Ah, Rugelach

rugelakh, rugulach, rugalach, ruggalach, roggelach, rogelach (all plural),
rugalah, rugulah, rugala, roogala (singular)

The spelling variants are understandable, speaking of the many linguistic groups that adopted this treat for understandable reasons. But why anyone would need the singular is beyond understanding: I mean, can anyone eat just one?

Ah, rugelach. Pastry rolled up with good things.

The different fillings can include raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, chocolate,
marzipan, poppy seed, or fruit preserves which are rolled up inside.

Marzipan? The universe has been holding out on me: I’m pretty sure I’ve had all the other fillings. Something to add to my bucket list, I guess.

It is very popular in Israel, commonly found in most cafes and bakeries.
It is also a popular treat among Jews in diaspora.

Ah, rugelach. Introduced to it decades ago in Edmonton by a Russian Jew in diaspora, I have only otherwise seen it in a Jewish deli in Scottsdale. But now (by chance? by destiny?), I find that there is a source within a day’s drive of Ottawa: in Allentown PA. And although it’s good to know what watershed I’m in, and interesting to know how I fit into the timeline of the Space Age, it’s downright important to know where the closest rugelach is. I mean, is there an app for that? If not, let me start one.

Thank goodness they just closed the factories, not the bakeries. Allentown, here I come.

What is the purpose of your trip?

On second thought, maybe I don’t want to cross the Canada/US border just for rugelach. It occurs to me that my record with border agents isn’t great, even though I go for full disclosure.

But then I realize that Allentown’s source for rugelach, the Kiffle Kitchen Bakery, ships. Yes, the very Kiffle Kitchen Bakery that is The World’s Largest Producer of Authentic Hand-Rolled Kiffles. And I realize, too, that I have never before heard of a kiffle: their namesake, their specialty, their featured item that apparently eclipses even rugelach.

Nor have I sampled a kiffle. Yet.

Ah, life is good. Some days, as good as rugelach.

 

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10 Responses to Ah, Rugelach

  1. Kate says:

    Hilarious!
    Maybe you’ll come upon some on saltspring Island, of the hand rolled variety 🙂

  2. Kate says:

    Ps – you must try chocolate babka

  3. Tom Watson says:

    Isabel
    It’s possible I’ve had rugelach and didn’t know it. Sounds scrumptious, though.
    Tom

  4. Jim Robertson says:

    You could always combine it with a visit to Longwood Gardens https://longwoodgardens.org/

    • Isabel Gibson says:

      Jim – Oh my goodness – and the Festival of Fountains is on right now. Boy, there’s a lot of stuff to see . . .

  5. Hmmm. Something addictive? Definitely to watch for!

    • Isabel Gibson says:

      Laurna – Yes, like all fat/sugar combinations (with or without chocolate), they are insidious. Maybe better to watch *out* for. 🙂

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