Chapter 2, Mom's Family

Let me please introduce you to Mom's family.

First, there is Nono - Grandpa. His name is Victor Haim Krihef, but we all call him Nono. You know, my middle name is after him, my first name is after my other grandfather who died many years ago. Anyway, Nono is married toMeme July - Grandma. Their oldest son is Uncle Albert, a very serious man. His skin is the whitest of our whole family. He is married to Aunt Dolly, a tall pretty, blond, she is taller than Uncle Albert. I think it makes him a little insecure and often jealous. They have two children, pretty Yehudit who is two years older than me, and disagreeable Haim who is one year younger than me.

The next in line is Aunt Marie. She is the one that calls me “Young Boy” all the time. I never felt comfortable around her. Lime Meme July she was always yelling orders around to all the kids. She is married to handsome Uncle Mirro. They always fight every time we came to visit, we would catch them argue about one thing or another. They have two children, three years older than me, Vivi – short for Victor after Nono and pretty Ines. Then comes Uncle Robert. I like Uncle Robert. He is tall and handsome, with red hair.

Uncle Robert is about to join the army. He has a motorcycle and all kind of animals: chickens, pigeons, ducks, a goat, and a big black dog, Jimbo.

Art by Sarah Tibi

Mom comes next in line. Somehow, she became the sister who took care of everyone. She helped cleaning the house and cooked for everyone. I am not sure how are they doing without her now – her being my mom now and not at Meme's house.

Uncle David is one year younger than Mom. He is her favorite brother. In fact, I think he is everyone’s favorite. Now he is just finishing high school at the agricultural school in “Bait Shemesh”. He is a shepherd, and he plays the recorder just like King David.

Beautiful Aunt Rachael comes after Uncle David, she is always in a good mood. She likes to dance and sing. I remember having lots of fun watching her dancing with Dad. They are good partners, many times I hoped mom was dancing like her.

 The youngest one is Uncle Morris, or Uncle Moshe. That's what he wants to be called. Still in high school with a very happy manner. Meme lost three other kids in childbirth or from a sickness in Tunisia.  Uncle Moshe has a lot of nice things, like a guitar and a Darbuka.  But I'm not allowed to touch them. Nobody is allowed to touch his things. 

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Eggplant Salad

There is something about fried food that almost all of us love. This dish is based on deep fried eggplant with a lot of added flavors from the healthy side of the food groups 
 This dish is a popular Iraqi light salad. It could be served on a plate or spread on top of a toast. It is a little spicy and could be even more if you add cayenne pepper.  

Ingredients:

1 Eggplant

1 Onion 

3 Cloves of Garlic 

1 tsp of Crushed Ginger 

½ Cup of Chopped Cilantro

¼ Cup of Lemon Juice

½ tsp Salt

1 tsp of Chopped Jalapeno

2 TBSP Apple Vinegar 

3 TBSP Olive Oil

1 TBSP Kosher Salt (for marinating)

 

Preparation:

   Cut the eggplant to 1' squares and let it sit in kosher salt overnight.

Drain the water and deep fry the eggplant until golden brown and soft. Sauté the onion in olive oil until it gets lightly caramelized. Throw in the frying pan the crushed garlic and ginger, keep on low fire for 5 more minutes. Let it cool, mix all and serve cold.

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