Kitchen Keepsakes: A Treasury Of Recipes By Kulanu

Kitchen Keepsakes:
A Treasury Of Recipes By Kulanu

By Rochelle Maruch Miller
Published on Thursday, March 12, 2009


Whoever coined the adage “You can’t judge a book by its cover” certainly did not have Kitchen Keepsakes in mind. A collection of delicious culinary creations, the book’s charming cover beckons you to peruse its pages, and features recipes shared by some of the most creative cooks in the Kulanu family... as well as by outstanding cooks of different communities. Kitchen Keepsakes represents the collaborative efforts of a team of dedicated individuals, every one of whom volunteered their talents, time, and efforts.

Working in tandem with her Kulanu Cookbook Committee and volunteers, and with the help of Mark Honigsfeld and Allysa Sterba, Chairperson Ellyn Weinstein has brought this fundraising endeavor to beautiful—and delicious—fruition. Although three of the four committee members are not parents of children in the Kulanu program, they are committed to Kulanu’s vision of blending families with children of varying abilities. That its first printing is almost sold out, by word-of-mouth alone, is not surprising.

Compact enough to be an integral and valued part of every kitchen, Kitchen Keepsakes features over 450 treasured recipes, every one tested and approved by volunteers. Because no one was paid in the creation of this book, all of the proceeds go directly to benefit Kulanu’s precious children. Designed to be durable, Kitchen Keepsakes will afford every cook years of culinary ar tistry. It is a three-ring binder “go-to” book, packed with valuable information on the inside covers. As well, it features 16 pages of food facts, helpful hints on the back of every tabbed category divider, and a recipe pocket on the back in which to store your papers, with a reminder on how to properly set a table.

“Our objective was to make a book of recipes from some of the best cooks and help create new family favorites.” Ellyn Weinstein told the 5TJT. “We tried to make the recipes family-friendly, so that even a beginner cook could follow the recipe directions, or parents and children could cook together. Kitchen Keepsakes has something for everyone: vegan, sugar-free, lactose-free, and nut-free.”

We found the recipes absolutely delicious, and the directions to be beginner-friendly, child-friendly, and allergen-avoiding. Of special interest is the book’s “This and That” section, which tells the readers how to make their own herb blends, flavored oils, and vinegars and is a treasure trove of valuable information.

From appetizers and beverages and soups to salads and entrees, vegetables and side dishes to breads and desserts, Kitchen Keepsakes has the perfect recipe for every occasion. Elegantly presented, yet unpretentious, the directions are clear-cut and easy to follow. Even a novice cook will be able to prepare Herbed Rack of Lamb, Stuffed Veal with Meat, Duck in Orange Sauce, and any of the 450 other fabulous menu choices to=2 0perfection.

Kitchen Keepsakes is dedicated by Ellyn and Jay Weinstein and their daughters, Beth and Dana, in loving memory of their father and grandfather, Sidney Feld, z’l. By dedicating the book to her father, Ellyn wanted to share his love of having his family around, especially at the kitchen- and dining-room tables. “What better way to honor his memory than by doing a chesed project where Kulanu families and their children benefit and all families can make their own great memories with favorite recipes? You can give tzedakah, support Kulanu, and get a Kulanu kitchen keepsake, just by purchasing the book.”

Kulanu (“All of Us”) works together to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. The trials and tribulations in parenting a child with special needs are stressful on the family unit. These parents are inundated with social, emotional, medical, and religious worries. Kulanu’s state-of-the-art programs and services respond to these needs and are a testament to the organization’s vision, determination, and triumph.

In 2000, a group of mothers of children with special needs helped to found Kulanu. Two years later, Kulanu took a giant step forward by launching its educational program, a unique “school within a school.” Today, Kulanu’s educational programs provide individualized education in both general and Judaic studies, along with valuable therapies and vocational and life-skills training.. Kulanu students benefit from interaction with school peers through participation in various classes and activities at the organization’s host school, HAFTR.

Presently, over 300 children with special needs participate—in Shabbat groups, Sunday-morning social activities such as art, music movement, and cooking with mainstream peers, Talmud Torah classes, social-skills groups, parent-support groups, community classes, and more. The entire community benefits, by recognizing the lessons all our children have to offer: patience, love, acceptance, and a celebration of each and every individual’s place in our vibrant community.

Whether you are purchasing a copy of Kitchen Keepsakes for yourself or as a gift, this cookbook will be appreciated by everyone, including children who are spending the year in Israel or are away at college. Kulanu’s Cookbook Committee is seeking sponsorships for the second printing of Kitchen Keepsakes, which will be published and available for purchase at the Kulanu Carnival in May. Sponsorships are available for $36, $54, and $100, the latter including a complimentary copy of the book. To learn more, please visit the website at www.kulanukids.org.