FT, Help Me!!

If a recipe calls for melted chocolate, can I just use chocolate chips?

You could, but most chocolate chips have stabilizers that help them keep their shape, so they don’t melt as quickly, and the finished product may not be as glossy or smooth.

—Michal Frischman

In a Nutshell:

Microwave Popcorn

Lately I’ve been using my collapsible silicone bowl to make popcorn in the microwave. You just add kernels, oil, and seasonings, and it makes the most amazing fresh popcorn. My favorite way to season it is with Old Bay seasoning — it’s not just for fish! You just need a bit, along with some salt, and your popcorn will taste incredible.

—Miriam (Pascal) Cohen

Review It!

Issue 828

I was surprised that the Cooks Compete about lokshen kugel [Issue #828] had no mention of fried lokshen kugel! Lokshen kugel is the type of food that some people like a lot and some people really don’t like, but people who enjoy lokshen kugel can literally eat fried lokshen kugel in one sitting! My grandmother even makes with cheese…lots of sugar, lots of calories, but it’s scrumptious! Additional bonus: it’s really quick to make!

Here’s my mother’s recipe:

Cook 1¹⁄₄ bags medium noodles and drain. In a cup, mix 4 eggs very well. Add ¹⁄₂–³⁄₄ cup sugar. Add to the noodles and mix well.

Heat oil in a frying pan. When the oil is really hot, carefully pour in the entire mixture. Stand back so it doesn’t splash you!

Let it fry for 2–3 minutes, then lower heat to medium. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and let it cook for 20–30 minutes. Shake the frying pan to make sure the kugel is loose. When it’s detached, flip onto a plate. Reheat the oil and fry on the second side for 15–20 minutes. Delicious!

—M.S.

Just Sayin’

What’s the mishloach manos you hide for yourself?

Good wine! I also love when people send sandwiches, soups, or even pasta. I save them and eat them for lunch on Purim.

I remember getting a spaghetti dish with a homemade marinara sauce 20 years ago — it was a really hectic Purim morning, with the kids running in and out delivering mishloach manos, and then someone sent over this hot pasta dish that saved me. Such a treat!

—Naomi Nachman

Ok, Quick:

What’s the dish you’re always asked to bring to a Purim seudah?

Kani-topped side of salmon — you can find the recipe on Kosher.com or email recipes@mishpacha.com for it!

—Estee Kafra

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 833)