At our very first meeting when the coronavirus lockdowns started, the FT staff­ discussed how we would cover ground with our kids at home. I feigned confidence and assured the team that it would all work out.

After two Yom Tov seasons spent in isolation, plus everything else in between, it’s been a different work climate at this house. Now, I regularly ask my kids for ideas and opinions, and they participate in casual recipe testing more than ever. My daughter actually tested a cake recipe for me. I wanted to see how foolproof it was, and was also curious if it had that full age-range yum factor. (She did a great job, but missed the baking powder, and the rest is history.)

“Mommy’s done her meeting!” is often heard and celebrated throughout the day. At this point, I think they have a bit more of an understanding of what I do all day when they’re in school. And that’s why there was a celebratory moment for the members of my household when I closed the Pesach and Shavuos supplements — this mother dropping off­ from a work peak is obviously noted and anticipated.

My kids’ cooperation with my schedule, and working together in general, is what has made juggling at this time doable, and they deserve a lot of credit for that.

Like my kids’ recognition for their role in FT’s consistency, Shavuos is a moment for women to realize their portion in their husbands’ success, and how their cooperation and involvement has led up to the celebration everyone can share. Wishing everyone a beautiful and uplifting Shavuos,

Chanie Nayman
Food Editor, Family Table

Homemade Cream Cheese

When I lived in Israel, I made my own cream cheese. Now, during these unusual times, this recipe might come in handy!

Combine 32 oz full-fat plain yogurt and 1 tsp kosher salt. Place in cheesecloth (use multiple layers) or a breathable, strong, 100-percent cotton cloth. Hang over the faucet of your sink for 24 hours. Squeeze well, then transfer to a container and store in the fridge.

Fresher Flowers

Different thicknesses of flower stems require different amounts of water. Thinstemmed flowers, like roses, generally need more water, and thick-stemmed ones, like tulips, need less. More water than necessary will cause the stem to rot faster. To give hydrangeas a boost, trim the stems and place the flowers in a cup of boiling water. They’ll actually come back to life!

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 694)