Jeannette Shawl’s Tortilla de Matzoh

I met Jeannette Shawl in Lawrence, Kansas, at the Lawrence Jewish Community Center. Our kids were playmates and we saw each other often. She is a beautiful person and a great friend. I still remember her making an “emergency house call,” coming over with her espresso machine and some homemade cookies when I was having a bad day. Jeannette has always been an amazing cook, known to put a “fusion” spin on traditional Jewish dishes. Here is her original recipe for “Tortilla de Matzoh.” Jeanette says, “This is not an exact recipe. Allow for intuitive mixing and cooking.” Always good advice. . .

Wet three matzohs; crumble; add a bit more water if some of the matzoh looks dry. Mix in 2 large eggs. Add cinnamon and a scant tablespoon sugar. Keep hand mixing and mashing. Add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of orange juice, water, or milk. Heat a 10″ skillet with neutral oil or olive oil. Pour in the egg and matzoh mixture; spread and flatten to edges. Fry on medium heat till the underside is nicely browned and holds together. Flip the tortilla and brown on the second side. You may serve this as you would a pancake. Jeanette says, “I like a little butter, a drizzle of mesquite honey, and berries if you wish.”

Recipe and photo by Jeanette Shawl.

Introduction by Randa Dubnick.

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