Kagan Goldstein’s Noodle Kugel

Crisp. Sweet. Eggy. Unexpected. These are some of the words junior Kagan Goldstein attributes to noodle kugel, a Jewish dish, that has been a tradition to make with her family each Hanukkah for five to six years – Yet it’s not the bread pudding-like taste, the fun appearance, or the burnt spaghetti on top that make it memorable, but rather the memories and connections to Goldstein’s heritage, religion, and family.

Goldstein makes noodle kugel with her mother and brother every Hanukkah, and often makes it with her grandmother, who lives in Oregon, when they visit her in November for Thanksgiving or Goldstein’s brother’s birthday.

“I think [my favorite memory] is just the memory of baking or cooking with my family. I always think it’s really fun. My mom loves music, so we always have music playing in the background,” Goldstein said. “But just memories around the kitchen together is what I associate with this dish.”

Goldstein’s grandmother and mother grew up in Russia where they made noodle kugel, along with other Jewish and Russian dishes. Her grandmother lived in a rural area, where she grew a lot of her own food, meaning Goldstein’s mother did not eat out until moving to the U.S. The recipe, passed down from Goldstein’s grandmother, not only connects Goldstein to her family’s culture, but also gives her the opportunity to learn more about her family’s history before coming to the U.S.

“In college is when she really discovered food. Her first time eating Chinese food was when she was 19,” Goldstein said. “She discovered a lot of food through dating, even. When she would go on dates with guys, they would go to restaurants, and she would always take more interest in the food, rather than her company. So I thought that was kind of funny, and also just shows how she grew up.”

Goldstein was raised in an atheist household, and doesn’t think of herself as a very religious person. But like making noodle kugel, celebrating Hanukkah and lighting the menorah has gifted her with a connection to the religion and its culture.

“We have my great grandmother’s menorah, which is really special to my mom, and honestly, I’m usually the one who lights it. I like to do it on my own, I’ll take a break from my homework and I’ll just sit and light the candle,” Goldstein said. “I think it’s a really cute tradition, and I like feeling that connection, knowing that millions of people around me are doing the same thing, whether next door or across the world.”

Goldstein hopes the traditions with noodle kugel, whether it be spending time with family or finding another way to connect with one’s culture, will be passed down to future generations.

“I think the bigger picture is just not losing your heritage and where you come from and your values, and I think cooking is a very niche way of expressing it, but I think that it is more important than many may think,” Goldstein said.