I have an upfront disclaimer about this kugel: I have no idea what kugel tastes like.
All I know about kugel is this: I saw Ina Garten make it on the Food Network one day, and I wanted to eat it. Kugel is a Jewish casserole that can be sweet or savory, typically made with egg noodles and eggs. Ina made a sweet kugel, full of cheese and sugar. I will take any opportunity I can get to mix a little sweet into dinner, so the idea of a sweet kugel casserole holds a huge appeal for me. Both cheese and sugar for dinner? I think that gets a hell yes. This is my extent of knowledge and forethought about this dish.
I took a general inspiration from my vague memories of Ina’s television segment, figuring out this combination by trial and error. A kugel typically uses egg noodles, and while you can too, I am just not a huge fan. I much prefer a chewier pasta or grain. This time I used barley as my base and loved it. Barley adds extra chewiness and nuttiness to the casserole that I love. For the sweetness I included apples and currants, two of my favorites. With a dash of almond extract, this is a great savory but sweet casserole. While I am not 100% certain this kugel is completely authentic, I can vouch for its tastiness. And it’s a perfect winter dish: a warm casserole, with a little sweetness.
PS: 25 days until the big day, 1 weeks until my vacation starts! I am so looking forward to enjoying this long break with lots of holiday cheer. Mom better get her shopping shoes and elastic pants on.
You really sold that dish! I've got shopping shoes but I am years away from elastic pants!Mom