Feasting in Rome's Jewish Kitchen, A Cooking Demo with Author Leah Koenig

Join author Leah Koenig for a cooking demonstration in support of her latest cookbook, PORTICO: Cooking and Feasting in Rome's Jewish Kitchen (W.W. Norton, 2023). Leah will share the fascinating story behind Rome's historic Jewish community (which dates back over 2,000 years and remains vibrant today!) and its uniquely beguiling cuisine filled with simple-but-elegant vegetable dishes, saucy braised meats, delicious desserts, and an obsession with olive oil-fried foods. 

Please note that this is not a hands-on class but a demonstration, so sit back, relax, and enjoy as Leah makes for us three classic Jewish dishes from her cookbook, including Semolina Gnocchi Gratin (Gnocchi alla Romana), Sauteed Spinach with Pine Nuts and Raisins (Spinaci con Pinoli e Passerine), and Chocolate and Almond Cake (Torta di Mandorle e Cioccolata). 

We’ll have tastings of Leah’s prepared dishes throughout the evening, followed by a book signing, as her cookbook will be available for purchase. 

You'll leave the BAKE! demonstration with not only satisfied tastebuds, but also Leah’s three cookbook recipes to make at home and, hopefully, a signed cookbook.

Meet the Instructor

Leah Koenig is the author of seven cookbooks including the acclaimed The Jewish Cookbook (Phaidon Book, 2019) and Modern Jewish Cooking: Recipes & Customs for Today's Kitchen (Chronicle Books, 2015). Her newest cookbook, PORTICO: Cooking and Feasting in Rome's Jewish Kitchen is published by W.W. Norton and was just released on August 29, 2023.

Leah's writing and recipes can be found in The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Epicurious, and Food52, among other publications. She also writes a weekly newsletter, The Jewish Table,which shares recipes and stories from the world of Jewish food.