Gezer Hai (Living Carrots)

I began making this many years ago as I was researching Israeli recipes for what was supposed to be a series of Jewish cookbooks/cooking curricula that I was writing. Saul told me his memories of enjoying this salad as a child in Israel and what he remembers his mother including in the recipe. With the advent of large bags of beautiful organic carrots at Costco, I have recently been making it more often, especially since in our times, the food processor eliminates hours of hand grating. I have added craisins for color and flavor. In the past, I have made it with classrooms full of six and seven year olds, and it was very popular. It also makes a relatively guilt-free snack. Although it is probably not as healthy as just munching on a raw carrot, it is far more satisfying.

Gezer Hai (Living Carrots)

• 1 lb. fresh carrots (organic, if possible), peeled
• grated rind and juice of 1 large or 2 small oranges
• grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup pure cane sugar
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup craisins
• 1 banana, in small dice

Grate carrots with grating disc of the food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and fold together gently. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving, to allow carrots to absorb juices and meld flavors.