My superhero talent is that I could look in your cupboard and whip up dinner for four people without breaking a sweat.

Judy Daniel, Content Program Manager, Web Services, UCSF IT

Judy's Table

As a Content Program Manager within Web Services for UCSF IT, Judy Daniel helps with large, strategic web initiatives, such as the newly redesigned IT and HR websites and University-wide client sites across schools and departments. She’s also obsessive about food and her local farmers’ market. “I've been shopping at the Alemany farmers’ market since we moved into the Bernal Heights neighborhood 22 years ago. I know most of my vendors by name and buy and eat what's in season,” Judy shares. “Tangerines just came in, pears and apples are in abundance, and all the hearty greens. Tomatoes and berries are making a valiant last stand, but really, it's time to pass them by.” We talked with her about her love of food and how it’s celebrated in her Jewish culture.

Tell us about your relationship with food.

My sister and I are both “play-with-food” people. My sister is strictly a baker and I’m more of a cook, but bake regularly. Playing with food is a creative expression for me. My superhero talent is that I could look in your cupboard and whip up dinner for four people without breaking a sweat. I delight in sharing meals with people. When I plan a menu, shop for food, cook a meal and share it with people I care about, it’s very meaningful.

How does food intersect with your Jewish culture?

The Jewish culture, like many others, is food-centric. Every week, we have Shabbat challah. There are special foods for certain holidays, like apples and honey and honey cake for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, where it’s traditional to dip apples in honey to symbolize the hope for a sweet year ahead. For Purim, you’ll find Hamantaschen, three-cornered, sweet-filling cookies commonly viewed as a reference to Haman, the villain of Purim. The pastries symbolize the defeated enemy of the Jewish people. For Chanukah, we like potato latke and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). Fried foods are prepared and eaten throughout the holiday to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah: oil that kept the menorah (candelabra lamp) lit for eight days instead of the one day it was supposed to last.

Our family potato latke recipe is (like many family recipes) a mix of different recipes shared and handed down, so I make them by feel and memory. However, the Kitchn's latke recipe is a solid go-to. Germans eat their pancakes with applesauce, while the Eastern Europeans top them with sour cream. My family is from both places, so I like mine with both.

Favorite cookie jar treat?

Chocolate chocolate chip cookie