Popular seasonal recipes

They say that chicken soup can heal a cold and mend a broken heart, but I beg to differ. When you need real consolation, there’s nothing like digging into a tub of cookie dough ice cream. And everyone knows that confidences shared over a double scoop of rocky road will bond friends forever.

It’s funny how ice cream conjures diverse thoughts. It speaks of indulgence and calories, of hot summer nights and childhood dreams. For me, just looking at an ice cream cone immediately evokes memories of birthday parties and summer celebrations.

I always loved ice cream with chunks of stuff in it – brownies, chocolate chips, almonds — the more the better. In high school, my friends and I used to stop at the local ice cream shop and get soft serve ice cream. Whenever we were on a health kick, we ordered “fro yo” (frozen yogurt) and mix in granola, pretzels or fruit.

Now that I’m all grown up and creating my own recipes, I’ve taken that fro yo treat and given it my own twist. With all due respect to your favorite frozen dessert, be it Ben & Jerry’s or Kleins I do think my Quick & Kosher Fro Yo has a real shot at being a new fav.  Try Mango Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, a delectable treat with less calories than ice cream — so you can feel indulged but virtuous at the same time!

Of course, you can use any brand or flavor of your favorite frozen yogurt or (low fat) ice cream and your favorite fruit in chunks, fresh or frozen – then top it with a crumbled graham cracker or granola for a super crunchy finish.

It’s the go-to comfort food that’s always ready to eat. Cone or bowl, with sprinkles (we call them jimmies in Philly), hot fudge, whipped cream, cherry on top – what’s your style? Leave a comment and let me know.

Enjoy these icy cool treats too: Roasted Peach Sundaes, Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, Avocado Ice Cream and Gingersnap Banana Frozen Yogurt.

Shift into hot summer days with cool kosher cuisine.

This year, June 29th corresponds to the Hebrew fast day of the Seventeenth of Tammuz – the opening of a time period reserved for somber reflection culminating in the fast of Tisha B’Av. Like iron bookends, these two dates frame what is commonly called the “Three Weeks.” Many people are unaware of this warp on the Jewish calendar, much the less observe its prohibitions. It doesn’t get much press.

But for thousands of Jews, the 17th of Tammuz marks the day when the walls of ancient Jerusalem were breached by the enemy, which of course, was the beginning of the end. We’ve been “wandering Jews” ever since.  Seems to me, I’ve done my fair share of wandering too.

And it’s summer. As if the heat weren’t enough, we feel slowed down by these heavy reminiscences. But, listen – there’s no law against finding refreshment and rejuvenation in our meals during this time! A thoughtful cook will devise cool, colorful dishes that will lighten the spirit.  What we want is fly-away light, butterfly light — meals that go down smooth and sweet, and won’t weigh you down afterward.

I have recipes for those perfect summer meals – the kind that make you want to kick off your shoes and go play in the sand.  Ingredients for these delectable dishes are probably in your pantry and, whatever you don’t have already, you can easily get right here on Joy of Kosher.com.

10 Refreshing Kosher Summer Recipes

	Black Bean and Salsa Salmon Chopped Salad al Tonno Cold Poached Spinach and Walnut Pesto Chicken Creamy Avocado & White Bean Wrap Grilled Tomato Gazpacho Lemony Lentil Salad with Salmon Mache & Chicken Salad with Honey-Tahini Dressing Pasta Nicoise Mozzarella and Tomato Stacks Strawberry & Cream Cheese Sandwich

Do you have a favorite cool kosher recipe? Please share it by leaving a comment.