I never really met her. I mean, I did, though I was too young to remember. I don't remember being placed into her loving, open arms, her warm tears gently falling onto my fragile skin. I don't remember the words she whispered to me, though I would give anything to remember the sound of her voice. The voice of a true inspiration. She was the kind of woman that authors write best-selling, world renouned novels about. My Alter Bubbie (great-grandmother) was a survivor of the Holocaust. She, along with almost 7 million of my brothers and sisters were put through absolute hell. She was ripped from her home, stripped of her rights, starved, tortured, dehumanized, and experienced more horrible things than our privileged minds could ever fathom. 6 million did not survive, but she did. She married my Alter Zaydie (great-grandfather) and built a family. One way she was able to cope was to cook. My Alter Bubbie was constantly cooking, ensuring others ate at every possible opportunity. She would cook what my relatives would say was the most delicious food. Though most of her recipes were not passed on, a few were practically stapled into the family's DNA. One of these was Bubbies Fried Fish, which is made every year for the Jewish holiday of Passover. Bubbies Fried Fish is a perfect appetizer, the lightly fried fish is loved not only for its incredible taste, but the love packed into every bite. Whether you eat the food or not (I do not), the memory always finds a way to snake its way into your heart, leaving a warm feeling, one that is too special to be described in a few mousey words. Sitting around the Passover Seder table, the stories my relatives share with golden tears resting in their sparkling eyes make me feel as though she’s sitting right next to me, holding my hand. My Alter Bubbie and Zaydie went through one of the worst times in history. Although they are not here today, I take it personally upon myself to keep their memories alive, share their stories, and always be proud of who I am and where I came from. Am Israel Chai!

Ingredients:

• 8 filets of white fish (sole, haddock, etc), chopped into very small pieces
• 3 eggs 
• 3/4 cup matzoh meal 
• 2 teaspoons salt 
• Lemon pepper (to taste)
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder 
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 
• A couple of dashes of cayenne pepper (to taste)

 Tools:

• Large Bowl
• Sharp Knives
• 3-6 inch deep frying pan
• Measuring Spoons & Cups
• Spatula

Directions:

1. Preheat stove to 350°F (or 400°F, depending on the power of your stove) 
2. Place a frying pan (4-7 inches deep) with enough oil to fill the bottom onto the preheating stove, and keep onto the heat until brought to a boil
3. Prepare fish (chop into very small pieces) and place into a large bowl with all other ingredients
4. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are combined properly
5. Take small portions of the mix, roll it into a ball and then flatten, should be about 2.5 inches wide and half an inch thick
6. Place patties into oil and fry until golden brown, then flip, and fry on the other side until it is equally golden
7. Remove patties from the oil, and place onto a thick layer of paper towel to cool
8. Repeat steps 5-7 until all of the mix has been used
9. Eat fresh or store by placing patties in a container separated by paper towel in freezer, can be warmed in a 350°F oven until preferred temperature
10. Enjoy with a dip of your choice or plain!