The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 11
The Modern Balabusta: Can a Simple Kugel Carry Generations of Family Tradition?
By Jillian Palash
Chanukah is always a special time in our home and one way we celebrate is by making family recipes. While most people think of latkes, one of our Chanukah staples is my grandmother Sylvia’ s noodle kugel, a recipe she passed down to my mother and now to me.
My grandmother grew up in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts and always loved to cook. One of my core memories growing up was watching her in the kitchen carefully preparing meals on her vintage white Chambers range.
This kugel is one of her simpler recipes, something I’ ve come to appreciate now that I have two children of my own keeping me busy. It comes together quickly— and even better, we can make it together. It’ s become a wonderful way to create new memories in the kitchen.
Unlike many noodle kugels, this one is all about the cheese mixture— no cinnamon, no raisins, nothing overly sweet. It hits just the right balance of flavors I find hard to come by in most kugel recipes I’ ve tried.
One of the best things about this kugel is how foolproof it is:
By Madeline White
SPICE at Temple Beth El continues to bring adults 55 and older together for programs that blend learning, connection, and community. Each month, participants gather for lunch and lively discussion, exploring new ideas that celebrate the depth and diversity of Jewish life.
This winter and spring, SPICE will take participants from the boil the noodles, make the sauce, combine, top with cornflakes, and bake on convection at 350 degrees until lightly browned. That’ s it.( Cook’ s note: A large blender makes the mixture smooth and the process quick.)
I always use a large roasting pan or lasagna dish because it yields a generous amount— enough to share with friends and neighbors, which I often do when I make it. It can be eaten hot, warm, or cold, but my favorite part is always the crunchy, browned bits on top.
One of life’ s greatest gifts is gathering friends and family around the table for a special meal, especially one that carries the flavors and memories of my grandmother’ s kitchen. In this season of holiday celebration and family, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful and lightfilled Chanukah— and maybe a slice of kugel, too.
Grandma Sylvia’ s Kugel Recipe
4 eggs 8 oz. package cream cheese 16 oz. container cottage cheese 16 oz. container sour cream
pages of comic books to the concert hall, exploring the many ways Jewish stories shape our world. Attendees will consider what it means to belong in today’ s Jewish landscape, learn about the connection between health and spirituality, and discover how Jewish creativity helped give rise to the modern superhero. Temple Beth El’ s clergy will guide conversations about caring for body and
1 cup whole milk 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 sticks salted butter( 8 ounces total) 2 pounds egg noodles Cornflakes for topping
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees( convection).
2. Cook noodles until al dente, or the lower end of the package instructions.
3. Drain noodles and set them aside. 4. Add butter to the warm pot. 5. Once melted, return noodles to the pot and stir to coat evenly.
6. In a blender, combine eggs, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract; blend until smooth.
7. Pour the blended mixture over the buttered noodles, stir until evenly coated, and transfer to a baking dish.
8. Top generously with cornflakes.
9. Bake until set and golden, about 30 minutes.
The Modern Balabusta spotlights our very own masters of hospitality— from kitchens to grilling, gardening, tablescapes,
Jillian Palash
Exploring the Season Ahead with SPICE
at-home entertainment, backyard gatherings and beyond. Want to be featured in the Modern Balabusta? If you or someone you know embodies this spirit, email Elizabeth Breyer Johnson at elizabeth. johnson @ jewishcharlotte. org with a brief note explaining why. We’ ll be in touch if it’ s a fit for an upcoming issue. soul, finding purpose in aging, and the balance between worship and performance. Guest lecturers from UNC Charlotte and beyond will bring new perspectives on Southern Jewish history, gender in Judaism, and much more.
In addition to its monthly weekday programs, SPICE has recently introduced new ways for participants to connect outside the usual schedule. Popular gatherings like SPICE After Hours and a Sunday SPICE Brunch have added a more social flavor to the season, with more special events on the horizon.
The coming months will also include moments to celebrate and give back. In December, SPICE will host its annual Chanukah lunch filled with festive music and traditional favorites, along with a food drive benefiting Jewish Family Services. A second JFS food drive in the spring will coincide with Passover, supporting local families who could use a little extra light during the holiday season.
SPICE programs are open to adults throughout the Charlotte Jewish community. To see what’ s cooking or to save your seat at the table, visit www. templebethel. org / spice.
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