• 1 t dried oregano - from the Spice House
• 1 large egg
• 1 16 oz can of whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 26 oz jar of marinara sauce (I use Paul Newman's)

Instructions:

In a pot over low heat, combine the cranberry sauce and the marinara sauce while you make the meatballs. Stir every once in a while.

In a bowl mix the beef, matzo meal, onion powder, oregano and egg. I use gloves to really get into the mixture. Form meatballs that are about 1-2 inches in diameter. Drop them into the sauce. Cover. Cook for 45 minutes. Test a meatball to confirm meat is done.

To make it vegetarian, I use either pre-formed balls or I take the "meat" and form my own.