Above Photo: Naomi Nachman, The Aussie Gourmet

Before classes went virtual, and people’s businesses were judged as essential or non-essential, taking the time to cook healthy, new dishes seemed like a luxury left only for the weekend or a Shabbat meal.

It seems with more time spent at home due to quarantining, some of us can focus our attention on culinary experimentation. That is why the girls at Derech Emunah were craving a Zoom conferencing session with Naomi Nachman, Kosher Cookbook Author, Personal Chef, and Media Personality, who took time out of her busy schedule, to “do what she does best, cook AMAZING food,” said Kaden Balkany, class of 2021.

Instead of focusing on making Bubbe’s favorite Kugel for the 613th time, Naomi transported the students from their homes to Vietnam, where our students learned how to make delectable Rice Wraps and Pho.

These dishes can be hard to find in your average Kosher restaurant. So learning how to use new ingredients and some familiar ones in different ways helped the girls expand their culinary knowledge. The result is that they can now create a quick, healthy snack or even present their family with a new take on Friday night Chicken Soup, Vietnamese style.

Whether it was rolling rice wrappers or sizzling a delicious soup, said Rachel Eisenstein, class of 2020, “It was tons of fun to make the food, and I enjoyed eating it. I thought it was super entertaining to cook along with a pro.”

As Jews, we know that food brings us together and provides physical as well as spiritual sustenance. When hosting friends and eating together is not allowed, it is exciting that our students were able to bond over this cooking experience -- all while learning from the comfort of their own kitchen.

Can’t wait to taste it!