Adeena Sussman

I had heard a lot of good buzz about this book, and now that I've read this cookbook I can attest that it's true. The word "sababa" is Hebrew slang meaning "everything is awesome" and while I didn't think everything in the book is awesome, overall it checks the boxes: beautiful photos of delicious looking food, engaging stories from the writer's experiences, honest descriptions of how difficult/simple each recipe really is, a useful shopping guide to finding ingredients in the U.S., and the show more best part - Adeena's enthusiasm and encouragement to try these recipes.

American born author Adeena Sussman is a food writer who is also a professional in the kitchen, and I appreciated how she tweaked the Israeli recipes for American cooks. The format of the book is based on her daily trips to her local Tel Aviv shuk, (Shuk HaCarmel) the outdoor farmer's market that contains an amazing array of spices, produce, meat and fish, as well as favorite vendors who have become her friends. The photos and narrative make you feel like you are right there shopping with her, and then home to prepare the appetizers, drinks, mains, sides, and desserts.

So far I've only tried one recipe, "Chard-wrapped fish with lemon and olives" with great results.

The reason I didn't give 5 stars to this virtual trip-to-Israel cookbook is that I would have liked nutritional information for the recipes. Also several of the recipes included the technique of frying, which I avoid. But you're sure to find many irresistible-looking dishes tempting you as you read through this very approachable cookbook. show less

Fantastic! I laughed out loud repeatedly at the almost unbelievable print ads included throughout this little gem! I know now that there is a Potted Meat Museum, but am still in the dark as to why anyone could think mixing Jello and mayonnaise is a good idea!

I’m 83 years old and definitely not in the market to buy new cookbooks. I already have more than I know what to do with.
However, I was looking for book as a bat mitzvah gift. The owner of the Jewish bookstore I went to showed me this one. It looked intriguing as I flipped through it. The owner wrapped the book for me and we gave it to the girl that evening.
I kept thinking about the book and decided to order it for myself. I ordered it yesterday, It was delivered today, I’ve had a show more great time leafing through the recipes and will be making at least one this week.

It would be a wonderful addition to anybody’s library. show less

The author of Sababa returns with a collection of good-for-the-soul recipes that embody the spirit and pleasures of Shabbat. Named a Best Cookbook for Fall 2023 by the LA Times, Food & Wine, Eater, WBUR, and Simply Recipes