Carol's Comfort Kugel

I have a handful of Jewish women who have become like sisters to me this past year. Ranging from the radical to the wise, all of them older than me,  they were disparate friends before and this year somehow became all connected together delightfully so. They are my mentors and friends, each passionately engaged in their lives through volunteerism, healing professsions, or creativity. Recently, we got together at one of their desert properties that doubles as an organic farm for a potluck. Glasses of wine, laughter and thoughtful conversation peppered the dinner of fresh sauteed greens and moist roasted chicken but the icing on the evening came in the form of my friend Carol's Noodle Kugel.

Being an honorary Jew, I've always felt a soothing sense of comfort in the distinctive foods that mark the Jewish culture and traditions. Instead of chicken noodle soup, I find myself eating matzoh ball soup when sick and oftentimes dream of things like blintzes for breakfast when feeling in need of emotional nurturing. Kugel is one of those dishes that has always mystified me: the idea of mixing cooked noodles with sweet or savory ingredients and serving it casserole style has always seemed a bit odd and exotic. It is said that eating kugel gives one a sense of spiritual fulfillment and after trying my first one, I would have to agree. There is something extremely nurturing about the rich taste of noodles dotted with creaminess and spiked with cinnamon milkiness and raisins; each biteful so sweet and satisfying that it lingers in the mouth and produces a perpetual craving for more.

Carol's version below is highly addicting. It's the kind of thing you want to make in large batches as it makes the best leftover breakfast for days to come.

Carol's Comfort Kugel

Soak one cup of golden raisins in brandy overnight

Heat oven to 350

In a bowl mix

one container of Sour Cream 2 cups

Four eggs

1/2 cup sugar

Cinnamon mixed in with the sugar per taste

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon of vanilla

Combine all ingredients together with a spatula

until creamy

Cook one package 8 oz. of egg noodles

Drain completely

Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan

pour into a baking dish.  Add noodles and smooth out.  Put mixture evenly over the top.  Add raisins and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar over the top.

Bake at 375 for 50 minutes until golden on the top.  It is delish.