Kosher News

An analysis by Italian experts shows that the more individuals are informed by magazines, TV and the internet, the more they stick to the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest diets in the world. It has long been thought that the opposite was true, that media was responsible for poor diets and the rise in consumption of fast foods.

This is the conclusion of a study performed by the Research Labs at the Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura “Giovanni Paolo II” in Campobasso. One thousand individuals took part in this study.

The report, published in the International Journal of Public Health, is one of the first analyses considering advertising as a whole by examining the resources most used by individuals to be informed on many issues. Previously experts had examined only the results of TV watching on health, with negative results.

Americo Bonanni, head of the Science communication unit of the Research Laboratories, explained that the study focussed on eating habits, specifically the Mediterreanean diet. He said “Results have shown that people most exposed to information delivered by any mass media source, reported higher adherence to the Mediterranean-like eating patterns. The latter are considered as the most effective eating model for reducing the risk of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, people resulting more informed reported higher consumption of some key foods of the Mediterranean diet pyramid, such as fruits and fresh fish, and a lower consumption of less healthy food such as animal fats”.

Giovanni de Gaetano, director of the Research Laboratories, explains “Our study has however provided data which may turn out to be very useful in a period in which to combat obesity increase, unhealthy dietary habits and diffused laziness we are urged to find new ways to communicate health. We should stop being suspicious of mass media”. More in depth studies are planned.

The Mediterranean Diet focuses on fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and herbs and spices; eating fish at least twice a week; enjoying chicken, eggs, cheeses and yogurts in moderation; and saving sweets and red meats for special occasions.

Sources include:
Medical News Today
Moli-Sani
NCBI

Mondays through Thursdays at 5:00 PM EST, we will showcase the best food / kitchen deals of the day. We hope you like them. We present to you today’s round up of deals from across the web – including heimishe dining, a coffee maker, excellent kitchen knives.

Jdeal: $12 for $20 worth of food and drinks from Kosher Deluxe. If you are looking for comfort food that tastes bubbe-made, head to 46th street’s Kosher Deluxe. For just $12, you can enjoy $20 worth of hearty Jewish food and drinks. Kosher Deluxe offers a gamut of savory options including meat, parve, Chinese, Mediterranean and a breakfast menu. For the Mediterranean-minded, try the scrumptious Shwarma in Baguette, or the salad-packed Falafel Sandwich in Pita. Are you more of a deli devotee? Order the just-hot-enough Hot Pastrami or the tasty Triple Decker – three of your favorite meats stacked on club bread.

Yugster:  Keurig B31 Mini Plus (K-Cup) Brewing System $69.97 reduced from $99.95 plus $5 shipping. The Mini Plus Brewing System brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage in under two minutes at the touch of a button. With the choice of three brew sizes, the Mini Plus brewer offers a removable drip tray. Huge selection of coffees, teas, hot chocolates available.

Amazon:  KitchenAid KA1SS14TB 14-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block. Original Price: $142.99 Now: $79.99.  A great match for contemporary kitchens, this 14-piece KitchenAid knife block set features stylish stainless steel handles that are both nicely stylish and comfortably functional for all your slicing and dicing. This set includes an 8-inch chef, 8-inch slicer, 7-inch santoku, 5-1/2-inch utility, and 3-1/2-inch paring knives as well as 6 steak knives, a sharpening steel, and a pair of kitchen shears. All pieces are housed in a black hardwood block with steel accent on the front. KitchenAid blades are made from high-carbon stainless-steel and hand-ground to a razor-sharp edge. In addition, the steak knives are forged, giving them premium cutting ability. The ergonomically designed brushed stainless steel handles are contoured on all four sides to ensure a secure grip for precise cutting.

HSN: Wolfgang Puck Bistro Elite Stainless Steel 7-piece Versa Pan Multi-Cooker: $59.90 reduced from $99.90. Cook more with less. This aptly named pan does the work of a whole cookware set. Sear steaks, sauté vegetables, pan-fry chicken or steam fish on the stovetop. Slip it into the oven to prepare a succulent roast or bake a yummy dessert. Use the included divider insert to prepare a main course and three sides all at once. All the pieces nest together inside the pan for compact storage.

Mikasa: Lisa Jenks Tattoo 20 Piece Flatware Set – Reduced from $170 to $99.99! Serve your family and guests in style with a matching flatware set. Each utensil is decorated on both sides with an intricate patter of oxidized etchings. Flatware pieces will be the focal point of the table.

In December 2011 Coca Cola alerted the FDA that it found low levels of fungicide in its own orange juice, and in that of their competitors. This specifically affected the orange juice and concentrate produced in Brazil. After this announcement, Tropicana tested its own orange juice and also found low levels of this dangerous fungicide, but that it was at a level that was below federal safety regulations.

The FDA has halted foreign imports of orange juice while further tests are being carried out. The FDA will deny entry to any juice that tests show have 10 or more parts per billion of the fungicide carbendazim.

Carbendazim is a chemical fungicide that was used in Brazil to combat “black spot,” a type of mold that grows on orange trees. This chemical is not approved for food usage in the US (other than trace amounts in certain products). However, several domestic brands of orange juice are also being tested, and the FDA has said if it does find juice with an unacceptable level of carbendazim then that orange juice will be recalled.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has conducted tests and found that levels of under 80 parts per billion in orange juice leave no cause for concern. Low levels are not harmful and there will be no recall of any orange juice at this time.

75% of all orange juice available in the US is domestic, and the remaining 25% is imported. Brazil ships more than 50% of the imported juice, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Orange juice facts:

-3 or 4 medium oranges will give 8 oz of juice.
-An 8 oz glass of pure orange juice contains 112 calories.
-One 8 oz glass of pure orange juice gives you more than your daily requirement of Vitamin C.
-Orange juice is low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium.

Sources:
Reuters
CNN

Mondays through Thursdays at 5:00 PM EST, we will showcase the best food / kitchen deals of the day. We hope you like them. We present to you today’s round up of deals from across the web – including fine dining, water filtration, Kosher Food and Wine Expo, and a Le Creuset dutch oven . Let us know what kind of food related deals you are interested in!

Jewpon: TALIA’S STEAKHOUSE! Perfect for Date Night! Only $75 for a 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner for 2 (Bottle of Wine Included!) at Talia’s Steakhouse & Bar!!! Upper West Side. 668 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025. Click for Steak Recipes.

Groupon: $15 for a ZeroWater 10-Cup Filtration Pitcher with a Five-Stage Dual Ion-Exchange Filter from Zero Technologies LLC ($37.99 Value). Space-saving 10-cup water-filtration pitcher with a built in five-stage ion-exchange filtration system for pure, delicious water. Click for Drink Recipes.

KFWE: Royal Wine Corp. is hosting the Sixth Annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience (KFWE) on Feb. 13, 2012 at Pier 60 on the Hudson River. Wine lovers will be able to taste more then 200 high quality kosher wines from all around the world and foodies will be able to taste from over 25 of the top kosher restaurants and caterers in and around New York. As a fan of JoyofKosher you can save 10% on your ticket to THE kosher event of the year. Click here to purchase and use discount code: JOK10 at checkout! Click for recipes of dishes cooked with wine.

Cutlery and More: Le Creuset Cast Iron 5-quart Oval Dutch Ovens reduced from $315 to $234.95 plus free shipping. For generations, families have come to cherish the classic cocotte. This everyday Oval French Oven (or Dutch oven, referred by most people) never makes it to the cupboard: it goes from the stove or oven to the table to the dishwasher then back to the stove for tomorrow’s dinner. Click for some excellent slow cooker recipes.

Kosher Kouponz: $12 for $20 at Hummus Elite in Englewood, NJ. Hummus Elite is out to tempt you to try their new skewers and kebabs with this astounding special of $20 worth for a mere $12. Ten bucks can’t get you into the movies anymore, but it can get you some serious kebabs, burgers, schnitzel and even pargiut!

Who doesn’t love Häagen-Dazs ice cream? It may be one of the most expensive around, but you do get what you pay for. Little else can compare. Here in the USA Häagen-Dazs ice cream carries the OU-D certification.

Häagen-Dazs in Israel has lost its official kashrut license, due to the fact that it is made with unsupervised liquid milk, instead of a powder. In Israel a product that uses unsupervised milk is not allowed to carry an official hechsher – symbol of certification – as all milk used in these products must be supervised from the time of milking onwards. There has been no recent change in the manufacturing of this ice cream, and General Mills Israel says that the ice cream has always been produced in this manner. The fact that it uses liquid milk and not milk powder is what gives it that superior taste and texture. Powdered milk seems to be more acceptable, because there is a less of a chance that it has been tampered with.

Establishments that have been found to sell or market Häagen-Dazs products are in danger of losing their Kashrut license. It must be noted that in the USA the stringency of only drinking milk, or consuming dairy products that have been supervised since milking, is less, as the majority of milk available is without supervision. In Israel, however, all milk has been supervised, so there is less reason for leniency.

The OU has said that it is NOT rescinding the kosher certification  and will continue to certify Häagen-Dazs products in the US -“in line with the ruling of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein for people who are not particular about consuming only supervised milk.”

Sources:
Jpost.com 

Every day at 5:00 PM EST, we will showcase the best food / kitchen deals of the day. We hope you like them. We present to you today’s round up of deals from across the web – including deals on pizza, knives, coffee – free coffee, frying pans and a Ninja Blender. Let us know what kind of food related deals you are interested in!

Starbucks: Taste the Starbucks Roast Spectrum. Come to Starbucks for a free coffee tasting and vote for the roast you love most. They’ll even send you home with a little something as a thank you.
US Event – Thursday Jan. 12 – Saturday Jan. 14
Canada Event – Thursday Feb. 9 – Saturday Feb. 11

Brad’s Deals: 3pc Aluminum Frying Pan Set $28 Shipped - Stainless steel coating and non-stick interior ensure fast, even heating and food release. Crafted in aluminum. Includes: 8″, 9½” and 12″ fry pans. Perfect for all your frying needs – try some omelet recipes!

Jewpon: Grand Opening!! Don’t Miss Out! Only $9.99 for a Sizzling Cheesy Pizza Pie at Yanky’s Pizza ($15 Value)!!! Yankys Pizza, 4502-16th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11204 pizza1645@gmail.com . Can’t get there or don’t live in NY? Make your own pizza at home with these pizza recipes.

 

Yugster.com: Chef Guy Fieri 4-Piece Kulinary Set: Every chef needs a good set of knives, here is your chance to get a great set at a good price. This set includes the 8″ Chef, 8″ Offset Bread to prevent knuckle busting, a 5.5″ Santoku, and a 4″ Paring knife. Together these 4 knives will get you through all the basic cutting and food prep in your kitchen.

1saleaday.com: Euro Pro Ninja Blender With 40oz. Bowl, 72oz. Pitcher, Dough Blade & Stainless Steel Blades! Experience Ninja’s unmatched versatility. Discover how smart-speed technology and a 5-star rated multiple blade system make it easy to juice, blend, chop, and mix just about everything – from frozen drinks and soups to ice cream and pizza dough - by adjusting the setting to the consistency of the ingredients! Get the best result every time! Reduced from $309.99 to $79.99!! Act fast, deal ends midnight tonight EST!

A growing number of supermarkets are hiring companies to evaluate the foods they sell with a ranking system that will help consumers make informed decisions.  King Soopers, a division of Kroger, uses the ratings from one of the larger companies, Nuval, in all of their stores and even have hired dietitians on staff to help their consumers.  You will find the nutrition score right next to the price.

Guiding Stars is another leading company offering a ranking system that provides stars for the food, three stars signifying the best foods.  While Nuval uses a point system, where 100 is the best.  At the same time the governemnet is deciding whether they should implement this type of rating system to be displayed with calories, sat fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium on the front of packages instead of or in addition to on the back.  Currently they are evaluating the research before the next step will be taken.

Companies like Guiding Stars and Nuval feel they are making it easy for consumers to make healthy choices, but there is some debate.  Others feel we need to be guiding people away from these packaged and prcoessed foods.  Picking one potato chip bag over another won’t help the rising obesity crisis.  People need to choose carrot sticks instead.

Every little change can make a difference and people are not going to give up their snacks.  Guiding Stars says that this system helps to educate them that the carrot sticks are the best choice, but when choosing between potato chips there are still some differences.  More important are foods like bread and yogurt where there is a big range and it is hard for consumers to figure out which ones is healthier, these ranking systems can help.

Sources: USA Today

 

Every day at 5:00 PM EST, we will be showcasing the best food deals of the day.  We hope you like them. Here is a round up of deals from across the web today:

 

Deal Genius: Mini-Burger Press – Makes Two 2oz Sliders! $5!

JDeal: $6 for $12 of Merchandise at Verde Juice Bar & Yogurt Shoppe in Brooklyn Kosher supervision under Rabbi Aaron D. Mehlman.

Roast of the Day: Ensemble 12 Cup Coffeemaker – Black reduced from $69.99 to $44.99

Amazon: Omega J8005 Nutrition Center Single-Gear Commercial Masticating Juicer, Chrome and Black – Reduced from $340 to $199.99 plus free shipping

Kosher Kouponz: $45 for cooking class, dinner and free cookbook from Levana (reg. $70)

It’s the beginning of the new year, and everyone has predictions for what will be trendy in food this year.

Huff Post Foodie Rozanne Gold says that entertaining pot luck style will be big this year – she calls it “kibbutz-style entertaining”. She also says that locally grown food is becoming hip and trendy. She also predicts the end of the cupcake bubble – but I am in denial about that one. Spices will be front and center – especially new spice blends.

Fox Newshas its own slew of predictions too – our favorite is that it predicts Jewish food will be big this year. We’re totally on board with that. They also say that we will be enjoying “funky pizzas” with crazy toppings and that Moroccan food will be big – something that we enjoy a lot here at JoK (Find Moroccan recipes here).

The James Beard Foundation posits that doughnuts will be big this year, but in international iterations – such as the Turkish “lokma”. Whereas Fox News says there will be a Moroccan food revival, the JBF says it’s Thai food that will enjoy a resurgence. Big servings at fine dining establishments will disappear, and there will be more emphasis on bite-sized foods.

The Supermarket Gurusays that food prices will continue to rise. He also agrees that local food, and a need to know where the food comes from, will be important in 2012. He predicts the rise of the ethnic food truck – now if they could make them kosher at the same time, that would be wonderful! He believes that reduced sugar will be the trendy claim of 2012 – along with info on packaging about whether the sugars occur naturally or are added.

In the Organicworld, we find that African Superfoods such as baobab and moringa will trend, a new grain called Sacha Inchi will gain in popularity, and Molasses will earn its rightful place as a sweetener alternative.

Time will tell how accurate these predictions are – we will be bringing you updates on these and other food trends throughout the year.

Sources:

Huffington Post
Fox News
The James Beard Foundation
The Supermarket Guru
Organic

Jewpon: Only $25 for a 6-Month Healthy Meal Planning Service, Plus a $15 Kroger Gift Card ($51 Value)!!!

 

Amazon: The Gluten-Free Pantry Favorite Sandwich Bread Mix, 22-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6) Certified Kosher MK. $27.60, reduced from $35.88

Jdeal: $20 for $40 worth of merchandise from Davida Aprons

Groupon: Electric Juiceman Juicer – $49 for a Juiceman JM400 Jr. 2-Speed Electric Juicer from uBid ($99.99 Value)

Deal News: Chef Buddy Pancake Batter Dispenser $9.99 plus free shipping

ONE WEEK LEFT TO ENTER!!

Celebrity Chef Claire Robinson to Host the
6th Annual Man-O-Manischewitz Cook-Off!

Share Your Favorite Recipes And “Share The Memories”
Enter for a Chance to Compete in NYC for $25,000 Grand Prize Package

Newark, NJ —This year, the nationally-esteemed Man-O-Manischewitz Cook-Off will be bigger-than-ever as the contestants compete by preparing their best family-friendly recipes. Five finalists will compete live in New York City, for the $25,000 Grand Prize, which includes a series of Maytag® appliances, cash and a beautiful crystal trophy. Contestants will compete in front of an esteemed panel of judges led by the Celebrity Chef and food TV star Claire Robinson as Head Judge! This panel will also include our very own Jamie Geller.

The contest deadline is January 15, 2012. Four finalists will be chosen by the judging panel and five other semi-finalists will be posted on www.manischewitz.com to select the fifth finalist. From February 13th through February 24th, consumers can vote online, and via Facebook and Twitter, to select the fifth finalist. For complete contest details, log onto www.manischewitz.com.

The competition encourages at-home chefs to experiment with kosher products while preparing delicious recipes that could be a new family favorite or one that has been shared from generation to generation. The competition is designed to showcase the benefits of using kosher products as part of the home cooking experience and to think about using kosher products in other types of cuisine, whether it is Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Greek or something else!

In addition to being the celebrity guest of honor, Claire Robinson will also serve as the event’s emcee and head judge. Robinson was trained at the French Culinary Institute and is one of TV’s most popular chefs, currently hosting her own cooking shows.

All five finalists will win an all-expense paid trip to NYC to compete live on March 28th at The JCC in Manhattan in front of a live panel consisting of food media and other culinary experts. The grand prize package includes a Maytag® appliance giveaway, cash and a beautiful crystal trophy! Recipes must include one of the new Manischewitz All-Natural broth flavors-Chicken, Reduced Sodium Chicken, Beef and Vegetable-and may contain other Manischewitz products as well.

For over 120 years, The Manischewitz Company has inspired great family recipes and ideas. Today, the Manischewitz product line continues to innovate with new and improved products that maintain the highest quality of ingredients. These products range from traditional comfort food items like soups, crackers and stuffings to products with a Mediterranean twist like the delicious Couscous and Falafel Mix to products that are better for the consumer with reduced sodium, no trans fat, sulfite free and All Natural attributes.

This year’s Cook-Off will support rock CAN roll, which is a non-profit, hunger relief organization that collaborates with rock concerts, schools, corporations, and individuals to collect healthy & nutritious non-perishable food for distribution to local emergency food agencies and into the hands of children, seniors and families who live with hunger and in poverty. rock CAN roll® is built on four basic principles: Healthy Nutritious Dignity & Respect. Bins made to look like Manischewitz broth cans will be set up in major cities during a portion of the contest period so that consumers can make non-perishable food donations in support of rock CAN roll.  In support of this effort, Manischewitz will match all donations. www.rockCANroll.org

Additionally, the cook-off raises awareness regarding Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a national month of recognition of the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. The Manischewitz Company is the founding sponsor of JAHM, and will work with the JAHM steering committee to drive awareness of events and programs. Updates on JAHM are available on www.jahm.us and will continue through the end of JAHM on May 31, 2012.

For complete contest details, log onto www.manischewitz.com.

Royal Wine Corp. is hosting the Sixth Annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience (KFWE) on Feb. 13, 2012 at Pier 60 on the Hudson River.

Wine lovers will be able to taste more then 200 high quality kosher wines from all around the world and foodies will be able to taste from over 25 of the top kosher restaurants and caterers in and around New York.

JoyofKosher is offering a special 20% discount through December 31!

Click here to purchase and use discount code: JOK20 at checkout!

After Jan 01 2012 you can save 10%.    Click here to purchase and use discount code: JOK10 at checkout.

You, our dear readers, are the arbiters of taste in all things, but especially in all things kosher. Who better than YOU to select the best of the best in kosher? I can think of no one better suited and I present to you our first annual Joy of Kosher BEST OF KOSHER AWARDS.

Starting NOW you can nominate and vote for your favorite products, restaurants, kosher food personalities and more!

Beginning now through January 11, 2012, you can nominate any eligible company or brand and vote for your favorite nominee in up to ten categories, including: Best Kosher Restaurant, Best Kosher Chef, Best New Kosher Cookbook, Best New Kosher Product, Best Passover Resort, Best Kosher Caterer, Best Kosher B&B/Hotel, Best Kosher Blog, Best Kosher Supermarket, and Best Kosher Winery.

Winners will be announced online on February 1, 2012 and in the February issue of the magazine.

The Joy of Kosher Best of Kosher Awards in addition to being loads of fun will really give everyone a chance to showcase their favorite kosher brands and products and encourage even more creativity and innovation in the world of Jewish food. Now that’s worth a little something something, don’t you think? Nominate your favorites today. Click this link: BEST OF KOSHER AWARDS to NOMINATE and vote for your favorites.

Jamie Geller’s Quick & Kosher online cooking show is on television! JLTV  airs episodes weekly, on Mondays at 10pm EST.

 

Celebrity Chef Claire Robinson to Host the
6th Annual Man-O-Manischewitz Cook-Off!

Share Your Favorite Recipes And “Share The Memories”
Enter for a Chance to Compete in NYC for $25,000 Grand Prize Package

Newark, NJ (November 2011)—This year, the nationally-esteemed Man-O-Manischewitz Cook-Off will be bigger-than-ever as the contestants compete by preparing their best family-friendly recipes. Five finalists will compete live in New York City, for the $25,000 Grand Prize, which includes a series of Maytag® appliances, cash and a beautiful crystal trophy. Contestants will compete in front of an esteemed panel of judges led by the Celebrity Chef and food TV star Claire Robinson as Head Judge! This panel will also include our very own Jamie Geller.

The contest deadline is January 15, 2012. Four finalists will be chosen by the judging panel and five other semi-finalists will be posted on www.manischewitz.com to select the fifth finalist. From February 13th through February 24th, consumers can vote online, and via Facebook and Twitter, to select the fifth finalist. For complete contest details, log onto www.manischewitz.com.

The competition encourages at-home chefs to experiment with kosher products while preparing delicious recipes that could be a new family favorite or one that has been shared from generation to generation. The competition is designed to showcase the benefits of using kosher products as part of the home cooking experience and to think about using kosher products in other types of cuisine, whether it is Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Greek or something else!

In addition to being the celebrity guest of honor, Claire Robinson will also serve as the event’s emcee and head judge. Robinson was trained at the French Culinary Institute and is one of TV’s most popular chefs, currently hosting her own cooking shows.

All five finalists will win an all-expense paid trip to NYC to compete live on March 28th at The JCC in Manhattan in front of a live panel consisting of food media and other culinary experts. The grand prize package includes a Maytag® appliance giveaway, cash and a beautiful crystal trophy! Recipes must include one of the new Manischewitz All-Natural broth flavors-Chicken, Reduced Sodium Chicken, Beef and Vegetable-and may contain other Manischewitz products as well.

For over 120 years, The Manischewitz Company has inspired great family recipes and ideas. Today, the Manischewitz product line continues to innovate with new and improved products that maintain the highest quality of ingredients. These products range from traditional comfort food items like soups, crackers and stuffings to products with a Mediterranean twist like the delicious Couscous and Falafel Mix to products that are better for the consumer with reduced sodium, no trans fat, sulfite free and All Natural attributes.

This year’s Cook-Off will support rock CAN roll, which is a non-profit, hunger relief organization that collaborates with rock concerts, schools, corporations, and individuals to collect healthy & nutritious non-perishable food for distribution to local emergency food agencies and into the hands of children, seniors and families who live with hunger and in poverty. rock CAN roll® is built on four basic principles: Healthy Nutritious Dignity & Respect. Bins made to look like Manischewitz broth cans will be set up in major cities during a portion of the contest period so that consumers can make non-perishable food donations in support of rock CAN roll.  In support of this effort, Manischewitz will match all donations. www.rockCANroll.org

Additionally, the cook-off raises awareness regarding Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a national month of recognition of the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. The Manischewitz Company is the founding sponsor of JAHM, and will work with the JAHM steering committee to drive awareness of events and programs. Updates on JAHM are available on www.jahm.us and will continue through the end of JAHM on May 31, 2012.

For complete contest details, log onto www.manischewitz.com.