My Pre-Passover Schmooze with Naomi Nachman on her show Table for Two on the Nachum Segal Network

Passover. Getting ready for this symbolic and most celebrated Jewish holiday is time consuming and, at times, labor intensive. I can’t tell you how many times I schlepped up and down the stairs getting things in place. Yet, the beauty of all of our Passover preparations is appreciated when we finally sit down at the table with our friends and family and tell the story of our freedom from slavery. So, why does it feel like we are slaves to our mops and brooms up until the Seder? I have heard this question asked, and I have heard the answer. We don’t have to be enslaved with Passover cleaning.  Really? Really.

Yes, it is possible to avoid this feeling by breaking up the Passover preparations into different parts and giving everybody a job. Yes, that includes your kids. I found that making a chart and tracking how many minutes everybody contributed towards the cleaning to be most helpful (and inspiring). When the number of minutes have been added up, special prizes were given out. Chometz free, of course. I even rewarded my own Passover preparation process. I was so thrilled when Naomi asked me to be a guest on her show and speak about, SweetUP, a community of brands and bloggers. A morning with Naomi Nachman and her show Table for Two on the Nachum Segal Network was the place for me last Friday. Sure, I could have cleaned a few things, but I decided to take the morning off from all work. I traveled to the Nachum Segal radio studio on the Lower East Side and spent an incredibly fun morning with Naomi.  If you haven’t heard of Naomi, she is a personal chef and owner of The Aussie Gourmet. On February 4, her show, Table for Two, was launched. You can catch her archived shows at http://www.nachumsegal.com/jm-in-the-am/table-for-two-with-naomi-nachman/. During the show, Naomi revealed that she cooked Passover meals for 19 families. These 19 families now have their entire Passover meals completed. You should definitely check out Naomi’s website, http://www.theaussiegourmet.com/ for cooking videos, recipes, sample menus, and more.

I was joined by Abbey Wolin, my SweetUP co-partner, to share some of the highlights from our Pre-Kosherfest Social Media Dinner (November 2012) and the Kosher Cupcake Bake-Off (February 2013). Abbey also shared some of her Passover related Seder ideas, like the Edible Passover Makkot Treats. How cute are these!

Dom (Blood) – Strawberry Applesauce

Tzfardaya (Frogs) – Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Frogs
from Zelda’s Sweet Shoppe

Add Kinim (Lice) – Chocolate with white sprinklesaption

Dever (Dead Animals) – Chocolate Bear Lollypops

Arov (Wild Animals) – Gummy/Sour Bears

Shechin (Boils) – XL Dot Candy on paper

Barad (Hail) – Mini Marshmallows

Arbe (Locust) – Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Locust
from Zelda’s Sweet Shoppe

Choshech (Darkness) – Chocolate Pudding

Makkat Bicharos (Death of the First Born)

Since Naomi’s show is about kosher food, another fantastic guest from the kosher restaurant world joined us. Elan Kornblum, owner of Great Kosher Restaurants, definitely has the scoop about kosher restaurants around the world. If you are ever in need of a nice kosher restaurant in New York, LA, Chicago, or Rome, Elan can help you. Elan also shared with us a list of kosher restaurants that will be open for Passover this year;  Abigael’s, Ladino Tapas Bar & Grill, Le Marais, Meat Me, Mendy’s on 34^th, Pizza Da Solo (opening up the night right after Pesach ends),
Prime at the Bentley, Prime Butcher Baker, Taam Tov, Talia’s Steakhouse, and Colbeh. For a complete list of restaurants and great deals, check out http://www.greatkosherrestaurants.com.

If you missed the radio show last Friday before Passover, you can listen to it again on the archives for Table for Two over at http://www.nachumsegal.com/jm-in-the-am/table-for-two-with-naomi-nachman/. Just make sure you have something to eat while you listen, you will get hungry from all of the food discussions!

Finding Myself Friday: Food for Thought

This past week was very busy and full. It started off with the very first Kosher Cupcake Bake-off, an event that I co-produced with SweetUP partner Abbey Wolin (Not2shabbey.com), Breezy Beckerman (breezyny.com), and Beth Rosen (Chicagonista.com and 4KeysMedia.com). Thank you all for making things happen. Event planning can be very stressful and tiring, especially for parents also working full-time and taking care of young children. Family is first, and being a mother and wife are my top priorities. I am so thankful that my husband and children gave me the extra five minutes, which often became fifty, while working on this event.

Once everything came together at Breezy’s beautiful store in Cedarhurst, NY, and over 100 people from just a few streets away to as far as New Jersey filled the room, I remembered why I work so hard on these events. The end result is always good. This event, an idea that came from the talented Beth Rosen, came to fruition in just five weeks. These things only happen when every member of the team is contributing what little extra time they have to make things happen. All of our time was donated to create this event and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Achiezer Hurricane Sandy Fund.

It was so nice to see the tremendous support from the community, which was a mixture of foodies, friends, and fans of everything cupcakes. Our special MC for the afternoon was Jamie Geller. In addition to being a mom of five children, she is the founder of the Kosher Media Network, Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine & JoyofKosher.com. Even though Jamie now lives in Israel with her family, she takes frequent trips to the USA for speaking engagements and press events. We were thrilled to have Jamie join our other impressive panel of judges including, Bobbie Lloyd, President and Operating Partner, Magnolia Bakery; Alessandra Rovati, an Italian food writer and lecturer and founder of dinnerinvenice.com; and Tamar Genger MA, RD Director of Digital Media for Kosher Media Network and Executive Editor for JoyofKosher.com. There was no shortage of sweet treats at the event, but I also want to thank Esti from Fruit Platters and More for supplying a beautiful platter of fresh fruit. She also donated the pomegranate seeds that our contestant used during the competition. Also, just as important, was the hip tunes sound system donated by the fab DJ Ben Black.

Check out some of the photos of the event from Lia Jay Photography and Heidi Schwartz.

The contestants were incredibly talented at their trade! They included Melissa Kaye of lilmisscakes.com, Faige Goldner of cupofcakenj.com, Michelle Goodman Frohlich of cakeabite.com, and Shira Perlman of DelightfullySweet.com. They all produced some of the most amazing looking, and tasting cucpakes, I have ever had. All of these cupcakes, from cake to frosting, were dairy free. Part of the fun in this event was the element of surprise. The contestants were sent a box of ingredients to use in their cupcakes earlier in the week. These ingredients included Cherry Heering Liqueur and Coffee Liqueur, King Arthur Flour, Fig Jam, and Balsamic Vinegar. They could either use all of them in one cupcake, or use them in three different cupcakes. For the icing on the cake, literally, the contestants had to pick three of the following ingredients: pomegranate seeds, lavender, cumin, cinnamon maple butter, apricot kernel oil and wild sweet orange Tazo tea. The theme that they had to create in their cupcakes was Purim. They had a total of 45 minutes to create their frosting from scratch and decorate their cupcakes.

Once the clock started, attendees watched as the contestants made their way to great creations. Breezy provided all of the tools and fondant a cupcake designer could desire. When their time was up, the contestants presented their cupcakes, all so inventive and festive. Once the judges had a chance to view and taste the three cupcakes from each contestant, they took a few minutes to make their decision. During this time, the winners of the raffle prizes were announced. The raffle prize sponsors included Joy of Kosher, Earth Balance, KitchenAidUSA, King Arthur Flour, Breezysny.com, Not2Shabbey.com, and Fairway Market.

The winner of the cupcake competition went to Cup of Cake NJ. Faige Goldner, with her baby in tow, created Fig Cupcakes with Pomegranate Cream Cheese Frosting. Faige’s cupcakes and winning recipe will be featured on joyofkosher.com and in the Shavuot issue of Joy of Kosher Magazine with Jamie Geller.
Feeling full from such a tremendous event, but not yet done for the week, I attended the 7th Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience on Monday evening. This event was sold-out and 1700 people attended. I just loved running into some of the food personalities I met since I started my blog over four years ago. From Chef Jeff Nathan of Abigael’s to Nachum Segal of the Nachum Segal Show, it was an evening full of the leading personalities in the kosher food world. The food at this event was so beyond what most people think a kosher meal should be; move over matzo balls! Kosher food has influences from all of the countries that Jews have lived. We’ve been everywhere! For a complete listing of the food and wine, go to http://www.kfwe2013.com. Who knew?

As I now start my next diet, or is it I am picking up from the last one I was keeping? I am thankful for having a full week. Now, as Shabbos approaches along with a major winter storm named after a fish in a Disney film, #nemo, I am happy to also have a full tank of gas, a refrigerator of food, and a heart full of appreciation of what is on my plate.

Waiting for Sandy

 

I feel like waiting for Sandy is like waiting for somebody to give birth. The wind gusts are like contractions, each one stronger than the next. Each one getting us closer to the arrival of a baby.Not really. Today, we wait for the arrival of the #superstorm! Sandy, a real HER-icane.

While waiting for Sandy, the kids are home from school and inside the house. We all love being outside, but today is not one of those days. I actually went out today with a friend to find a Starbucks coffee. This would be the last one until the #superstorm is over and done. The usual Starbucks I go to was not open, as were the other 3 I drove by earlier this morning. However, from the news, this is a storm that could cause a lot of damage. I only pray that people will be safe and get the help they need.

I am glad that a I had the chance to go out with a very close friend of mine this past Saturday night. Where to go? Now that I know about this cool, free app, Kosher GPS, there is no question. Here I am sitting with my friend’s phone and the app!

el bomba. This is the most amazing eggroll I have ever tasted, which includes: avocado, sun dried tomato, wrapped in a cruncy eggroll and a side of tequilla lime sauce!

Since my friend is not a fan of raw sushi, we went for a cooked roll. Godzilla: Tuna, yellow tail, kani, battered, and tempura.

Dessert was incredible. Hot chocolate cake and parve ice cream.

Speaking of dessert, I think I am going to bake some cookies. Be safe all!

What Makes 4th of July So Special to Me

Patriotic Pastries from My Most Favorite Food in NYC

Who doesn’t love a great BBQ with pink lemonade, and cookies. This year, we didn’t BBQ, but we took to the road. Just spending time together makes the 4the of July special to me. I will always treasure the memories from when I was a kid. The smells of summer, you know, sunscreen, sand, sea, softball, and OFF! all combined into one big nostalgic bubble. This is one bubble that will never burst.

How did you spend your 4th?

Checking out The Pirate Museum in Salem, MA

 

The Causeway in Gloucester, MA

The Causeway, Gloucester, MA

How about this view!

 

Eat, Drink, and be Berry in NYC

We all know how hard it is to take the family out to a meal in NYC.  Sure, you can find kosher vending machines a quick fix, but what about a real opportunity to sit at a table with your friends and family?

If you live near New York City, or are planning a visit this summer, I’ve got 3 fantastic kosher places for you to enjoy (not a vending machine coupon). Thanks to my friends at  JDeal, here a 3 great deals going on right now from Estihana, Berrylicious, and Nargila Grill. Grab them now and dine later.  Here they are:

$25 for $40 at Estihana Manhattan for dine-in, take out -OR- delivery

Venue Information:
Estihana Manhattan
221 W. 79 Street
New York, NY 10024Website

 

$5 for $10 worth of Frozen Yogurt at Berrylicious – UWS

Venue Information:
Berrylicious
641 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025Website

 

$200 for $375 prix fixe Catered Shabbat Meal
for 12 people from Nargila Grill

Venue Information:
Nargila Grill
1599 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021Website

 

$200 for $375 prix fixe Catered Shabbat Meal
for 12 people from Nargila Grill

Venue Information:
Nargila Grill
1599 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021Website

 

Please share these deals with your friends. You don’t have to be kosher to enjoy them, just hungry:)

 

 

Illinois Native Wins The 6th Annual Manischewitz Cook-Off With “Mod” Matzo Ball Soup

When I started my blog in 2009, there were a few Kosher food brands that I wanted to build a relationship with; Manischewitz was at the top of my list. While at Kosherfest 2010, I met the marketing team behind the new face of Manischewitz and we have been good friends ever since. I was at the Maniscehwitz Cook-Off the past two years, but this year I was unable to attend and see all my Manischewitz friends. I did receive a wonderful box of Manischewitz kosher for Passover products. The Manischewitz brand has really made an effort to provide healthy, gluten-free food options. You don’t have to be Jewish to love them either. Now, here is what Shira saw and tasted at the 6th Annual Manischewitz Cook-Off. 

Contributed by Shira Frager

 The sounds of sizzling vegetables and boiling broth filled a cozy room of Manhattan’s JCC on March 28 as contestants prepared their dishes to be presented to judges for the 6th annual Manischewitz Cook-off competition.

Chobani Champions: Greek Yogurt that Kids Love!

Contributed by Maytal Wichman, of Mama’s Healthy Bites and contributor to Long Island Mamas and The Mama Maven.

As a vegetarian mom, it’s not always easy to find enough protein sources for my kids who would subsist only on pasta, cheerios and crackers if it were up to them. Yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, is packed with protein, not to mention calcium, vitamin D and probiotics, so I’m always trying to encourage my kids to eat it. My daughter is easy – she’ll eat plain yogurt with a spoon. My son, on the other hand, is a different story. He won’t have yogurt. Won’t even try it. End of discussion. (Did I mention he’s three?!)

My daughter and I recently attended a Chobani Champions (http://chobanichampions.com/) event at Taste Buds (http://www.tastebudscook.com/index.html). Chobani Champions are Greek yogurts made especially for kids and are 100% natural. My daughter got to use the different types of yogurt to bake Orange Yogurt cake and make a yogurt parfait but her favorite part was sampling the Chobani Champions flavors: Orange Vanilla, Very Berry, Honey-nana and Vanilla Chocolate Chunk. Like all chobani products, the Chobani Champions are kosher-certified, gluten-free and low in lactose.

 

After we got home from the event, I called my son over and showed him the Vanilla Chocolate Chunk yogurt. “I no like yogurt!” He turned away, clearly not interested. “Look, this has chocolate!” I showed him the picture of the chocolate chunk on the container. Well, let’s just say he got interested. So now my little yogurt snob is a changed man (or rather toddler) and is loving Chobani Champions Yogurt! Thanks, Chobani Champions!

I was not paid for this article. I did receive a gift bag with Chobani Champions samples.

　

　

　

Kosherfest 2011 Highlights – Part 2

From the Kosher Scene!

Kosherfest 2011 Highlights – Part 2.

Falling Into Recipes That Will Warm Your Heart and Soul

The changing of the season also changes our food desires. I saw an incredible recipe for Pecan Pie that I must share with my readers EVERYWHERE. This is from Levana Kirschenbaum’s blog, LevanaCooks.com. She also has a lovely selection of recipes that are gluten-free and healthy!

From Levana Kirschenbaum

“I usually find the holiday pecan pie almost too sweet for human consumption, but when I add a pumpkin filling, the customary cloying sweetness is pleasantly mitigated. Besides, pumpkin and pecans are a match made in dessert heaven. This pie adapt beautifully to gluten-free needs, as you could make the crust with any flour”.

You can find this recipe and more mouth watering selections at http://www.levanacooks.com. Warning. Do not look at this site on an empty stomach! You will hear it growling at you:)

 

Food Has a Way of Connecting Us All

I wanted to share this video. The story behind it is that a very talented food writer and blogger, Jennifer Perillo of http://www.injennieskitchen.com, suffered a major loss last Sunday at 5:52pm. This woman, a wife, mother, and friend, lost her husband. He was the love of her life. 

I first found out about this on twitter and I reached out to @Hip2Housewife to see what happened. She told me. I had never met Mikey. I have met Jennifer and she is very special. Talented, beautiful, and modest. The online community continues to reach out and show her and her 2 small daughters love and support. This experience has left me with so many feelings about life. Jennifer learned the reality of loss. As an online community, we have learned the value of sharing and showing support in times of distress.

If you have a few minutes, watch this beautiful video created by @whiteonricecouple. It is so beautiful. Make a #pieformikey and share it with somebody you love!

http://vimeo.com/27654447