Challah Kugel
ואל תאמר לכשאפנה אשנה, שמא לא תפנה
It is written in Perkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers): Do not say, “When I have leisure time, I will study,” for you may never have leisure. (2:4)
According to the commentaries, this means that “one must consciously set aside time for study and spiritual growth.”
Now, I would not like to imply that blogging is on the same spiritual level as learning Torah.
But, with respect to blogging, I have extrapolated the above quote to mean: If I wait for things to calm down to blog, I will never blog.
As I shared in May, I am a big believer in the importance of rigorous self-care. As the primary caregiver for my family, I find blogging to be a fun and wonderfully creative outlet. Since blogging helps me cope, it’s time to post!
Challah kugel is a great way to use up leftover challah. Kugel in general is one of Yaffa’s favorite dishes, and this kugel in particular is especially yummy.
Challah Kugel
Ingredients:
16 oz challah
1 ½ cups water
1 ½ cups milk (I used rice milk)
Optional: use apple or orange juice for either or all of the liquid instead
4 eggs
1/2 – 1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons oil
Optional: ½ to 1 cup raisins, crushed pineapple or sliced apples
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375* F.
Crumble or break up challah into small pieces into bowl. Combine water (or juice) and milk and pour over challah. Mix until challah is soft, but not too mushy. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Pour into pan and bake for approximately 1 hour or until done.
The texture is particularly creamy when it is baked in a deeper pan containing about 1 inch of water.
When I do not used a hot water bath, I bake it in a 350* F oven instead. It depends on how time challenged I am at that moment.
Variations: This recipe is really my basic formula for any sweet kugel. During Passover, I used crushed matzah instead of bread. To make it gluten free, I use rice, and blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
I consider this to be one of my signature kugel recipes. It is always a hit!
Enjoy!
What wonderful words – and a great looking recipe!
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Thank you! Pirkei Avot is a wonderful source of deep wisdom. And, the recipe is tried ‘n’true.
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It’s SO good to see you and I hope you are mostly above rather than below the line. It is so true that there is never a perfect time and it is also true that the hardest step is the first. Rather like the log-bridge I walked across high above a raging river high in the Belledonne Mountains a couple of months ago. I dithered and dithered and then I took the plunge. And after that first step each one became a tiny bit easier – still requiring focus, concentration and a pinch of bravery, but each one easier than the last. The recipe looks divine but yours always hit the mark with me!
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I like your literary analogy (Is that the right word??). I don’t know how you create such beautiful pictures with your words.🎨 I guess the first step is always the hardest. After that it is perseverance and fortitude.
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Exactement!
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😊
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I meant to also add that the recipe is always a hit. I knew I needed to post it because I was always searching through my draft box every time I wanted to make it. Posting seemed easier.🙃
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Good plan and we are all the winners!
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Loved the recipe and most of all, your inspiration!
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Thank you. It may have been a bit of a stretch, but I figure the same principle applies: Something is better than nothing. And, little things always add up.🦋
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Wonderful too have you back, and with a yummy recipe! I hope the girls are doing find and starting a new exciting school year in good spirits.
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Raizel is still in transition.
Yaffa is always happy, no matter what. I think she didn’t miss us 1 bit at camp. She was kind about it, however. 🙉🙈🙊.
She ❤️ this kugel!
How is everyone in your family??
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B”H everybody is fine, and something very exciting is happening – you can read about it here https://koolkosherkitchen.wordpress.com/2017/08/25/piano-kids-and-chocolate-zoodle-muffins/
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I can hardly wait. We are at a wedding.
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Mazel Tov! Enjoy!
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Such a nice post! I am trying to catch up on all your wonderful stories and recipes!😍
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Thank you! I am glad to have you back!
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Me too! I never thought blogging would be so much fun.
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It is, isn’t it, and a perfect way to unload emotional tension.
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Yes! Exactly.
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Now, how is Raizel doing?
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To protect her privacy, I have to be careful about saying too much.
Raizel is a work in progress; she is better-ish. She has the dubious distinction of being so special that she exceeds the expertise of most doctors. 😕
I am meeting with a major hotshot doctor tomorrow and I am even attempting to apply to school to become a NP from this experience. Shall we say, this has been quite an education for all of us.
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Believe me, I understand the privacy issue. I can only with you lots of strength, physical, moral, emotional, and any other kind of strength you will definitely need.
You deserve a Purple Heart Medal 💜
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Thank you! I wished you lived closer and then I could have you give your professional opinion. After I read what David wrote, you clearly have “the touch.”
But, Hashem does help. In my darkness moments, He always sends me what I need, so long as I am willing to do my part. 🐣
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Even though I would not presume to be actively involved long distance, but please know that I am always here for you and never hesitate to e-mail me.
If you ever want me to evaluate documents, assessment results, etc. you can black out names and other identifying info and upload them to me via Dropbox.
I am always ready and willing to help!
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Thank you! I just may do that!!
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Please do and don’t hesitate!
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🙏💕💕
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