Breaking The Fast, Slowly

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, set with the sun and promising seal for a good New Year. After remembering our lost loved ones and pondering what more could be done to improve ourselves and help others, it was now time to break the day’s fast. At ChezHelvetica, this meant Mezze, small dishes of Middle Eastern heritage to share. Our feast started with Fuji Apple slices and the sweetest Honey from Tierra Del Cielo Bee Farm in Santa Margarita (gift from sister Abby), then progressed to savory Zucchini/Brussel Sprout Fritters spiced with Mint, Basil, Garlic and Lemon Zest, served with Galbani Ricotta Cheese. My dear friend Joan provided a platter of wonderful La Mediterannee bites (Dolmas, Spinach and Chicken Filos) with Hummus, Aubergine Dip, Pita Bread and Challah (made by daughter Arielle) and Balsamic Beets Salad with Medjool Dates and Walnuts. Our cups runneth over with Frei Brothers Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley (stains removed from the white linens with some salt and Wine Away). This special night ended with a delicious Apple Tart (home made by the Shabbos Goy) à la mode. Let all our futures be special, filled with hope!

 

88!!!

ChezHelvetica hosted an astonishing 88th Birthday Celebration for our incredible Mother (Beverly). Sister Abby, traveling through Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Thailand and Indonesia with family, flew in from Bali to surprise our Mom. Was it a mirage?! She was speechless, overjoyed! Ina Garten‘s luscious recipe for Roasted Vegetable Lasagne layered with Eggplant, Zucchini, four different Cheeses, Rao’s Marinara Sauce, Barilla Lasagna Noodles, Garlic and fresh Oregano simply delighted the party. A delicious Spinach, Avocado, Strawberry, Walnut (with added Pineapple) Salad and Poppy Seed Dressing accompanied, along with Baker’s of Paris Baguette and Olymp Greek Kalamata Olives. Our joy was further elevated by fruity, spicy Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley. Dessert plans included Mom’s favorite Hot Fudge Sundae (Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream and Hershey’s Hot Fudge Sauce standing by) and house favorite Neiman Marcus Lemon Squares. So stuffed at that point, only the Lemon Squares made it to the table. Overwhelming happiness filled the room!!!