The Worm in the Avocado

What's worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding a worm in your avocado. According to the rabbinate avocados can be considered free of insect infestation, with the caveat that extremely ripe ones should be checked. Avocados generally top the list of foods that are low in pesticides. While … [Read more...]

Bug-Free Lettuce: Not Necessarily Bug-Free

Kosher consumers don't just worry about mixing meat and milk, or avoiding meat that hasn't been slaughtered according to Jewish law. The Torah also forbids eating insects. Israel, with its warm climate and location at the crossroads of three continents, has a large variety and I have found them in … [Read more...]

Kosher Cooking Carnival #41: From Matzah to Lasagna

Welcome to the 41st edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival, founded by Batya of Me-Ander.  Below is a list of previous editions. Write to Batya if you would like to host. #1 #2 #3 Thanks Ezzie #4 Thanks Sarah #5 #6 #7 Thanks Sadie #8 #9 Thanks Sarah #10Thanks, Elf #11 #12 Thanks Renegade KC #13 #14 … [Read more...]

Navigating an Israeli Supermarket

I once read a blog post by an American on an extended visit to Israel, raving about how much easier it is to keep kosher in Israel than in the US. True, a variety of kosher food is available just about everywhere in Israel. But keeping kosher in Israel is far from simple.Lately we have been shopping … [Read more...]

Rosh Chodesh Av: Kosher Cooking Carnival # 20

Blog Carnivalkosher cooking carnivalarchives | submit post Welcome to the July 16, 2007, 20th edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival! When I suggested this date to Batya, I didn't realize that it fell on the first day of the Hebrew month of Av. According to the mishnah, "Mishenichnas Av … [Read more...]

Riddle answer

The riddle can be found here. Rafi figured it out right away. Here's what happened:After the annual Yom Haatzmaut family barbecue was cancelled because of illness, we decided to go on a hike. (Unfortunately some of us ended up sitting at the rest area because of a child with a stomachache who … [Read more...]

A Halachic Riddle

I cooked something in my kitchen. It's completely pareve and edible, but I can't add it to a dairy dish nor to a meat dish. I can only eat it as is, or improve it by adding other pareve items.In a few days I will describe how I (accidentally) made this dish. … [Read more...]

The Orthodox Homemaker’s Quest for Flour

A few months ago a friend stopped me on the street to ask me if I knew anything about 70 and 100% flour; she had learned about it from her children living in the Jerusalem area. Many religious like-minded women in the Tel Aviv area are constantly looking for good sources of flour. Standard bleached … [Read more...]

Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Keeping Kosher

Ever wonder why those Jewish neighbors of yours don't want to eat in your house? Learning more about Judaism and wondering about keeping kosher? Here are some of the obscure things your neighbors might be concerned about. Keep in mind that not every Jew who keeps kosher observes the laws strictly, … [Read more...]