I have always loved to cook and entertain.  I suppose I got that from my mom, Caterer Extraordinaire, Sandra Bank.  The amazing thing about watching my mom cook was her ease and control in the kitchen.  A dash of this, a finger dipped into a boiling hot sauce (how did that not burn??) and as she licks, a quizzical look crosses over her face and just as fast the answer comes to her, yup it just needs a squirt of lemon.  It’s uncanny, but slowly after watching and learning, I too can follow a recipe and then make it my own.  I always like to design a dinner in my head first, so I ask myself: what kind of vibe am I going for? Is it a comfy dinner for friends around my kitchen table or a more formal dinner party with an elegant atmosphere? Will I use an ethnic theme or rather have a color be my inspiration?
So here's what I am thinking about for this particular menu...
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A Jewish role model recently introduced me to the Sabbath Manifesto, a set of 10 principles developed by the Reboot Network that are core to Shabbat observance. The principles are founded in tradition and open for interpretation. They are short and clear. They are accessible and directive. Simple things, like Drink wine, Find silence, or Connect with loved ones. For the first time in several years, I felt I could tap into Shabbat.
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