Recipe - Knaidlach (Matzoh Balls)

3 Eggs
6 tablespoon Cold water
3 T; heaping, schmaltz,
(rendered chicken fat),
solidified
Salt Pinch of white pepper
2/3 cup Matzoh meal; (up to 3/4)
2 One half qt Water; (up to 3)

"Although matzoh balls were usually served in soup, we were always happy to
have leftovers, cooked and kept in the refrigerator, then cut or sliced up and fried
in butter the next morning for breakfast. The result is not unlike semolina
gnocchi."

Beat the eggs lightly with cold water. Add the chicken fat and stir until
the fat dissolves. Add One half teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper.

Gradually beat in the matzoh meal, 2 tablespoons at a time, proceeding
slowly as it thickens so you do not add too much. The mixture should be as
thick as light mashed potatoes, and just a little soft and spongy. Chill
for 5 to 7 hours.

Half an hour before serving time, bring 2One half to 3 quarts of water to a
boil. Add a handful of salt, as for pasta.

With wet hands, or two tablespoons dipped intermittently in cold water,
shape the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Drop gently into the
boiling water, cover the ot loosely, and let boil at a moderately brisk
pace for 25 minutes.

When one ball tests done (cut it open and see if it is light and cooked all
the way through), remove all carefully with a slotted spoon. Serve in hot
chicken soup.

To make fried matzoh balls, chill the cooked balls overnight. In the
morning, cut into slices between One fourth to One half inch thick and fry slowly in
hot butter or margarine, turning so both sides become golden brown and the
slices are thoroughly heated.

Note: For those who observe kosher dietary laws, it will be necessary
either to fry the prepared matzoh balls in chicken fat or margarine, or to
substitute melted and resolidified butter for the chicken fat when making
the matzoh balls. If the latter is done, they can then be fried in butter,
but they may not be used in chicken soup.

Source: "From My Mother's Kitchen," by Mimi Sheraton

Posted to BakeryShoppe Digest by "Peggy L. Makolondra"
pmakolon@mail.wiscnet.net on Feb 07, 1998