It’s a strange experience, being on the other side of the camera. With the lights shining on your face, your awareness of every bead of sweat trickling down your face, every errant hair, every wrong move taken heightens tenfold. Your motions become precise but stilted, like an adolescent robot not yet fully familiar with all her functions. Yet when you look at the final product – the polished Mega Mission video showcasing the artful preparation of your favourite dessert, Israeli chocolate rugelach – it all seems somehow worth it.
We shot this video along with two others in one long day of endless takes, background changes and cups of coffee. They were made as part of the promotional drive for Montreal's Mega Mission, a behemoth undertaking that will see 1,000 Montrealers arrive in Israel for an unforgettable 10-day trip. I think that food is an inseparable part of Israel, and I jumped on the opportunity to highlight some of my favourite dishes.
There were many batches of Israeli chocolate rugelach made in preparation for this video, and even more batches made during it. We covered my kitchen in crumbs, and smeared cinnamon chocolate paste on my counters. We all must have gained 10 lbs just from being in the room. And yet, it all seems somehow worth it.
Now, I’d like you to judge for yourselves. Have you ever had chocolate rugelach? Check out the resulting video and tell me what you think in the comments below!
(to get the recipe for these Israeli chocolate rugelach, and to make them gluten-free, check out my post here)
FULL DISCLOSURE: I made the videos as part of the Montreal Mega Mission promotional drive for my employer, Federation CJA. I received no additional financial compensation, nor was I asked to post these on my blog. I am sharing my work with you because I am immensely proud of it - and you can always count on me to be straight and honest with you guys!
Amy Kritzer says
Love the videos, Ksenia!! So cool.
kseniaprints says
Thanks so much, dear! And I can't wait for your book to be out 😀
Julie says
We could not have accomplished these without you, Ksenia. What an amazing project that we are honoured to have your help and expertise on! Federation CJA thanks you (and so do all the people who get to fill their tummies with these delicious recipes)!
kseniaprints says
It was incredible fun! Thanks for letting me be a part of it all
Valya @ Valya's Taste of Home says
Looks delicious!
kseniaprints says
I bet it would look even better in the hands of an experienced baker such as you!
Alexandra says
Great job with the video, Ksenia! I think it turned out great 🙂
Will you be sharing the other two as well?
kseniaprints says
I will be! You can find the second here, and the third - a smooth garlic hummus - is to come!