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A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

Margi Lenga Kahn’s recipe for Chraime

How Jewish families across the world celebrate Passover with unique fish dishes

By Margi Lenga Kahn, Special to the Jewish LightPublished April 2, 2025

Passover, like other Jewish holidays, is steeped in tradition, especially when it comes to food. When most of us think of a traditional Passover meal, our menu would include gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, brisket and kugel. That is the classic American...

A can of memories: how one family’s sardine salad tells a story of survival and tradition

A can of memories: how one family’s sardine salad tells a story of survival and tradition

By Margi Lenga Kahn, Special To The Jewish LightPublished April 1, 2025

Not everyone is a fan of sardines. Perhaps you have tried them and enjoyed them, or didn’t enjoy them, or perhaps you are thinking, “Why would I want to eat sardines?”  Sardines are among the healthiest, most sustainable and least expensive fish...

Margi Lenga Kahn’s Roasted Salmon with Pepper Jelly and Fresh Oranges and Crisp Oven-Baked Latkes.

A Hanukkah ode to miraculous olive oil

By Margi Lenga Kahn, Special to the Jewish LightPublished December 12, 2023

Hanukkah celebrates the hard-fought victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army. Following their victory, the Jews rededicated the Second Temple in Jerusalem — removing idols and statues left by their enemies, cleansing the Temple, building...

Overwhelmed by glut of cookbooks? Here are suggestions for Hanukkah gifting—or keeping

Overwhelmed by glut of cookbooks? Here are suggestions for Hanukkah gifting—or keeping

By Margi Lenga Kahn, Special to the Jewish LightPublished December 7, 2022

Walk into any bookstore and you will be astonished by how much space is dedicated to cookbooks. Likewise, check out a library near you. The stacks are overflowing with cookbooks. It is wonderful and can be overwhelming. So, what makes a good cookbook...

Blueberry ricotta muffins Photo by Michael Kahn

Blueberry Ricotta Muffins

By Margi Lenga KahnPublished December 8, 2020

Blueberry Ricotta Muffins Ingredients3/4 c. whole milk ricotta cheese, preferably at room temperature 2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter, melted and cooled 2/3 c. sugar, plus...

Cold Potato Leek Soup (Vichyssoise)

Cold Potato Leek Soup (Vichyssoise)

By Margi Lenga KahnPublished September 24, 2020

This soup is lovely simply garnished with snipped chives. However, I made a delicious herb puree – parsley, chives, garlic and olive oil – in a blender to swirl through the soup just before serving.INGREDIENTS4 tbsp. (2 oz.) unsalted butter 3 large...

Photo: Michael Kahn

Peach, Apple, and Blackberry Frangipane Galette

By Margi Lenga KahnPublished October 4, 2019

INGREDIENTS Frangipane:¾ c. almond flour¼ c. granulated sugar2 tbsp. flourPinch salt2 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room   temperature1 large egg, lightly whisked½ tsp. vanilla extract½ tsp. almond extractFruit:1 large or 2 small Pink Lady or Honey...

Photo: Michael Kahn

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

By Margi Lenga KahnPublished October 4, 2019

INGREDIENTS1 large tomato, stem removed and   tomato cut into chunks2 cups cubed fresh, seeded   watermelon 1 tsp. red wine or champagne   vinegar¼ c. almonds ¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil2 tbsp. minced red onion½ of an English cucumber, unpeeled...

Photo: Michael Kahn

Cucumber and Cantaloupe Salad

By Margi Lenga KahnPublished October 4, 2019

Ingredients:4 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded   and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1½  cups)1½ tsp. coarse kosher salt1 large garlic clove, halved2 large cantaloupes, peeled and seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks1/3 c. tightly-packed cup mint leaves,...

Recipe: Boyoja Ungola Di-Purim (Haman’s Eyes Buried in Challah)

By Margi Lenga KahnPublished March 14, 2019

Ingredients:1 pound portion of unbaked challah dough, kneaded and risen for 1½ hours, or held overnight in the refrigerator. 2 hardboiled eggsDirections:Cut off a fist-size portion of the dough, set small portion onto the side of your counter and cover...

Photo: Michael Kahn

Recipe: Hadgi Badah (Cardamom-Almond Cookies)

By Margi Lenga KahnPublished March 14, 2019

Ingredients:2 c. all-purpose flour1 tsp. ground cardamom½ tsp. salt¼ tsp. double-acting baking powder1 1/3 cups sugar4 large eggsFinely grated zest of half of amedium orange2 cups blanched almond flour or mealOrange blossom water or water, formoistening...

Charred Cauliflower with Yogurt-Tahini Spread. Photo: Michael Kahn

Charred Cauliflower with Yogurt-Tahini Spread

By Margi Lenga KahnPublished September 14, 2018

Roasted cauliflower is a part of many Israeli dishes, such as soups, salads, and as a topping for hummus or labne. To make sure that the cauliflower is crisp, roast it or re-crisp it in a preheated 475-degree oven just before assembling the dish. The...

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