Fit for Royalty

There is no greater sense of satisfaction than that felt at the start of the Pesach Seder. Inside, the house and all its contents are positively gleaming. And outside the first hints of Spring are emerging. Celebrate the Jewish people’s deliverance from slavery to royalty with a palette of white, shimmering gold, and accents of black and green.

Start with…
Keep It Classic

Your Pesach dinnerware gets used for just one week per year so it should last a lifetime. For the major purchases, choose quality pieces with a classic motif. Formal white china sets the tone and can always be accessorized to suit the latest look.

Gold beaded charger plates (JAF Gifts, $21, amazon.com)

Lurex napkins in green or gold ($4 each, pier1.com)

SPLURGE: Concentric circles of gold, platinum, and black (Raynaud’s Attraction, $113 each dinner plate, bloomingdales.com)

Four Cups…
Set the table with a drinking glass to suit every guest

A goblet fit for royalty for the leader of the seder (Quest Collections’ Star of David Kiddush Cup Set, $220 , email info@questgift.com for a
local retailer)

SAVE: Goblets of green ($9, amazon.com)

Green acrylic stacking glasses are perfect for the younger set and also a space-saver to pack away (set of 4 for $20, amazon.com)

SPLURGE: Dramatic black wine glasses (Villeroy & Boch’s Cascara, $30, amazon.com)

Keep it going…
Black & Gold

On all other nights of the year, we set the table with pared down elegance but on this night of Pesach we fully embrace our royal status. Go all out with accents of gold to add the ultimate regal touch. Allude to the midnight drama of the Exodus with touches of black.

SPLURGE: Gold flatware is all the rage (Diane von Furstenberg’s Night, $105 per place setting).

Add pop to a stark white tablecloth with Chilewich’s Lattice Gold Runner ($55)

China with monochrome blooms offset by a glossy black charger plate (Lenox’s Moonlit Garden and Jay Imports’ Starburst Glass Charger Plate, $21)

For marror and charoset by night, desserts by day (Libbey Selene 4¼” Trifle Bowls, set of 4, $15, bedbathandbeyond.com, Wild Eye Designs Champagne Appetizer Spoons, set of 4, $17, artcraftgifts.com)

Frog salt & pepper shakers allude to the children’s favorite theme of the Ten Plagues ($100, email info@questgift.com for a local
retailer).

Ravi napkin rings ($4 each, crateandbarrel.com)

Fill in the blanks…
Spring Is in the Air

Accessorize with green glassware and table linens. Use greenery in place of flowers.

The essential seder centerpiece. Annie Glass’ seder plate with 24k gold rim ($213, amazon.com)

As seen in Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine Passover 2012 Issue – Subscribe Now

Did anyone else realize that the night after Purim day is the Academy Awards?  What’s a movie lover to do, but throw an Oscar Party Seudah.  Get dressed up in fancy clothes and invite your friends for a Seudah of Hors D’oeuvres and Cocktails and maybe some popcorn like snacks. Here are some suggestions for make ahead foods that you can enjoy for this extended party.

Sweet Potato Knishes

Green Bean and Asparagus Fries

Peppered Seared Tuna

Zucchini Bruschetta

Korean Chicken Balls

Fingerling Patatas Bravas

Rice and Bean Fritters

Gourmet Chocolate Popcorn

Fudge Rum Balls

Mask Cake Pops

Mulled Cranberry Citrus Sipper

And don’t forget the drinks, see other cocktail recipe ideas here.

Main Image – Asian Popcorn Medley

More Oscar Party Ideas Like these can be found here.

When I think of hamantaschen, the first thing that comes to mind is their delicious fruit centers. That’s why I chuck store-bought jelly and canned pie fillings in favor of my own homemade versions—giving my Purim cookies other worldly dimensions.
When most people take a bite of a hamantaschen that is completely homemade, filling and all, they don’t know what to do with themselves—the taste is that good. Once you try one of these renditions, you’ll never go back to the canned.

Poppy Seed Filling

Apricot Filling

Date Nut Filling

Wild Blueberry Filling

In case you want something a little less fruity you should try one of these from Chef Laura.

Rosewater Almond Filling

Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

And don’t miss all our Hamantashen Recipes.

Place a copy of the Purim issue in your Shalach Manos, to give your friends and family an unforgettable and meaningful Purim basket – Email Support@joyofkosher.com for Bulk Orders and special rates.

As seen in the Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine Purim 2012 – Subscribe Now.

While most Purim baskets are overflowing with sweets, it’s a nice change to add in some savory goodies. Mini quiches are the perfect treat to include in your mishloach manot because they can be eaten at room temperature, don’t require utensils, and both kids and adults love them. They also don’t take long to prepare and can be made several weeks in advance and frozen.

Start by lining up all your ingredients for

Parmesan and Mushroom Mini Quiches

The kids can help with everything from whisking the eggs to preparing the puff pastry dough shells, see the recipe for exact instructions.

Variations: Consider your own variastions for your favorite fillings.

Make it Parve: Swap out milk for ½ cup of almond, soy, or coconut milk; swap out Parmesan for dairy-free cheese; and omit crème fraîche.

Pack It Up For Purim!

Get boxes or baskets to fill with these mini bites and the perfect card to go with it.

Print Enjoy These Mini Bites and impress everyone.

Place a copy of the purim issue in your Shalach Manos, to give your friends and family an unforgettable and meaningful Purim basket – Email Support@joyofkosher.com for Bulk Orders and special rates.

As seen in the Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine Purim 2012 – Subscribe Now.

The Recipes + The Packaging + The Downloadable Purim Cards – We have taken care of everything with your busy lives in mind, all you have to do is choose a theme.

Every year, when it’s time for me to plan what I am going to create for my mishloach manot, I go to the huge Dollar Power store that’s a few minute drive from my home. I walk around and around the aisles, looking for the item that will inspire me. I’m not looking for a container or basket—but something out-of-the-“box.” Last year, it was the picture frames you see below. There was a whole aisle of frames, in different sizes
and styles. Even though I usually prefer modern styles, this time I loaded up my wagon with the most ornate detailed frames (including the one in the photo)—those definitely didn’t look like they cost one dollar! The frames were repurposed as trays and wrapped up in cellophane with
grosgrain and pearls.
The Joy of Kosher team collaborated to come up with these recipes and concepts. We made sure all of the recipes can be prepared in advance and of the packaging is accessible. All the pricing and source information is available, and all the Purim cards you see (and more!) are downloadable.  Read on for more inspiration and ideas for your own mishloach manos. Happy Purim!

Mediterranean Inspired

The savory tastes of Israel are packaged inside this bright, happy and very functional mishloach manos

What’s Inside:
Spiced Pita Chips & Tri-Color Chummus
Packaging:
Colander, available in different colors, $5.99, Home Goods. Italian Round Ball Jars, $5.99 for a pack of 4, Home Goods. Download and print this custom Purim card.  We used a 2-inch jumbo holes punch from Michaels to easily cut out the circles.

Breakfast is Served

“The trick to making this look really beautiful,” Felisa said about the hot cocoa mix, “is to layer the ingredients so that it resembles sand art.  Print the instructions and tie them with a ribbon onto the mix so your recipients will know what to do.”  We rounded out the breakfast concept with a not-so-sweet option: English muffins. During one breakfast phase, I ate English muffins every day—toasted with cream cheese, or with
a touch of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Since store bought English muffins are dairy, I made my English muffins at home so I could have a non-dairy or Chalav Yisrael version…and homemade is so much better.

What’s Inside:
Cinnamon Buns, Hot Cocoa Mix & English Muffins
Packaging:
Picture frames repurposed as a tray, $1.00, Dollar Power. Glass canisters, $1.00, Dollar Power.
Visit your local discount or dollar store for similar products.
Download and print the Purim cards, available in both the 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 sizes, in Hebrew and English:

Happy Purim 5 x 7

Chag Sameach 5 x 7

Happy Purim 8 x 10

Chag Sameach 8 x 10

Tie up the whole tray in cellophane and seal with a grosgrain ribbon bow.

Giant Cookies in Cookie Purses

These cookie purses are adorable for children’s mishloach manos. They’re actually made from CD sleeves—perfect for a cookie that’s 3.5 to
4-inches wide, depending on the thickness. We needed giant cookies to match! This is the only mishloach manos that needs a tiny bit of crafting. I glue-gunned the grosgrain ribbon to the cases, and covered the edges with cute buttons. I’ve made Nechama’s fudgy kokosh cookies (inspired by the traditional Jewish kokosh cakes), again and again…the ingredients are simple, but very special!

What’s Inside:
Orange Creamsicle Cookies & Kokosh
Packaging:
Multi-Color CD Sleeves, $6.24 for 100, Amazon.com.  Grosgrain ribbon, $2.99 a roll, Michaels. Large bag of assorted buttons, $4.99, Michaels.

Download and print these fun “For Cookie Lovers Only” label:

 “For Cookie Lovers Only—Happy Purim (Blue)” and “For Cookie Lovers Only (Yellow)”

Black & White

Keep your mishloach manos chic and simple with black and white treats punched up with animal prints.  Gift the popcorn in a glass vase. I chose a zig-zag vase to carry through the zebra theme—and, of course, it coordinates with the very trendy zebra cake.

What’s Inside?
Gourmet Chocolate Popcorn, Vanilla Bean Popcorn (scroll to the bottom), Zebra Cake
Packaging: Animal print salad plate, $3.99, Home Goods. Zig-zag vase, $9.99, Home Goods.

Download and print these zebra print Purim cards  Zebra-Stripe Happy Purim

On a Stick

Pick one or mix-and match your favorite treats for a mishloach manos that’s very fun to create and eat.  To make cake pops easily, you can buy our Cake Pop Kit.  For hamentaschen on a stick, use your favorite hamantashen recipe with your choice of filling and insert the stick after your hamantaschen are already assembled, but before baking.

What’s Inside?
Chocolate Mint Chip Pop, Maple Pecan Pie Pops, Cookie Dough Pops, Hamantaschen on a Stick
Packaging: Turquoise bowl, $9.99. Home Goods. Insert a covered foam block into any bowl, dish, or container.

Download and print the cake pop tags:
We used a 2-inch jumbo hole punch from Michaels to easily cut out the circles.

‘Everything Tastes Better on a Stick’—Round Tag

Purim Mask—Round Tag

A Freilichen Purim—Round Tag

Double Dipping

Your friends will thank you for this filling, snack as they shuffle around with their bags of treats all day, it will be nice to have something satisfying to eat and with one dip being rich dark chocolate and one a tarragon mustard, you can satisfy any craving.

What’s Inside:

Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels with Two Dipping Sauces 

Packaging: Decorative box or basket lined with reusable towel or napkin.  Fill two small jars with sauce and  attach this card to bamboo spoon/spreader: Double Dipping Is Allowed!

Will you use any of these ideas? Let us know in the comments below and share your pictures on Facebook.

Cards Designed by Esther Silverstein of ESDesignGroup.com

Purim is right around the corner! It’s such a fun holiday, and there are so many aspects to it that we mustn’t forget. It’s definitely worth thinking about a few weeks in advance.

Off the top of my head, here are the parts of Purim that tend to make us spend money: Costumes, especially for families with a bunch of kids (but I also know adults who go “all out”); Purim Seudah – a festive meal; Mishloach Manot – sending gifts of food to friends; and Matanot La’Evyonim – gifts to the poor.

So how does a family keep it all under control, in perspective, and yet still make it a festive day?

I’m sure you can hunt down any number of articles about how to get costumes for less (ebay, thrift shops, make your own all come to mind. We tend to make our own. Or for princess costumes, we bought dresses at the thrift shop or from the clearance rack that just needed a bit of  embellishment).

Our Orange Tree

Matanot La’Evyonim – don’t skimp. Give as much as you can.

Seudah – the meal. You can make it festive and frugal just follow these Budget Minded Holiday Tips.

Mishloach Manot – here is where people almost always go overboard. At the risk of sounding a bit grinch-like, I am going to advocate seriously examining our mishloach manot. Does it need to be full of candy? Junk food? Processed who-knows-what?  Way back when the mitzvah was established people sent ACTUAL food to one another.  So I am going to advocate taking these measures:

our lemon tree

1. Keep your list short

2. Keep your gift basket simple – the elaborately themed mishloach manot contest has kind of gotten out of control.

3.Skip the candy and junk, if you are brave enough. Or at least keep it to a minimum…

4. Use foods that are in-season, on sale, or that you have available to you in abundance.

So here’s my plan for this year – I want to use what I have in abundance. I will be sending lemon quick breads, and oranges (we have 1 lemon tree and 4 orange trees in our yard). And a mini chocolate bread (I’m including the recipe below) – because it’s a really delicious sweet treat, and still sort of like real food. I didn’t say skip the fun!

Have a Happy Purim! I’d love to hear about your Mishloach Manot and your ideas for having a frugal Purim!

Recipe for Mini Chocolate Bread

Pralines are perfectly formed chocolates with a variety of fillings hiding inside—either soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy. If you prepare them according to the directions and use polycarbonate chocolate molds, your pralines will look just as professional as the store-bought ones.

Chocolate Cups with Chocolate-Orange Cream Filling
Chocolate cups are wonderful petits fours that can be filled with anything you can put in a pastry bag. Preparing them is a little more complicated than praline making because you fill them after removing them from the molds. I make them slowly and patiently, in the wee hours of the night, when everything around me is calm and quiet and I have the best chances of producing perfect, unbroken cups

Truffles – Make them your way, with the flavors you desire.

Chewy Caramel Pralines

Almond Nougat Pralines

What can be better than a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day?
A mug of hot chocolate—and make that the haute kind.

Not to be confused with cocoa powder mixed with milk, real hot chocolate is made by melting solid bars of chocolate, preferably a dark variety containing a high percentage of cacao, with cream and milk.

To make your own haute chocolate creations, melt white, milk, or dark squares (look for high percentages of cacao in the dark). Add hot water, warm milk or cream, followed by a good sprinkling of your favorite flavorings such as liqueurs, citrus zest, marshmallows, chopped candy,
spices, or extracts.

Take your cue from cuisines around the globe. Many cultures have distinct versions of this haute drink. Europeans favor a thick beverage of melted chocolate, unadorned except for whipped cream or mascarpone cheese. South American hot chocolate, made by combining melted
chocolate and water, is thinner and combined with spicy flavors such as cinnamon and chilies.

Chocolate pairs with practically anything, so make sure to take stock of your pantry as you jazz up your drink.

Hosting a party on a cold night?
Feature a make-your-own-“haute”-chocolate bar. Serve hot chocolate alongside bowls of different toppings. This is an especially perfect treat for a melava malkah (Saturday night meal).  Try these three amazing hot chocolate recipes.

Citrus Hot Chocolate

Spicy Hot Chocolate

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

There are lots of goodies hiding behind the walnut cabinets in this show-stopping, yet functional kosher kitchen. The mixers are hiding on pop-up shelves within the island; the toaster oven and panini maker are inside an appliance garage beneath the microwave; and the cabinets are outfitted to provide the perfect space for all kitchen must-haves, from baking trays and beyond.

Enjoy Breakfast at the Bar
This two-leveled peninsula is perfect for casual meals or a serving area for holiday buffets.

Easy Reach
The buffet in the dinette has additional flatware drawers and storage for placemats and Birkat Hamazon cards.

Can’t find the fridge and freezer?
The Subzero appliances are integrated into the walnut cabinets. Full-size pantries are also hiding out on this wall.

All Dressed Up
This mother of pearl backsplash is like jewelry for the kitchen

Shiny Soffets
The moldings above the cabinets are white lacquer—a shiny way to top off the room.

Stainless Savvy
The pot filler and a third sink (perfect for prepping veggies) are fabulous cooking conveniences.

Love the Look!
We fell in love with this row of white lacquer drawers which match the Caesarstone counter.

What do you think of this kitchen?

***Giveaway***

Now that we have the kitchen, let’s get cooking with Red Star Platinum Yeast.  This is your chance to win a VIP Gift Pack with samples, a cutting board and an apron.  Check out our contest details here and enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kitchen Design by Warren Bohn Design with Silvia Carlucci
Photos by Morris Antebi

As seen in the Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine (Chanukah 2011) – Subscribe Now

Have you ever seen oil on puddles in the street after a rain? Have you ever wondered why oil and water don’t mix? Let’s experiment and try to understand, with this ‘Oil and Water Don’t Mix Experiment’

You will need:

• A jar with a lid
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Food coloring

1 Fill the jar half-way with water.

2 Add a drop or two of food coloring.

3 Fill the other half of the jar to the rim with vegetable oil.

4 Screw on the cap.

5 Set the jar down and observe. The jar is layered with the oil on the top and the water on the bottom, because the water is heavier than the oil.

6 Next turn the jar, tipping it from side to side. Notice how the oil and water create waves.

The science behind the ‘Oil and Water Don’t Mix Experiment:’
When two liquids like oil and water separate into layers it’s said that the two liquids are immiscible –they are not capable of mixing.  This explains how animals living outdoors even in very wet weather will not get wet.  This is because their fur coats are very oily.  Have you ever taken a salad dressing out of the refrigerator and noticed that the ingredients seem to have separated?

Oil and water are two ingredients that refuse to mix together. Why?
Water is a compound made of millions upon millions of tiny little molecules, each with a positive charge at one end and a negative charge at the other.

These types of molecules are called “polar molecules.”  The reason water sticks together, is because the positive charge of one end of a molecule will attract the negative end of the molecule next to it, and so on! Many other molecules, such as the ones that make up salt or vinegar, are also polar molecules; which is why they mix with water so easily.  The molecules that make up oils are also charged, but its positive and negative charges are spread out more evenly.  This makes it a “non-polar molecule.” Because the water molecules are unable to find a negative charge to connect their positive ones to, they can only mix with non-polar molecules for a very short time – such as when you shake up that salad dressing – before it separates again!

Now that we know about oil, let’s get cooking with this Chanukah Doughuts Recipe.

As seen in Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine (Bitayavon – Winter 2011) – Subscribe Now.

Miraculously Modern

“…She’asah Nissim Lavoteinu Bayamim Haheim B’zman Hazeh!”

Chanukah is a time to recall miracles of the past as well as the many small miracles bestowed upon us daily. May the flames of the Menorah illuminate that for which we should be grateful.

Start with…
Got the Chanukah blues?
Traditional royal blue is so last century. Kick it up a notch with turquoise and shimmering accents.

Perch Jonathan Adler’s jovial peacock on your window sill for a contemporary take on the classic menorah.
($120, jonathanadler.com)

Punctuate each place setting with Deborah Rhodes round lurex placemats.
($28, barneys.com)

Keep it going…
Traditional with a Twist.
Adorn your holiday table with modern accents.

Send your plastic dreidels spinning with Quest Collection’s enamel dreidel
(with stand, $55, available from Kitchen-Clique.com)

Move over Bubby, this latke server’s hot.
(Sabre’s Old Fashioned Pie Tart Slicer doubles as a latke server. Available in 25 colors, $15, didriks.com)

Fill in the blanks…
Wondrously Whimsical.
Cheerful touches recall the ecstasy of the miracle of Chanukah.
Flames are flickering in the window. Don’t stop there. Scatter votive candles across your table.
Then add shimmering accentssuch as mirror garlands to reflect the light even further.

Diane Von Furstenberg’s Powerstone Clear Acrylic flatware is sleek enough for a party yet a subtle statement for everyday use.  (Five-piece setting, $60, neimanmarcus.com)

Kim Seybert’s silver “tile” napkin rings evoke the Maccabees’ shields (set of four, $112, kimseybert.com)

Retro-styled water glasses by Jonathan Adler (Set of 4, $20, hsn.com)

Scalloped stoneware is the perfect foil to chevron striped accent plates.
(Neo-Baroque dinner plates, set of four, $24, westelm.com; Zigzag accent plates, set of four, $18, mikasa.com)

Originally published in Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller magazine Chanukah 2011 – Subscribe Now.

Chanukah is coming, we’re so happy!!  Start planning your party early by making these fabulous dreidel centerpieces.  Not so crafty? Don’t worry, these instructions will walk you through it and no matter what happens you will have fun in the process.

DREIDELINSTRUCTIONS

Provided by Swank Productions

Food pictured above provided by Esprit Events.

Chanukah is fast approaching, the first night (less than a month away) is December 9th and now is the time to gather the best gifts and gadgets that your friends and loved ones will be thanking you for.   That is why we have compiled some of our favorite gift ideas from our kitchen to yours including some that you WIN right here, right now.

1.  Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller Magazine Subscription is the gift that keeps on giving throughout the entire year.  At $24.99 get one for your friend and for yourself at the same time.  Subscribe Now.  (Win a 1 year Subscription through November 19th)

2. Bialetti Aeternum Nano- Ceramic Nonstick Sauté Pan is available in 3 sizes (8 inch, 9.5 inch and 11 inch). The eco-friendly Aeternum cookware line is free of PFOA, PTFE and Cadmium.  The “nano-ceramic” coating resists scratches, abrasions and offers a smooth, compact and uniform surface that makes it easier to clean. The interior white color provides a unique and extraordinary cooking experience.  Get the 11-inch for $39.95.

3. Ravi Instant Wine Refresher – chills wine instantly as you pour. Wine goes from room temperature to serving temperature in just seconds. Remove your Ravi from the freezer, insert it on to your bottle’s neck, and pour. The wine passes through the frozen steel chamber into your glass, chilling your red or white wine to perfection. You can adjust the serving temperature and prevent dripping with the finger tip-control. You can use it for vodka as well. Great idea for your Chanukah party. $39.95.  WIN THIS NOW (through January 8th).

4. LeKue Citrus Sprayer – Flavor your soft drinks and cocktails, or season your salads, seafood or other recipes with a light mist of fresh citrus. Two sizes are included for optimum extraction: a longer unit for larger fruits like oranges and grapefruits, and a shorter unit for smaller fruit like limes and tangerines. Enjoy natural flavor with ease.  WIN THIS NOW. Through January 14th.  Value $18.00.

5. Joseph Joseph Nest Utensils Compact Kitchen Tool Set with Magnetic Handles is for you if you have a small kitchen or you just hate clutter. Five essential kitchen tools are nested in a compact self-supporting design, held securely by small handles in the handle. The slotted spatula, spaghetti server, slotted spoon, solid spoon and ladle are all heat resistant to 464-degrees Fahrenheit and are dishwasher safe. This set is a great gift for your favorite cook!  $24.95

6. Cuisipro 4-Sided Etched Box Grater with Ginger Grater Base with Surface Glide Technology ™ takes the etched blade a step further and makes the graters sharp and more productive — grating more with less effort. You can grate, zest or slice on one of five surfaces. This grater is perfect for preparing potato latkes. $29.95  WIN THIS NOW. Through January 21st.

7. Envision Fridge Bin Liners Are you tired of spoiled, wilted vegetables and fruits? These Stay Fresh Bin Liners will solve your problem.  It is made from the same material supermarkets use to ensure longer life for fruits and vegetables.  The design allows air to circulate freely, preventing spoiling caused by excess moisture, thereby retaining crispness and preventing bruising. $8.99

8. Kosher by Design Cooking Coach Susie Fishbein’s 8th Cookbook Has More Than You’d Expect!  This cookbook is a culinary tutorial, loaded with many of Susie’s personal techniques and time- and money-saving tips. It is a unique combination of cooking tips and 120 new recipes that make this cookbook a winner. $24.45

9. Jacks’ Gourmet Kosher Facon - Smoky and salty, this dry-cured beef tastes and cooks up just like the real thing! Whether you serve it atop a juicy burger, sprinkled over a salad or cooked into a pasta sauce, your food will take on a new depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more. 4 packages for $23.96

10.Dear Cocoa Parve Chocolate Truffles – Send a friend or yourself one of these premium truffle gift sets.  Either their best selling Signature Around the World Collection or choose their flavor of the month, this month is Massachusetts Cranberry and Illinois Pumpkin. Box of 12 pieces $25.50

Disclosure: Prizes are being given away from Kitchen Clique.

There’s something to be said for that infomercial that instructs you to “Set it and Forget it.” The infomercial promises lifetime fulfillment in the kitchen.

The recent demise of my slow cooker had me rethinking the way I prepare dinner. To be honest, I have never been a power user of the slow cooker. The bulky appliance was more or less relegated to cholent or stew cooking on Shabbat and then shoved in a cabinet for the rest of the week.

I mourn the loss of any kitchen appliance, but the slow cooker didn’t fluster me too much. I wasn’t sure if I’d even replace it. Gasp! How would I prepare Shabbat meals? It’s not so bad. We didn’t always rely on that slow cooker. We hadn’t had any cholent all summer long. Then suddenly, September and October showed up and Fall set in. The weather got chillier and I was craving some warm foods. Maybe I did need a slow cooker.

While browsing through my email, an ad for a slow cooker on Amazon showed up. A beautiful red Crockpot at a price I couldn’t turn down. Did I mention that I’m a sucker for a good deal on a kitchen appliance?  The slow cooker showed up right around Sukkot time. This got me thinking about the chilly meals in the sukkah and what I could do to warm them up. The slow cooker allowed me to go beyond soup and take up one less burner.

I quickly learned that I actually like this new appliance and that it can work for me – way beyond that weekly cholent. It is truly a blessing! Just like the commercials tell you – it is very versatile.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry with Rice

I work full time, and when I come home, I typically have a 30-minute window before my children are loudly demanding dinner. It dawned on me that I could employ my slow cooker. I thought about what kinds of dishes would appeal to the family after a long day. I decided to keep this appliance pareve for now. My daughter and I stopped eating meat and I haven’t decided which way this pot should go.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Seitan Stew

It was a typical weekday morning and I woke up bleary-eyed and ready to test this thing out. I chopped up some veggies and protein and moved forward.  I had my husband turn on the slow cooker to low before he left for work.  As I sat at work, I was tempted to have a neighbor check on my kitchen. My backup plan was a box of Wacky Mac or some take-out sushi. Eight hours later, I came home to an amazing smell. Even my kids were impressed. So we dug in.

I was so happy with the results of the first weeknight stew, I decided to incorporate more vegetarian slow cooker options in to our weeknight repertoire. This Vegetable Curry and Vegetable Seitan stew are easy and healthy options to add to your dinner list. I highly recommend them!

We’ve all heard time and again how breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I used to think that skipping breakfast was a good idea because it would save me calories. After all, I didn’t have much of an appetite in the morning anyway, so why not just skip it altogether. It turns out, however, that missing breakfast usually results in overeating throughout the day, so it’s likely that you’ll more than make up for the calories. Recently, I’ve made a commitment to get my day off to a healthy start with more than just cold cereal. I realized that with a little effort, I can make a wholesome and delicious meal that will keep me full and energized until lunch comes around. When I eat breakfast, I’m less likely to scour my pantry for unhealthy convenience foods when I end up starving midday.

A balanced and nutritious breakfast for me might include a toasted whole grain English muffin with eggs and avocado, or a yogurt parfait with fruit and granola. On days when I don’t really feel like eating, I’ll blend up a smoothie for an easy pick-me-up.

Eating breakfast has really helped me get my day started on the right foot. I’m not much of a morning person but when I sit down to a healthy meal, I feel energized and ready to start my day.  Here are some tips to help you get started with a healthy breakfast routine.

Smoothies

If you don’t have much of an appetite in the morning, smoothies are the perfect breakfast for you. They’re cold, easy to drink down with a straw, and you can hide lots of goodies in there that will fill you up and keep you energized throughout the day. You can combine a variety of fruits and vegetables, liquids, and healthy additions like oatmeal, flax seeds or protein powder.

Here are some of my favorite smoothie combinations:

A great tip for making smoothies is to use frozen fruits. It eliminates the need for ice cubes, and it allows you to use nonseasonal fruits any time of the year.When making smoothies, try to keep them healthy by sweetening them with agave nectar. It looks similar to honey but it’s slightly sweetener and has a lower glycemic index load. In other words, it causes less of a spike in blood sugar, so you’re less likely to feel hungry soon after you’ve had your smoothie.

Eggs

Eggs are a versatile breakfast food that is full of protein. My favorite way to prepare eggs is to serve them poached over toasted bread, but I usually don’t have the time. Instead, I prepare a simple omelet and use it as a base for healthy toppings. I love to top my omelets with a fresh salad, or serve them on an open face sandwich with lots of veggies.

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the best ways to add more fiber to your breakfast. It’s guaranteed to keep you full till lunchtime.

Baked oatmeal is a great alternative to cooked oatmeal as it can be prepared ahead of time and rewarmed in the microwave. It also makes a great breakfast to serve when hosting guests.  My favorite is Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal.