Baltimore – Talmudical Academy Tea

On Sunday January 23rd the Talmudical Academy held its bi-annual tea in Baltimore. Our very own Jamie Geller was invited to speak and to give a cooking demonstration. She spoke beautifully and had the audience laughing really hard – and she made cooking look so easy – quick and kosher, for sure!! Over five hundred women turned out for this event, that was spectacularly organized and beautifully presented by Nusy Lefkowitz and Chumi Spero – a dynamic mother-daughter duo. Jamie and I were blown away by the wonderful hospitality shown to us by the women of the Baltimore community. Such lovely generous ladies. The décor at the hotel where the tea was held was stunning – the tables were set with lilac and mauve tablecloths, there was colored glassware to enhance the jewel-toned vibe. It was the perfect backdrop to the array of delectable delicacies that were spread out before all. There were salads of all types, fresh sushi, lots of different types of pastries and cakes, and a key lime pie that was out of this world! There was a table just for salmon – with the pièce de résistance being a beautiful braided salmon. Out of this world! The Baltimore ladies had spent hours cooking and baking, chopping and stirring, pouring their energy into preparing such yummy treats for our taste buds! We were treated to demonstrations of challah braiding and cupcake decorating, sushi rolling and babka making. The ladies were all thrilled to meet Jamie and have her sign their copies of Quick and Kosher Recipes From The Bride Who Knew Nothing and Quick and Kosher Meals in Minutes. Everyone had a chance to eat and schmooze, and then everyone took their seats to listen to Jamie’s inspirational story. There was a wonderful introduction by Nusy Lefkowitz, some Tehillim were recited by Rebbetzin Bracha Goldberger– and then it was over to Jamie. Jamie served up a speech about her journey to observance, sprinkled in plenty of amusing anecdotes, with some sides of one-line zingers that had the audience laughing repeatedly. She had us feeling like we had been on that odyssey with her. Jamie called up some volunteers to cook with her on the stage – and they had so much fun following her instructions. Jamie showed the audience how to make her Creamy Spinach Fettuccine, Avocado Seared Tuna Steak Salad, Mexican Quesadillas and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mousse Pie – and everyone had the opportunity to taste a little of every dish that was cooked up. This was such a beautiful evening – we were so thrilled to have been a part of it. If you would like to see more photographs from this spectacular event, please go check out the pictures on our Facebook page. Click HERE to watch the video from the event.