Melinda Strauss on Her Cookbook 'Eat Jewish' and Connecting Through Food

From Food Blogger to Cookbook Author

• 💡 Melinda Strauss, author of "Eat Jewish," shares how her social media presence, particularly on TikTok, inspired her debut cookbook.
• 🎯 She found her voice online, discussing Judaism and sharing recipes, which resonated with a large audience.
• 🔑 The cookbook features over 100 recipes blending Jewish heritage, modern flavors, and family traditions, with a foreword by her father.

Finding a Voice and Community Online

• 🚀 Strauss explains that while she was a food blogger since 2011, TikTok allowed her to connect more deeply by answering questions about Judaism and her family's customs.
• 💬 This Q&A format revealed a public curiosity about Jewish traditions, which she embraced by sharing her knowledge and recipes.
• 🧠 Her journey from sharing recipes to educating about Judaism was sparked by audience questions about concepts like Sabbath and kosher.

Culinary Traditions and Modern Twists

• 🍲 The cookbook includes beloved family recipes, such as her grandmother's Cornflake kugel and a butternut squash kugel often served as a sweet side dish.
• 🥔 It also features innovative takes on classics like potato latkes with Brussels sprouts and kosher beef bacon, and rainbow hamantaschen.
• 🍊 A unique recipe is the whole wheat honey cake incorporating orange-flavored tea bags, a nod to her grandmother's use of whole oranges.

The Cookbook's Creation and Purpose

• 📸 Strauss was involved in every decision for the book, including selecting the photographer, Schneer Manacer, and meticulously choosing recipes.
• 🏡 The photography was done in her home, creating a personal and authentic feel for the book.
• 📚 While aiming for diverse Jewish cuisines, she focused on recipes she had personally made and had stories about, ensuring authenticity.

Combating Antisemitism Through Food and Education

• ⚠️ Strauss acknowledges the reality of antisemitism and views her cookbook and online presence as a way to fight antisemitism through education and joy.
• 🤝 By sharing Jewish culture and traditions, she aims to dispel ignorance and foster understanding, especially in the current landscape.
• ✨ She believes that educating people about Judaism, even through food, makes a significant difference in combating negative stereotypes.

Culinary Background and Reading Habits

• 🍳 Strauss has no formal culinary training, learning to cook through constant recipe testing after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in college.
• 📚 She is a dedicated reader of fantasy and YA novels, particularly those with romantic elements, dragons, and wolves.
• 🌟 She looks forward to connecting with communities, like her hometown JCC in Seattle, through her book tour.