In case of a natural disaster

It's very rare, but it does happen. Sometimes, children actually learn from their parents' example. Take Yosef. Long ago, his father, returning to Kna'an and worried sick about the reception he was likely to get from the older brother he had so thoroughly wronged, had used layer upon layer of preparations for an unavoidable (he thought) disaster. Ya'akov sent scouts to find out what's going on. He sent gifts. In increments. He sent messages. He divided his camp to increase chances of survival. He prayed. He tried everything he could think of.

Luckily for Ya'akov, none of it was at all necessary. It seems Esav was perfectly happy to forgive and forget. Phew.

Now, years later, in a faraway land, in a bizarre twist of fate, Ya'akov's beloved son is facing a danger brought upon him because of his older brothers' anger. How's that for irony? But Yosef, whether because of his genes or his keen observation powers as a child in Ya'akov's camp, knows something about getting ready for a disaster. So he offers the king a plan. Brilliant in its simplicity. One of those "Now, why didn't I think of that?" ideas.

There will be seven years of famine. True. But, since we know about it ahead of time, courtesy of the king's dream, we are not helpless. To help us face this natural disaster we can make preparations. All kinds of preparations.

For example:

If the weather center says there's a dangerous hurricane on the way, don't just poo-poo it. Don't freeze in fright. Go and get ready. Get the deck furniture into the garage, tie down the garbage cans, fill large containers with water, buy extra candles or batteries, store up on non perishables, fill up the car with gas and get some extra, check out the Hybrogen  www.facebook.com/Hybrogen  so you won't have to rely on loud, gas-guzzling generators.

And pray. Because many people forget that part in their rush to get ready. Remind G-d of His promises and of how you have been doing your part so this is a great time for Him to do His. Ask for what you want and what you need. And when it's all over and you and your family are (at least relatively) safe - remember to thank G-d. It's just good manners.

Feeding my family during hurricane Sandy reminded me of the weeks before Pesach when you eat your way through the freezer. Thanks to genius hubby, our refrigerator kept working, but we couldn't go the stores and we were limited to stove-top cooking only. No complaints. At least we had a house, in which to keep our stove, on which we cooked:

Shwarma flavored chicken thighs

Shwarma is an Israeli dish of slow roasted lamb (or turkey), sliced and served in pita. It's really much, much better than it sounds. Just ask anyone who has ever had it. Shwarma is also what you would call the special seasoning one puts on the meat to make it taste like Shwarma. You can buy the mix in Israeli stores under the name "Seasoning for Shwarma". In case of a hurricane - you can make a mix of your own (which may not turn out exactly the same, but so what) by mixing cumin, turmeric, paprika, coriander, salt and pepper (2 parts cumin to one part from everything else, except the salt and pepper to taste and if you want to get fancy, add a pinch of cinnamon.)

I used skinless, boneless thighs. This will work just as well with other skinless boneless parts (even breast) and extremely well with turkey. My sister in law, Dorita, even makes a whole chicken spiced with this mix and baked in a baking bag with onions and potatoes. Yum. But that's for non emergency times, because I don't know about you, but my oven did not work during Sandy (or rather, it could have but that would have drained the Hybrogen too quickly and I figured we can manage with just the stove.)

Anyway.

4 skinless boneless chicken thighs.
One large onion.
1-2 Tbs Shwarma seasoning.
1-2 Tbs vegetable oil.

Cut the meat into chunks about 1 1/2 inches square (it won't be square, you know, but that's the size you're aiming for). 
Sprinkle the seasoning on it and mix really well. You want the seasoning on the meat and not left in the bowl, so use your fingers, if necessary, to work it in.
Slice the onion thinly (or chop, whatever you like).
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes until softened (no need to brown it but you can if you like.)
Add the seasoned meat and cook, stirring frequently, until cooked through (5-7 minutes if you cook it over medium high heat that is more high than medium.)
Serve with the pitas you had to defrost because the freezer did not work. I served it with rice because my freezer was just fine thanks to the Hybrogen (really, check it out and tell everyone you know so they will not be caught unprepared next time.)


 
As you can see, I was going for really simple meals. Because you don't do gourmet food in an emergency situation. If you remember, we all found out about going back to basics during that week.  Well, even Yosef did not suggest they should store up truffles and Cabernet. He said they should store up grains. Sometimes, the best things in life are simple pleasures.