Why I Cook
Brooklyn, NY
This Brooklyn-based food blogger lives just blocks from her childhood home, where she first learned to cook. She carries on the tradition by creating innovative yet approachable recipes of her own, many of which feature traditional Jewish elements. Old school meets trendy in the tastiest way at her website, busyinbrooklyn.com.
What inspired you to start cooking?
Growing up in a Hasidic family, many of our traditions revolved around food—weekly Shabbat dinners, Jewish holidays and celebrations—so learning my way around the kitchen was almost a rite of passage.
You have five kids of your own. Are any of them kitchen helpers?
One of my girls loves to help out in the kitchen, and she has developed an impressive palate for a 12-year old! She helps me with recipe development, food prep and cleanup, and I really value her feedback. I always say that kids are the best recipe testers because they will tell you the truth!
What are some of the Hanukkah traditions in your household?
I was born on the fifth night of Hanukkah—best birthday week ever! I love sitting around the Hanukkah menorah with my kids, playing dreidel and eating hot latkes straight from the frying pan. With eight days of Hanukkah, there’s plenty of time to experiment with different latke flavors, and my falatkes (a falafel-latke hybrid) are one of my favorites to date.
What’s your favorite thing about cooking?
I want to bring the love back into the kitchen. I don’t think cooking should be a chore, but rather an expression of your creative spirit. There really is nothing greater than bringing people around the table, and food has that power, so let’s get cooking!