Breaking The Fast

 Yom Kippur is one of the holiest and somber of the Jewish holidays. It's broken with a fast. This could be meager or filling depending on how you want to go.

There are actually two meals associated with the holy day. One is the pre-fast meal known as seudah ha-mafesket - literall meal of separation or concluding meal. This is usually rice or kreplach or stuffed dumplings along with challah dipped in honey(this occurs ten day after Rosh Hashanah where Jews have to eat something sweet for a sweet New Year), chicken or fish. meals have to be made with a minimum of salt as this could cause dehydration while fasting.Plenty of water must be taken as well. The break-fast meal consists of hi-carb dairy meals , including some brunch recipes. Sweet kugel or noodle pudding is made as well as egg rich quiches and souffles. Some go the meager route with just bagels. Some go the lusher route by breaking the fast with homemade soup and brisket. The meal could end with a home baked cake. What is eaten depends on if the family has Sephardic or Mediterranean or Ashkenazi or Eastern European roots. The  Sephardim usually have a light bread or snack followed by a heavier meat meal.

Sephardic Jews have always been influenced by the places where they've lived. Many make baklava, usually associated with the Greeks and Turkish for their fast break. Turkish Jews break the fast with a teapsoon of quince jam and followed with a sip of water. They greet guests with pepitada or subiya, a milky drink made from the seeds of Persian, cantaloupe or honeydew melons. The seeds are dried toasted cracked open and then submerged in cold water for twenty-four hours..It's then chilled and served with a drop of sugar or rosewater. They also incorporate the famed Greek lemon and egg chicken soup, avgolemono. Ashkenazi Jews usually break the fast with more brunch dishes. There are quiches filled with much needed protein and can be filled with broccoli and mushrooms. There's also Brie with infused honey and crusty bread. It's a nice blend of sweet and savory. of course lox and bagels are the old stand by.Add a schmear of cream cheese if it's allowed by  dietary law. Bagles are  a great way of introducing food into the system.

Yom Kippur is the most holiest of all the Jewish holidays. The fast should be taken just as seriously. Fill up on good , nutritious foods that help  with introducing foods.

Salmon Heathy Goodness

Salmon is one of those foods that's not only good for you but also tasty.It's good for both the body and the palate. Salmon is also one of the most versatile of all the fishes going from pan to grill, from sushi to lox. It also can be served at any time, form breakfast right on through to dinner.Salmon is the perfect seafood for any cook from the novice to the pro.

Most salmon eaten is usually the salt water kind. These are divided into sub categories: Atlantic and Pacific . The Atlantic salmon are farmed while the Pacific variety are more "freer ranged"or wild. There are some fresh water salmon breeds that are also sold in fish markets and groceries. These are the sockeyes and come come from Alaska mostly. Keep in mind that the salt water ones from the Atlantic do contain PCB a dixoin that can cause damage to the body. If you're buying salmon, ask specifically for the Pacific grown ones because they will be healthier for you. All salmon contain Omega 3 fatty acids which are good anti cancer agents as well as brain food. (meaning they speed up the growth of brain cells) Salmon is usually a pinkish coral in color although you can buy white fleshed kind. the color comes from the fish eating carotenoid pigments found in krill and other smaller seafood (like shrimp). Most people prefer their salmon with this rich reddish hue.

Salmon is a versatile meat. It can be grilled with just a spritz of lemon or a variety of marinades.This makes for th e perfect summer time dinner, especially with a side of quick made rice pilaf or a nice fresh picked garden salad.Another easy and tempting dish are salmon cakes. These are similar to the classic crab ones except that Worcester sauce and cheddar are added. A salmon mousse makes a wonderful spread when you're having guest overs for hors oeuvres and drinks. Don't forget about salmon for breakfast it can sub in nicely for Canadian bacon in Eggs Benedict and is often included in omelets.

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be made a variety of way. Not only that; it tastes good but it's good for you. It's the perfect food on any level, whether culinary or dietary. Salmon is just full of goodness and health.