Did you ever have this dilemma? If you don't let your kids eat some junk food, they will develop an uncontrollable desire for it and fall upon it as locusts when they see it at parties. On the other hand, if you do let them eat junk, that means it's available in your house and, in the dead of night, when no one can see you (which means these calories don't count) you fall upon it as a locust yourself. My list of foods I cannot keep in the house includes (but is not limited to): potato chips (any chips, really), pizza, any kind of nuts and any type of cheese. Strangely enough, I am never tempted by chocolate or candy.
Christians have Lent, when they vow to forgo things they like. Maybe if I take a vow, invoking G-d's name and all, I could look at the chips/pizza/nuts/cheese and muster enough willpower to leave them alone? Right.
There are quite a few sages who said that we should not forgo the good things in life that are permitted by Torah law. The Talmudic sage Rav said that in the world to come we will have to account for all the good food we refused to eat. I love it. It's like a Talmudic permission to eat chips. Huh!
Meanwhile, in this week's parasha we meet a person (and the Torah specifically says "man or woman") who chooses to forgo certain foods (namely: anything that came from the grapevine.) While some of the sages (like Ramban) thought it a worthwhile pursuit (since that person is trying to attain a higher level of holiness, which can benefit the whole community), others are not so impressed. Ibn Ezra (a Jewish scholar in Spain during the Middle Ages) said it was a wonder that anyone would choose to do this. Shimon the Just (a high priest in the days of the 2nd temple) refused to eat the offering brought by such a person (to which he was entitled) because he was worried about the horrid sin that had led that person to take on that vow in the first place. So, all in all, I believe Judaism is not very fond of forgoing good food and drink. Phew, that's a relief.
Of course, like with every other pleasure, Judaism promotes moderation (Rambam was very big on moderation). But what's the point of eating yummy foods if you have to limit yourself to tiny amounts?
The above explains my waistline.
So here is a dessert that symbolizes (at least for me) the ultimate indulgence -
Tiramisu
1 1/2 Lbs Mascarpone cheese (Please don't substitute. You can get this with a hechsher and the whole point is to use rich, pleasurable stuff, no?)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup cold strong coffee (made with 2 tsp Nescafe and 1/3 cup water. stir well)
1 Tbs Rum (use real stuff or extract)
1/2 Lb Lady's fingers cookies, each cut into 2 or 3 pieces
Cream together cheese and powdered sugar until completely combined.
Gradually pour in heavy cream, whipping at medium speed, until you have a light, airy cream.
Change mixer's speed to low and add 1/2 of the cold coffee. Mix only until incorporated.
Mix the rum into the rest of the coffee.
Dip each cookie piece in the coffee and rum mixture until damp but not soggy.
In pretty serving bowls (or wine goblets) arrange layers of cookies and cream, alternating, until you run out of either or both. You can put the cream in a pastry bag and create pretty designs. I am not that patient.
Chill, covered. Will keep up to 2 days in fridge (by which time it mysteriously disappears or acquires every single smell in the fridge.)
This makes 4 or 5 servings (depending on the goblets size, naturally)
There is a story I love about a very old and respected Rabbi who, when asked what he plans to do for his 80th birthday, answered that he plans a trip to the Swiss Alps. His students were dismayed. At his age? to the Alps? Whatever for? Said the Rabbi "It is because I am at the end of my life that I must see the Alps. Soon enough I will come before the seat of glory and the Master of the Universe will ask me 'You didn't go to see my Alps?' What am I going to say to that?"
Life is full of suffering and misery. But G-d has created so many pleasures and joys for us to enjoy. Never miss and opportunity to have fun and enjoy the good stuff. Believe me, you're not going to miss out on the misery. It will catch up with you the minute you're done with the fun.
And remember you will have to account for every yummy food you have not eaten in your life, so eat, Bubbeleh, eat.
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