January 18, 2013 b>Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo: Jewish Self-Loathing and denial Clifford D. May: Osama and the Two Nazirs Smartphone touted as 'remote for your life' Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D.: The diet mistake even nutritionists make: 5 tips to outsmart your appetite Michael Hogan, M.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Awake at night? Here's one cause you may not have thought Chris Gaylord: Tiny creatures with hip names The Kosher Gourmet by Diane Rossen Worthington PEACH CROSTATA, a free-form tart, is easy as pie and a crowd-pleaser January 16, 2013 Obama administration caught off-guard by Egypt prez's views on Jews, Israel George Friedman of Stratfor: Avoiding the Wars That Never End Fred Weir: 'Red October' malware found snooping on Russian state networks Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D.: 3 healthy reasons to cook with cast iron Jerry Brewer, M.D.: Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Treatment for varicose veins G. Jeffrey MacDonald: Is that online review a fake? Tech world crawling into the crib The Kosher Gourmet by Kathryn Hill: Delectable, and deceptively simple, chicken and artichokes in wine sauce January 14, 2013 Mark Clayton: Cyber Security Awakening in 2013: How vulnerable to attack is US now? Jeffrey Fleishman and Reem Abdellatif: Egyptian court orders new trial for Mubarak Insulin study could see end to needles: researchers Sharon Palmer, R.D. : Fiber for digestive health is just the start Harvard Health Letters: Pain relief without drugs or surgery Jonathan Zimmerman: US colleges need affirmative action for conservative professors Mary Shanklin Condo tower to track DNA in crackdown on wayward pet feces The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Durand: Faith Durand January 11, 2013 Jonathan Rosenblum: The Religious Mindset David G. Savage: Obama advisor who had decried 'war on terror' now defends drones Schoolgirl loses ID locator chip battle Harvard Health Letters: How sleep loss destroys your health Hara Estroff Marano: The vanishing mineral: The more essential magnesium proves for well-being, the harder it is to consume enough Fred Weir: Does Depardieu herald Russia as a new tax haven? Patrick Kevin Day Life on Mars? Dutch company to offer one-way trips to the Red Planet The Kosher Gourmet by Diane Rossen Worthington: Whole grain salads: Healthy eating was never so delicious January 9, 2013 John Rosemond: Children need courage, not self-confidence Jonathan Tobin: Hagel Backers Trying to Redefine Pro-Israel Nat Hentoff: More of our doctors are losing independence Kimberly Lankford: Know the rules for new health care investment surtax Michael Doyle: Supreme Court weighs case of disabled child, medical malpractice award Harvard Health Letters: Surviving cancer: What happens next? 7 year-old murdered by Muslim mathematician mom The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Durand: How To Make a Better Side Salad January 7, 2013 Abbas reveals strategy of forcing acceptance of make-believe state as legit, America and Obama be damned Matea Gold: GOPers to defend Israel from one of their own Ancient Afghan papers shed light on Jewish life Hitler statue unveiled in Warsaw ghetto Brierly Wright, M.S., R.D.: The pros and cons of 4 trendy diets R. Houston Thompson, M.D.: Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Don't ignore early, noticeable signs of testicular cancer Cat brings daily gifts to late master's tomb The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: The famed chef's ITALIAN TWIST ON CHEESECAKE is simply tantalizing January 4, 2013 Rabbis Abraham Cooper and Yitzchok Adlerstein: The Divine is for all people, religious or not Jonathan Tobin: Sotomayor's Blow to Religious Liberty Clifford D. May: Beyond 'Toxic Nationalism' David Lightman: Sen. Joe Lieberman made history but retired without a party Carol Rosenberg: Obama signs defense bill, but denounces the Guantanamo prison it pays for Ken Dilanian and Steven Zeitchik: 'Zero Dark Thirty's' torture implication prompts Senate inquiry Scott Powers: NASA is quietly holding a going-out-of-business sale The Kosher Gourmet: This BAKED CUSTARD is surprisingly light, smooth, and its flavor --- subtly sweet January 2, 2013 Andrew Silow-Carroll: But is it good for the chews? Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: Where do Republicans and Democrats stand on threats? Kathleen Hennessey and David Lauter: Obama 'fiscal cliff' Victory? Not exactly Larry Gordon: New college application questions encourage creative thinking Howard LeWine, M.D. : Ask the Harvard Experts: On herbal therapy and successful healing Dawn Davis, M.D.: Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Hemangiomas Dried squash holds headless French king's blood The Kosher Gourmet: 7 principles for making better soup in a slow cooker December 31, 2012 Jina Moore: Progress watch: 2012 wasn't as bad as many think 15 Christians die in gruesome murders after Islamic rampage Jeff Jacoby: Kerry's 'realism' slips into callousness Frances Robles: Parents on both sides of Zimmerman case cope with aftermath of Sanford saga Howard LeWine, M.D. : Ask the Harvard Experts: No longer be intimidated. You can save a life! Lindsay Wise: New rule puts cloak of privacy on children's apps Is that ME in a 450-year-old painting? The Kosher Gourmet: A sweet ending to the year: Chocolate-Peppermint Shortbread December 28, 2012 Jonathan Rosenblum: Becoming glory conscious --- of Him, not us Abbas: If no peace talks, I'll disband Palestinian Authority and give Israel the West Bank It's Muslim v. Muslim in Mali Kimberly Lankford: Can you keep health coverage when changing jobs? Sharon Palmer, R.D. : Go nuts for health! Marc Garnick, M.D.: The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Stopping prostate medicine South Africa prez says country facing new race problem: Blacks acting 'too white': The Kosher Gourmet: Dense, rich oatmeal cake that might be too good to share December 26, 2012 Rabbis Abraham Cooper and Yitzchok Adlerstein and Rev. John Huffman: The Most Persecuted Religion Human Rights Watch: Israelis are human; deserve rights 'Lost tribe' members migrate from India to Israel Chris Gaylord: How to 'tether' your PC to your phone Susan B. Garland: Health care premiums could drop for older adults Alan Yu: Food without fear Harvard Health Letters: Quench the fire: Stomach-soothing steps for heartburn 'Irresistible' Iowa woman fired for being too-sexy The Kosher Gourmeti: High-heat roasting gives unique flavor to a colorful side dish December 24, 2012 Fredrick Nzwili: Kenyan Christians fear former brethren are attacking churches Maura Dolan: Legal hold put on gay conversion ban Romney didn't want to run for president, son says Scott Dance: 14 years after amputation, woman gets new arm without operation Harvard Health Letters: How not to cure a cold China researchers link obesity to bacteria Obama asked to retaliate over Russia adoption ban Moolah from heaven? Cheques found at Western Wall The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Ciambella, a simple, delectable cake fit for a holiday table December 21, 2012 Rabbi Avi Shafran: My accidental epiphany Suzanne Fields: Illumination From Medieval Manuscripts Clifford D. May: Jews in the Judean Desert? Paul Greenberg: Let Your People go! Maura Dolan: Boy Scouts win case against gays, agnostics Woman to wed twin sister's convicted killer Earthlings head to nearest bunker, or bar, at 'world's end' The Kosher Gourmet : A hearty winter soup with layers of flavors December 19, 2012 Justin Salhani: Can a dying language revive Lebanon's Christian population? Fred Weir: Moscow joins choir of those using Newtown shooting to push agendas Boy, 11, brings gun to class after massacre Five women shot dead in Pakistan for fighting polio Thomas Boyce, M.D., and W. 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Shafier: Resolved: How to grasp the incomprehensible Wesley Pruden: Another low bow to radical Islam Warren Richey: European court holding American allies liable for role in CIA operation Mark Clayton: 'Project Blitzkrieg': Are Russian cybercriminals about to invade US banks? Holly Pevzner: 10 ways to reduce inflammation Lori Zanteson: The best healthy 100-calorie snacks Moon phases and stag's bladders: Wacky wine-making The Kosher Gourmet : A sweet sweet potato treat December 12, 2012 Reva Bhalla of StratFor: The Israeli Periphery How to stop a revolution Jewish ritual fueled by Muslim manufacturers? Warren Richey How Ernest Hemingway's cats became a federal case Sharon Palmer, R.D. : Green tea is popular. Should it be? 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A GLIMPSE OF TRUTH: Why we have dreams and what they really mean New company aims to send humans back to the moon Germany moves closer to ban on neo-Nazi party Greek schools 'fertile ground for neo-Nazis' 10 Medicare must-knows Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D. : Rise and shine: The best breakfast foods for weight loss Michael Hogan, M.D.: Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Resistant hypertension has several possible causes Tortoiseshell craftsmen adapt to new century The Kosher Gourmet CHICKPEA CASSEROLE WITH LEMON, HERBS AND SHALLOTS has fresh flavors, lighter dairy and -- the best part -- no pasta December 5, 2012 Patrick McGreevy: Fate of ban on gay-conversion therapy is uncertain Richard. Z. Chesnoff: How the Palestinians got here Fred Weir: Vladimir Putin 2.0: A harder, eastward-looking presidency Kiplinger's Retirement Report: 10 Medicare must-knows Sharon Palmer, R.D.: Aaahhh!: The best thirst-quenching drinks Breath test points to colorectal cancer Urban sparrows find new use for cigarette butts The Kosher Gourmet Red Chili-Spiked Chocolate Mousse is a combination of flavors that's complex and memorable December 3, 2012 Mark Magnier: In crisis, Israel keeps a shtick upper lip Nigeria Islamists slaughter 10 Christians in north Following 'Palestinian' move at U.N., Israel reclaims $209.7 million it was stiffed . . . Kimberly Lankford: The Best Resource for Comparing Medicare Plans Andre Terzic, M.D., Ph.D.: Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Regenerative medicine poised to revolutionize disease management Supreme Court to rule if companies can patent genes Renee Schoof: Want a better idea of college costs? Schools, Congress are trying to help The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen NORWEGIAN POTATO LEFSE is a thin and soft flatbread that's more substantial than a crepe but more delicate than a flour tortilla November 30, 2012 Rabbi Berel Wein: The survival of society Jonathan Tobin: What the upgrading of the 'Palestinians' status at the UN is really about 'A little paranoia' keeps US vigilant: FBI official Kimberly Lankford: How to get a better deal on a medigap policy Jill Weisenberger, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.: How dairy products play a key role in many aspect of overall good health Robert Shmerling, M.D. : Ask the Harvard Experts: Something to cry about US Senate panel passes email privacy measure The Kosher Gourmet by Mollie Katzen RICOTTA-BERRY CREPES make for a de-light-ful brunch November 28, 2012 Jonathan Rosenblum: Beware the Goodists Paul Greenberg: The land of pharaohs: The more Egypt changes ... Mark Guarino: Can people record police officers? 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Glick: The trap that Ariel Sharon built Jeffrey Fleishman and Reem Abdellatif : Egyptian president called 'new pharaoh' after startling power grab David Lightman: Behind the scenes, some budget cuts may not be that hard Jon Ebbert, M.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Eliminating these four white foods may make it easier to eat less, lose weight Harvard Health Letter: Hearing loss: Millions may be suffering needlessly 1.3 million overdiagnosed for breast cancer in US: study Whale worship a way of life for Vietnam fishermen The Kosher Gourmet By Chef Mario Batali Walnut Sbrisolona with Blackberries, a crumbly confection from Lombardy with an American touch November 21, 2012 Steven Emerson:: Little Lives and Big Lies Hannah Allam: US approach to Gaza-Israel talks shows new reluctance to referee Mideast conflicts Hara Estroff Marano: Brace yourself: The high art of handling problem people Ban 'killer robots,' rights group urges Bonnie Miller Rubin: Parents hire own researchers to tackle rare, fatal disease Nicci Micco, M.S., and Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D: 7 simple ways to detox your diet and your home New law to ban India's 'untouchable' toilet cleaners The Kosher Gourmet By Diane Rossen Worthington Smashed Cherries with Amaretti and Ricotta is simple dessert with a sophisticated taste November 19, 2012 Paul Greenberg:: The gathering storm Steven Emerson: SURPRISE, SURPRISE! 'Mainstream' Muslim groups back Hamas in latest Mideast mayhem Kristen Chick & Ahmed Aldabba: Did Egypt inadvertenly aid Israel before the war in Gaza broke out? McCain suggests Bill Clinton as Gaza truce negotiator Israel facing 'millions' of cyber-attacks over Gaza Todd Miller, M.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: For many, treadmill stress test is a thing of the past Thousands more anti-homosexual marriage protesters fill France streets, this time in Paris Kimberly Lankford Make the most of health insurance changes for 2013 Lisa D'Agrosa, R.D.: A buyer's guide to natural sweeteners The Kosher Gourmet By Joseph Erdos:SPAGHETTI SQUASH SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND HAZELNUTS

Jewish World Review Ciambella, a simple, delectable cake fit for a holiday table By Mario Batali JewishWorldReview.com | A ciambella is a simple ring-shaped bread made of egg, shortening and sugar -- basically, an Italian Bundt cake. Ciambelle are often served as an afternoon snack at a bar or caffe. They can be dressed with glazes, syrups or berry compote. This decadent winter version is inspired by Emilia-Romagna. The fresh chestnuts and chestnut flour bring a smoky flavor and smell that reeks of the Apennines outside of Bologna. For a decidedly Italian flavor, I soak the currants in grappa, a traditional peasant liqueur. Made from the scraps of what's used to make wine -- the skins, seeds, and stems -- grappa is fermented and distilled. Now thought by many to be an elegant after-dinner drink, grappa comes from humble beginnings. WE FEED YOUR SOUL, INTELLECT --- AND STOMACH Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". HUNDREDS of columnists and cartoonists regularly appear. Sign up for the daily update. It's free. Just click here. This moist and delicious cake has an almost pudding-meets-a-cloud-in-heaven texture, thanks to the chestnut flour and the shredded raw apple. The cloves add a holiday flavor. I'll be with my family in Michigan. Rest assured, our table will be replete with ciambella. CHESTNUT-APPLE CIAMBELLA Recipe courtesy of "Molto Batali" (ecco, 2011) Serves: 8 to 10 Cake: 1/2 cup dried currants 1/2 cup grappa 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups cake flour 1/2 cup chestnut flour 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 6 eggs, separated, at room temperature 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup chopped fresh chestnuts (see note) 2 Rome apples (or any soft tart cooking apple), peeled, seeded and shredded (1 1/2 cups) 2 cups confectioners' sugar 4 teaspoons light corn syrup, or more if needed 1 cup mascarpone, at room temperature Place the currants in a small bowl, add the grappa, and set aside to soak for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly butter and flour a Bundt pan. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cake flour, chestnut flour, cloves, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix until well blended. Add the egg yolks, oil and buttermilk, and, using an electric mixer, beat until smooth. Drain the currants, reserving the soaking grappa. Fold the currants, chestnuts and apples into the batter. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold the egg whites into the batter, and then pour the batter into the Bundt pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool for 10 minutes. Then invert the cake onto a plate. In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners' sugar, 4 teaspoons of the reserved soaking grappa and the corn syrup until smooth and glossy. (If it is too thick to spread, add another teaspoon of corn syrup.) Pour the icing over the peak of the cake all around the ring, and allow it to set for 10 minutes. Drink a shot of the remaining grappa in the kitchen before serving the cake with a bowl of the mascarpone on the side. Note: Pre-cooked chestnuts would work; or roast or steam fresh whole walnuts and then peel before preparing the ciambella. Interested in a private Judaic studies instructor — for free? Let us know by clicking here. Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here. To comment, please click here. © 2012, MARIO BATALI. Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.