Kids Pay the Price of Free Gan

On August 27, under pressure from last summer's social protests and the Trachtenberg committee, Israel  implemented free education for all 3- and 4-year-olds. This has been in the works for many years. Until this year, the government provided free kindergarten for 5-year-olds, and a (relatively) … [Read more...]

Microwave Cheese Cake

I like Shavuot (Pentecost), especially once I figured out that I don't have to make every dairy dish ever conceived. After all, it's only for one day. Shavuot commemorates the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. One reason for serving dairy is that the Torah is compared to milk. Mother's milk is … [Read more...]

7-Minute Low-Fat Microwave Cheesecake

My friend Annette first made this cake for me almost 13 years ago when I was re-hospitalized with a newborn. I kept it in the hospital refrigerator and it was good for several meals. Now my kids fight about who gets to make it for Shavuot. The topping is optional but I wouldn't skip it unless you … [Read more...]

Dairy Chocolate Sourdough Cake for Shavuot

Cheesecake is traditional for the upcoming holiday of Shavuot (Pentecost) next Thursday evening. But if you're looking for something easy and different, you can try this single-bowl cake recipe from Joy of Cooking. Though the recipe calls for sourdough starter, you don't need to let the batter … [Read more...]

Making A Sourdough Starter

Everything I know about sourdough I learned from Mimi at Israeli Kitchen, expert on wine, mead, yeast, and all things fermented. Any errors are mine alone. Last year I made a sourdough starter. I managed to keep it alive over the course of the year and used it up just before Passover. Most … [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...]

Chicken with Black Olives and Tomatoes

This is an adaptation of a recipe that appeared in the Jerusalem Post many years ago. It always gets compliments. Kosher for Passover, it can be prepared on top of the stove and served hot or cold. Chicken with Black Olives and Tomatoes Ingredients: 1 cut-up chicken Flour, or potato flour for … [Read more...]

Creative Cooking Using Leftovers: Chicken Casserole

chicken casserole I am enjoying Mimi's challenge of cooking with whatever she has in the house. As food manager of a large family I have had to learn to keep well-stocked, but when I run low I try not to run across the street. We shop at a large grocery every three weeks or so, the shuk for produce … [Read more...]

Green links and the water shortage

Super Raizy hosts Haveil Havalim: The Super-Hero Edition of the Jewish-Israeli blog carnival.Ilana-Davita hosts the "Green" edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival.Speaking of green, I ask whether whether a traditional eastern European diet is "kosher" for your health on the Israeli environmental … [Read more...]

Recipe: Homemade Techina (Sesame Paste) Dressing

Ingredients:1 large clove garlicFresh parsley or coriander, washed and dried2 tbsp. lemon juice1/2 cup raw techina, or sesame paste1 tsp. ground cuminSalt to tasteAbout a half cup of water (Perhaps more.)Method: Chop the garlic and parsley in a dry food processor until fine. Add the other … [Read more...]