Well, let’s talk about some Jewish appetizers, or what them fancy folks call “hors d’oeuvres”. I ain’t no chef, mind you, just an old woman who likes to eat and feed folks. So, don’t expect no fancy words or complicated recipes.
First off, you gotta understand, there’s different kinds of Jews, like them Ashkenazi and Sephardic folks. They eat kinda different, you see. Like, the Ashkenazi, they’re big on gefilte fish. Now, I ain’t gonna lie, that stuff ain’t for everyone. It’s fish, all mushed up and formed into a loaf kinda thing. Some folks love it, some folks hate it. Me? I can take it or leave it, long as it ain’t too fishy smelling.
Then there’s matzo ball soup. That’s more my style. It’s chicken soup, real good for when you’re feeling poorly, with big fluffy balls made of matzo meal. Matzo meal is just ground up flat crackers, you know, the kind them Jews eat during Passover. It’s simple, but it fills you up and warms you right through. Good for the soul, I tell ya.
- Gefilte Fish: Like I said, fish all mushed up. Some like it sweet, some like it peppery. You gotta try it to know if you like it.
- Matzo Ball Soup: Chicken soup with matzo balls. Can’t go wrong with that, especially on a cold day. Good for whatever ails ya.
- Brisket: Now, brisket ain’t exactly an appetizer, more like a main dish. But you can slice it thin and serve it on little pieces of bread, makes a nice little bite. It’s beef, cooked real slow so it’s nice and tender.
Now, them Sephardic folks, they got their own thing going on. They eat stuff like cheese dumplings, which sound mighty tasty to me. And yogurt soup! Can you imagine? Soup made from yogurt! I bet that’s real tangy and refreshing on a hot day. They also eat fried pumpkin, which is somethin’ I never heard of before, but I’m willing to try anything once. And olives! Lots of olives. Good for your heart, they say.
And then there’s all sorts of salads with fresh stuff from the garden. That’s the way to eat, I tell ya. Nothin’ better than fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and onions, all chopped up and tossed together. Simple and healthy.
They also like pickled fish, like anchovies in vinegar. Now, I ain’t too sure about that. Sounds kinda strong to me. But hey, to each their own, right? You gotta eat what you like.
And pastries! Oh, them Sephardic folks know how to make pastries. Bourekas, they call ’em. Little flaky pies filled with cheese or potatoes or spinach. Now them are appetizers! You can eat a whole plate of them and still want more.
Some other things them Ashkenazi folks like to eat: knishes, which are like potato pies, real hearty and filling. Blintzes, which are thin pancakes filled with cheese or fruit, kind of like a crepe but different. Potato kugel, which is like a potato casserole, nice and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Rugelach, which are little crescent-shaped cookies filled with jam or nuts, real sweet and delicious. And kokosh cake, which is a sweet bread with chocolate or cinnamon filling, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Cheese Dumplings: Sounds kinda fancy, but I bet they’re good and filling.
- Yogurt Soup: Now that’s something different. I’d try it, just to see what it tastes like.
- Fried Pumpkin: Never had it, but I like pumpkin pie, so maybe I’d like this too.
- Bourekas: Little pies filled with good stuff. What’s not to like?
- Knishes: Hearty potato pies. Good for a cold day.
- Blintzes: Thin pancakes with cheese or fruit. Sounds like a nice treat.
- Potato Kugel: A potato casserole. Can’t go wrong with potatoes.
- Rugelach: Sweet little cookies. Perfect for dessert or a snack.
- Kokosh Cake: Sweet bread with yummy filling. Goes good with coffee.
So, there you have it. A little rundown of some Jewish appetizers. Like I said, I ain’t no expert, but I know what I like and I like to share it with folks. Whether it’s Ashkenazi or Sephardic, there’s something for everyone. And it’s all about sharing good food and good company. That’s what matters most, ain’t it?
Now, go on and try some of this stuff. You might find something you like. And if you don’t, well, there’s plenty more fish in the sea, as they say. Or maybe just stick to the matzo ball soup. You can’t go wrong with that.
And don’t forget, food is love. Sharing a meal with someone, that’s a special thing. So go on, cook up something tasty and share it with the folks you care about. It don’t gotta be fancy, just gotta be made with love.
