Oskar, my grandfather (mother’s father) was one of the most humble, loving people I’ve ever met.

Oskar

He passed away many years ago but still is one of the people I think about the most. I don’t think a week goes by without memories of him coming up. I loved Oskar more than anything.

I remember every visit in Denmark started with us being picked up at the airport by Oskar. He always had red teary eyes of happiness when we walked out the arrival gates. Kastrup airport had these big windows where you could see the arrivers, picking up the luggage and while my parents would get our things, I remember running to the big window to see my grandfather.

His face said it all- the gratefulness he felt at that moment was more powerful than any other feeling. The hug he gave me and the way he would talk to us about so many things while driving to their house was the best arrival ever.

Oskar with my dad

We used to stay, the whole family, at my grandparent’s summer house in Hornbaek. My grandfather loved that and although he was the most quiet person there, his presence there and in my life had a great impact.

My grandfather’s biggest pleasure, food wise, was frying leftover potatoes the day after we had had them for dinner. He always made sure we wouldn’t eat them all, put the leftovers in a small plate in the fridge and the next day he  would prepare them exactly the way he loved them.

He would take out the big black pan, place A LOT of butter in the pan, cut the potatoes into thin slices and when the butter was hot, brown and melted, toss the potatoes in the butter. He had this almost naughty smile on his face while he would stir the potatoes. Slowly and patiently he would stir them until they were golden and crispy.

I don’t remember he put any salt but with the amount of Danish butter I’m not sure there was any need for salt.

He would pour the potatoes (yes pour them because of all the butter) onto a plate, sit down and eat them. He loved those fried potatoes and enjoyed the few moments it took to eat them more than any other treat you could offer him. I remember always wanting those potatoes and occasionally when he would share a slice it was a slice of heaven.

Another specialty of my grandfathers were his Matzo Brie. Now when Passover is around the corner I can not stop thinking about how he waited for Passover just to wake up the morning after the Seder and make his specialty. I am not a Matze Brie fan but my grandfathers ones were truly delicious. There was something about the way he blended it all together, fried them to perfection and placed them on the breakfast table all proud and in anticipation for us all to dig in and enjoy them.

My biggest regret, biggest in my life, is that my grandfather did not get a chance to stand with me under the Chupa when I got married. When my sister got married, a couple of years before, he stood next to me and not under the Chupa. He was so happy and moved that he cried. At that moment all I could think about was that I want him with me when I get married. I didn’t get to fulfill that dream but I had my wonderful grandmother there, Bella, and for that I thank. I still have Bella in my life and appreciate her from a distance everyday!

Bella, My Dad, My Mom, Me, Roy the love of my life, Roy’s Dad, Roy’s Mom

My Grandfather Oskar’s Fried Potatoes:

Pre-boiled small potatoes (preferably Danish summer potatoes- they are the best)

Slice into thin slices

Heat pan and melt butter (my grandfathers way is to use A LOT of butter! but can be done with A LOT Less…)

Once the butter is melted and hot, toss the potatoes into the butter and stir on high heat until golden, crisp and absolutely delicious.

Can be a side dish, or Oskar’s way- a stand alone treat to enjoy.

Matzo Brei;

A Passover treat that replaces french toast/pancakes for breakfast. If made well, is very tasty. You have to have Matzo Brei at least once during Passover to feel it is Passover.

4 Matzos

4 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon Salt

Break the matzo into small pieces

Mix the eggs together well and pour over the matzo

mix well and add the salt

Let rest for a few minutes so the matzos will soften.

Warm a pan with oil or butter (Oskar’s way, needless to say, butter)

pour some of the mix onto the pan, flatten it out and fry on both sides until brown and crispy

My grandfather would put sugar powder on top and jam.

Can be eaten with maple syrup, cream cheese, nutella, bananas and berries, butter and any other addition that will suit your palette.

Enjoy! Let me hear from you!