Schnitzel Standoff

Illustrations by Esti Saposh

Chananya: I love being creative in the kitchen and helping my mother cook and serve for Shabbos. When I heard about this cooking competition, I was so excited to join. I knew that I can create something interesting and delicious. I was also a bit nervous because my sister Ruchama, who I’m facing off against, is a fantastic cook and baker. I decided to use ingredients that I love and to add a bit of spunk with mushrooms and a dipping sauce.

The first thing we did was shop for ingredients. I wasn’t sure about what I wanted to make. Originally, I was thinking of schnitzel salad, but then I realized I wouldn’t have time. So I made the mushrooms into a topping instead. My mother’s kitchen is big enough, but we struggled with two frying pans on one stove. We each wanted the biggest flame, so we switched in the middle.

The timing was tight, and we got the schnitzel ready by the skin of our teeth! Both our dishes came out delicious, and our family had a yummy supper that night. We were left with great memories and a big mess to clean up. It was definitely worth it though!

Ruchama: When my brother Chananya asked me to be his partner in a cooking competition, I agreed right away. I love cooking, baking, and entertaining guests, so I was up for the challenge. I used ingredients we have at home that I know and love. Time was a bit of an issue as we both raced the clock to get our schnitzel done on the same stovetop. There was a lot of wholesome family fun, and we all sat down to a delicious dinner together!