Today marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Ten years ago today, I was working for an antique silver company in New York City that was located on 45th street between 5th & 6th Avenues. I was never late for work, but as luck would have it, I just couldn’t seem to get myself out of bed that morning. I turned on the TV and watched in horror as people jumped to their deaths from the soaring towers, seeing them crumble before my eyes. I vividly remember Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerland, in complete and total shock, crying and broken over the incalculable loss of his entire company, including his brother, who had gone “missing.” I was at a complete loss as I sat transfixed to the screen, watching as the news anchors struggled to gain their composure enough to get through a sentence. I thanked Hashem over and over that I did not go to work on that day. The next morning, and many after that, New York City was a somber place. There were notes plastered in the windows of store after store – MISSING posters of those lost on 9-11, never to be found, but never to be forgotten. As a born and bred New Yorker, and a victim of terror, 9-11 holds a special place in my heart. It is truly an emotional day, one of both reflection and hope. America has changed as a country, and we too, as a people. We have survived, and we will continue to persevere in the face of evil. Today, I am proud to be a {Jewish} American.
And now, back to our reguar programming…food :) Deli roll is a Shabbos staple in many jewish homes, including mine. I like to make it with turkey, pastrami, brown sugar and spicy mustard. While delicious, you have to admit, it’s not exactly figure-friendly. This easy alternative is rich in protein and big on taste. You can also add roasted asparagus, peppers, spinach, sundried tomatoes or other veggies for more color and texture.
Chicken Pastrami Roulade
Chicken breasts, trimmed thin
Sliced pastrami
1/4 cup honey
1/8 cup mustard
corn flake crumbs
paprika
garlic powder
salt
pepper
Method:
Clean chicken breasts and trim off fat. If needed, pound with a mallet to flatten until thin. Mix honey and mustard and brush over cutlets. Top with a slice of pastrami and roll tightly. Secure with a toothpick, if needed. Place the chicken into a greased baking dish seam side down and brush with more honey-mustard. Sprinkle with corn flake crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Spray with cooking spray and bake, uncovered, at 375 for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
VARIATION: Spread defrosted kishke on top of the pastrami and continue as above. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
What a lovely recipe. I’m bookmarking this for my girls to try soon.
Thanks for sharing that personal story about 9/11. Wow.
Totally making this when i get back to ny! this looks like it would be great served cold too.
Will it work with smoked turkey breast too?
I don’t see why not.
Do these freeze well?
HI Nechama, I haven’t tried freezing them so I couldn’t say for sure.
I was simply looking for a recipe for chicken breasts. The bonus was your 9/11 story, and a reminder that all is in His hands. Thanks.
Recipe looks good; I’ll try it.
Thanks Leslie! Thanks for taking the time to read it. It’s such an important part of our history.