Barbara Taranto

I have been cooking all my life. It has been a source of joy and frustration but always the way I express my love and respect for my family, my friends and my traditions.

 

Nine years ago my husband and I left New York City and came to Israel for a 12 month adventure in Tel Aviv. We never left.  As a cook I began to wander through all the markets and food venues. I soon found myself going to the traditional, outdoor market - the Shuk - everyday. The experience was heady - foreign and exciting but what kept drawing me back was the quality, the variety and sheer beauty of the fresh produce, cheeses, meats and delicacies on offer.

 

I started a blog and began to write about my adventures in the Shuk and how I was inspired to create new recipes. Soon, I had a some loyal followers who encouraged me to publish my recipes. Long time friends suggested I include the standards from the New York years. Then my children asked for their childhood favorites that were handed down to me from my mother and grandmothers.

 

So, here I am today offering to you, the reader, a broad selection of ideas born out of new experiences and old and all currently being made in my kitchen in Neve Tzedek - and a few stories to make the food come to life.

 

I hope you enjoy them.

With respect,

BT