Feasting: A New Take on Jewish Cooking

Many Jewish families continue the tradition of gathering to share a meal on Friday nights, but a new generation is changing the approach to traditional food. At the same time, the rest of the world is discovering the joys of Jewish cooking.

In Feasting, Amanda Ruben brings together her fresh takes on classic recipes, along with popular favourites from her contemporary cafe and deli, and her own busy family home.

Carrot salad with miso tahini, Middle Eastern fruit salad with cashew cream, and the best pastrami you may ever taste - these are simple, delicious and (surprisingly) healthy dishes for any lunch, dinner party or holiday celebration. When Jewish heritage meets global culinary influences, every meal is sure to be a true feast.

Amanda Ruben is the founder and owner of Miss Ruben, a New York-inspired deli and cafe in suburban Ripponlea Village, in the heart of Melbourne's Jewish community. The daughter of Jewish parents and a journalist by trade, Amanda grew up in the various kitchens of her entrepreneurial mother, Tamara, who ran a series of food businesses in Melbourne. After switching careers, Amanda opened two food stores in partnership with her mum. The two Cooper & Milla's stores - named after Amanda's two children - offered amazing salads, cakes and simple food based around the best seasonal produce. Miss Ruben has continued the theme, with a greater emphasis on catering and take-home food that subtly pays homage to the Jewish heritage of the area.