GOODNESS
Cinnamon: Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen, just like its cousin cassia. It has an ancient pedigree, even being used to embalm a few pharaohs. That may not sound appetizing, but it has been found to be good for the heart, the stomach and the joints. Not impressed yet? Well consider that it also seems to mimic insulin and therefore helps diabetics moderate their sugar levels. So don't be shy with this tasty and healthy spice.
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Recipe

Apples and Matzoh Kugel

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 60

ingredients

  • 4 large apples, Granny Smith or any tart apple, cored and cut into medium dice
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 6 plain matzohs
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup dried apricots, medium, chopped

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Toss the apples with the brown sugar and orange juice, set aside in a medium bowl.

Break the matzoh into 2 to 3 inch pieces and soak in 1 cup of warm water until soft but not mushy. Set aside.

While the matzoh soaks, beat the eggs with a wire whisk in a large bowl until blended. Add the salt, sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, raisins, and apricots.

Squeeze the liquid from the softened matzoh and add the matzoh to the egg mixture with the apples. Stir the kugel well and pour into a lightly greased 2 1/2 quarts casserole dish or a 10x14 inch pan. Dot the top of the kugel with the 1/4 cup of butter.

Bake the kugel for 1 hour. Cover the top with foil if the top begins to become too brown early in the baking. Remove the kugel from the oven and cool to room temperature.

Note: The kugel can be made 2 days ahead, cooled, and refrigerated, covered. Bring to room temperature and reheat in a 350 degree oven.