Shavuot is my friend (but maybe not my wardrobe's)

We all have our duties here in our far-off outpost of Judaism, and mine really seem to be about culinary delights. (Certainly not about librarianship or research or mikvah inspection!). Not only am I gearing up for another Japanese Wives cooking class (post-Shavuot, but still Shavuot themed), the Rabbi has asked me once again to prepare a "little something" to show the conversion class about Shavuot. But this time it's actually for the entire crowd showing up for Tikkun Leyl Shavu'ot after Ma'ariv. Oy, all that butter and cream!

Actually, I'm not too worried. Sadly, our congregation is not incredibly participatory during general Shabbats or the "other holidays." Rosh Hashana? Packed to the rafters. Simchat Torah? Barely enough for a minyan, let alone folks to dance with the torahs. I will admit a painful homesickness at that time especially after viewing my old synagogue's videos of Simchat Torah celebrations. And I have met and broken challah with some very interesting folks during many Shabbats, but they've been almost entirely visitors.

But we make do to celebrate with those we love and those who are here to share in it. You can't guilt anyone into attending, even if we are all Jewish.

But back to the menu. Our rabbinical kitchenette is milchig, so, of all holidays, Shavuot should be easy. I was planning on my famous buttermilk custard pies (with matzoh meal crust) that went over well on Thanksgiving. But the Rabbi had other plans. It seems he wanted that banana bread as it was so "easy" to make. Riiiiight. I was already picturing the few Shavuot guests being served a plate of crumbs while the Rabbi belched, but we did have an awful lot of bananas. I decided to dairy it up by making some home made cinnamon-cardamom ice cream. Easy! Kosher! Milchig! 

Except in Japan. Of course.

It turns out much of the cream sold here is not pure dairy product. It includes a variety of additives, some of which may even fall into the fleischig category. Yummmm...porky cream sauce! Even some milk is not very pure. But I did know the brands of milk that were 100% "miruku", so a somewhat healthier ice cream we will have!

The Rabbi asked me to make enough for everyone, but I have a sneaking suspicion that we'll be eating dessert leftovers until we pop. And I'm already losing my runner "phyzeek."

The buttermilk tart will be shown to the cooking class, along with some cheese pancakes. We had a request for a cheesy-chicken, but there's no way I can explain that one to the Rabbi!

I think I better start running in place as I cook....