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Aromas of Aleppo: The Legendary Cuisine of Syrian Jews
by Poopa Dweck, Michael J. Cohen
ISBN-10: 0060888180
ISBN-13: 9780060888183
ISBN-13: 9780060888183
Region: Jewish
Publisher: Ecco
Publication Date: September, 2007
Recipe Index
Publishers Information
About Aromas of Aleppo: The Legendary Cuisine of Syrian Jews
Publisher Web Link: http://www.harpercollins.com/
When the Aleppian Jewish community migrated from the ancient city of Aleppo in historic Syria and settled in New York and Latin American cities in the early 20th century, it brought its rich cuisine and vibrant culture. Most Syrian recipes and traditions, however, were not written down and existed only in the minds of older generations. Poopa Dweck, a first generation Syrian – Jewish American, has devoted much of her life to preserving and celebrating her community’s centuries – old legacy.
Dweck relates the history and culture of her community through its extraordinary cuisine, offering more than 180 exciting ethnic recipes with tantalizing photos and describing the unique customs that the Aleppian Jewish community observes during holidays and lifecycle events. Among the irresistible recipes are:
•Bazargan – Tangy Tamarind Bulgur Salad
•Shurbat Addes – Hearty Red Lentil Soup with Garlic and Coriander
•Kibbeh – Stuffed Syrian Meatballs with Ground Rice
•Samak b’Batata – Baked Middle Eastern Whole Fish with Potatoes
•Sambousak – Buttery Cheese–Filled Sesame Pastries
•Eras bi’Ajweh – Date–Filled Crescents
•Chai Na’na – Refreshing Mint Tea
Like mainstream Middle Eastern cuisines, Aleppian Jewish dishes are alive with flavor and healthful ingredients–featuring whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil–but with their own distinct cultural influences. In Aromas of Aleppo, cooks will discover the best of Poopa Dweck’s recipes, which gracefully combine Mediterranean and Levantine influences, and range from small delights (or maza) to daily meals and regal holiday feasts–such as the twelve–course Passover seder. (http://www.harpercollins.com/)
Author Information
About Poopa Dweck
Author Web Link: http://www.aromasofaleppo.com/
Poopa Dweck is an expert on the food and customs of the Jews of Aleppo, one of the largest and most flourishing communities of Sephardic Jews. She is best known as the author of the stunning cookbook Aromas of Aleppo: The Legendary Cuisine of the Syrian Jews, featured in the New York Times Magazine and winner of the National Jewish Book Award in 2007.
Aromas has led Poopa to lectures, book tours and cooking demonstrations in venues all over the world. Syrian ambassador Imad Moustapha requested a meeting with Poopa, and a signed book for President Bashar Assad. He praised the authentic recipes and noted that the shared cuisine and traditions of Syrian Arabs and Jews make a good starting point for positive dialogue. A Hebrew-language edition is due in Israel this fall.
Poopa and her husband Sammy raised their family of five children in Deal, N.J. In 1975, she co-founded the Sephardic Women’s Organization of the Jersey Shore. She is passionate about preserving Syrian culinary traditions, serving as Executive Editor of Deal Delights (1976) and Deal Delights II (1985). These Syrian community cookbooks are now standard in Sephardic kitchens worldwide and have raised thousands of dollars for charity. In 1995 Poopa joined the Board of Sephardic Bikur Holim and founded a woman’s division, “Daughters of Sarah.”
In 2003, when Poopa’s son, Jesse A”H, passed away at only 18, the Dwecks founded the Jesse Dweck City Learning Center, offering Torah classes for Syrian-Jewish men and women in Manhattan and New Jersey.
Poopa appreciates the spiritual richness of Jewish observance and the role of the Jewish woman within it. The Arabic concept of suffeh, she explains, refers to a woman’s intelligence and intuition, allowing her to create a welcoming, well-ordered family life that allows the Divine Presence to dwell within. By documenting and preserving the foodways and customs of her heritage, Poopa hopes to inspire ethnic groups everywhere to revisit their roots and celebrate the concept of family. (http://www.aromasofaleppo.com/)
Cookbooks by Poopa Dweck
About Michael J. Cohen
Cookbooks by Michael J. Cohen
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