For nearly 1,000 years, powdered green tea, or matcha, has been used in Japanese Zen tea ceremonies. The tea-making ritual is said to transport the participants to a meditative state of mind.
(Warning: If you’re not well-practiced in the meditative arts, you may find watching a video of the matcha tea ceremony about as electrifying as harvesting rice by hand.)

Boiled down to its basics, the tea ceremony consists of whisking hot water and powdered green tea; its aim is to increase alertness and presence of mind.

In the last few years, matcha has taken a wild turn from the spiritual to the stylish: a highly-Instagrammable trend, the brilliant green of matcha lends itself to photography as well as health trends.

Is It Healthy?

You betcha your matcha it is!

Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub (the same plant that gives us black, oolong, white, and green teas), matcha is a specially grown and processed form of green tea.

In contrast to regular green tea, in which the leaves are brewed or steeped, with matcha, the tea leaves are ground up to a fine talc-like powder and ingested whole. Because matcha contains the entire tea leaf, the nutrients are more concentrated.

Also, the leaves are shaded during growth, which causes the plant to produce high levels of theanine, catechins, chlorophyll, and caffeine.

Theanine: This amino acid is found in tea leaves and some mushrooms. Research has shown that theanine promotes relaxation and eases stress. Theanine comes in pill form to treat anxiety and high blood pressure.

Catechins: A class of flavonols which may act as antioxidants in the body. Catechins are believed to prevent cell damage, help with weight loss, and fight diseases like heart disease, hypertension, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

Chlorophyll: A natural detoxifier, chlorophyll can regenerate cells, fight infection, and help with wound healing.

Caffeine: Matcha has more caffeine than green tea, but less than coffee. Matcha has been gaining traction as a coffee alternative; many matcha drinkers find that they get the same caffeine high from matcha as they do from coffee, without the accompanying jitters or afternoon crashes.

From Matcha’s Devoted Fanbase

Though the taste and effect of matcha is not universally loved, reading the Amazon reviews of a premier matcha product explains why matcha has been catapulted into a superfood stardom

This review makes me want some right now: “It gets me going in the morning but without any of the jitteriness like from coffee.”

 

And this one is so glowing I’m thinking of giving up coffee for good: “I love the flavor and I am addicted to this stuff. I have lost 3 pounds since I started drinking this daily, my skin looks fabulous and I have noticed my appetite has decreased while my energy level is better.”

And just…WOW: “If You’re 73 & Want to Feel 21 Again, All You Have to do is Put a Cup of Booo Yaaaa Tea in Your Hand (The Bummer is You Won’t Look it…)”

(If you’re curious, “Booo Yaaa Tea” apparently contains 1 teaspoon of matcha with honey, lemon, and vanilla bean paste.

Mucho Ways to Get Your Matcha

In the Japanese tea ceremonies of old, matcha powder was enjoyed simply — just stirred with hot water.

But now, there are about as many ways to devour matcha as there are Instagram accounts that use matcha in their flauntable grass green creations.

Matcha Custard, Oreo Matcha Cheesecake, Matcha Froyo, Matcha Macarons, even Matcha Chocolate Swirl Cookie Pops; matcha powder can be used in applications ranging from baked goods to smoothies and soups.

Different Grades of Matcha

Before you buy, be aware of the differing qualities of matcha and what they are used for

Ceremonial grade: The ultimate grade of matcha, used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Ceremonial grade matcha is made from the youngest tea leaves, with the stems and veins removed. By far the most expensive of the types, ceremonial grade matcha can be recognized by its superfine texture and brilliant green color. It is the least bitter grade of matcha, and is used exclusively for traditional tea.

Premium grade: For unschooled drinkers of matcha, premium grade is hard to distinguish from ceremonial grade matcha. It is good for daily consumption in matcha teas, or any other use that requires a high-quality matcha flavor.

Cooking/culinary grade: The cheapest matcha, culinary grade is expressly for recipe use, like in matcha smoothies and baked goods. On its own, culinary grade matcha is bitter and not as smooth as its higher quality counterparts.

Some Limits on Intake

Because of its super-concentrated form, matcha can cause an upset stomach in users who are not used to it. Experts recommend starting with a small dose (¼ teaspoon) when first ingesting matcha.

Because of the caffeine content, the recommended amount of matcha intake for pregnant women and children is unclear, and seeking medical advice is recommended.

Also, one study found that a Chinese-grown matcha contained high levels of lead. For safety and quality, look for matcha that is grown in Japan.

Written by Lubicom for Kosher.com

To many, Middle Eastern food is something that’s wrapped up at a falafel truck and eaten on the go. However, the cuisine of the Fertile Crescent is far-reaching, spanning entire countries and generations in its evolution. Two of the most enticing and versatile ingredients in this cuisine are rich tahini and bright, fragrant turmeric- ingredients which open an entire world of culinary possibilities. In a cookbook named in their honor, recipe developers and sisters Ruth Fox and Vicky Cohen modernize Middle Eastern cuisine with dishes that celebrate their plant-based sensibility, many of them created with an eye toward every-day ease.

I sat down with the superstar sisters to discuss the book, their upbringing, ingredients that intrigue them, and, of course, some of their favorite food obsessions.

Mussy: Was there anything you wanted to do before you started cooking?

Vicky: I have always been an entrepreneur; I owned several businesses before starting “May I Have That Recipe” with Ruth.

Ruth: I always wanted to be a doctor. As I got older, I became more interested in food and nutrition, so I got my degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Mussy: What’s your favorite breakfast?

Vicky: My favorite breakfast is overnight oats.  I love how I can spend five minutes at night and have a ready-to-eat breakfast the next morning.  During the cold months, I like to eat overnight oats warm. In our cookbook, we have a delicious overnight oats recipe with pomegranates, persimmons, pistachios and a touch of cardamom.

Ruth: My favorite breakfast since we developed the recipes for our cookbook is the Tahini Smoothie Bowl, because I just love tahini. I like to use different fruits depending on what’s in season.

Mussy: What made you decide to write a cookbook?

Vicky and Ruth: We have both been working together on our blog “May I Have That Recipe” for six years.  The idea of a cookbook was always in the back of our minds.  After several of our readers asked us if we were going to come out with a cookbook, we decided to go for it.  We wrote a proposal, looked for an agent and she found us several publishers who were interested.

Mussy: What does the name Tahini and Turmeric mean to you?

Vicky and Ruth: Tahini and turmeric are evocative of the Middle East and of our family background. It means warm, fragrant, aromatic food, and family gatherings around a holiday table.

Mussy: Is there one food that you’re secretly obsessed with having at home at all times?

Vicky and Ruth: We are both obsessed with tahini, we just love it. It is such a versatile ingredient that can be used for sweet and savory dishes.

Mussy: Do you have a favorite childhood comfort food?

Vicky: Toasted pita bread topped with olive oil and za’atar. We made it into croutons for our Lentil Fattoush with Mint and Sumac in our cookbook

Ruth: Za’atar Manaish (basically a za’atar pizza). Our mom used to make the dough from scratch and I always looked forward to it. We have a recipe for Za’atar Manaish in our cookbook.

Mussy: The first thing I noticed about your cookbook was how gourmet the recipes were. Tell me a little about your cooking background.

Vicky and Ruth: We are both home cooks.  We learned to cook from our mother and grandmother, and learned to develop recipes and photograph them since we started our cooking blog six years ago.

From the book: Crispy Mini Meatless Pies

Mussy: As I flip through the pages I notice a lot of healthy recipes. Tell us a little about why you cook the way you do.

Vicky and Ruth: We are so glad you noticed, we’ve been told often that our recipes are not only tasty, but healthy as well.  We like to use a lot of vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and beans. But what brings it all together are the herbs and spices we use to flavor our dishes.

Mussy: What’s a favorite recipe you’ve created?

It is really hard to pick, because we put so much time, effort and love into all our recipes!

Vicky: Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Soup with Sumac Oil. It sounds fancy, but is really easy to make and has a ton of flavor.

Ruth: Creamy Tahini Cheesecake with Pistachio Crust and Fresh Pomegranates.

Mussy: What do you hope your cookbook will accomplish?

Vicky and Ruth: We’re hoping people realize that plant-based food doesn’t have to be boring, and it can easily be made flavorful and exciting. Also, our cookbook isn’t just for vegans or vegetarians. It’s a great tool for anyone who wants to add more fruits, vegetables and grains to their diet.

From the book: Melt-Away Moroccan Cinnamon Cookies

Mussy: Do you have any tips on how to cook on a budget?

Vicky and Ruth: When it comes to produce, buy what’s in season! Also, stock up your pantry staples when they go on sale.

Mussy: Do you have any tips for the busy person who wants to eat well at home but doesn’t have a lot of time?

Vicky and Ruth: Do your shopping and food prep over the weekend (or whenever your day off is). A little bit of planning will save you a lot of time!

Mussy: Best food advice?

Vicky and Ruth: Play with your food! Try new things, experiment. Give recipes your own twist by adding your favorite ingredients.

Check out the stunning and delicious Tahini & Turmeric: 101 Middle Eastern Classics-Made Irresistibly Vegan on Amazon.

Written by Lubicom for Kosher.com

 

The holiday season is here and there’s absolutely no turning back.

If you’re freaking out over gift ideas, don’t fret. Just take a couple of deep breaths and keep on scrolling ‘cause today’s your lucky day. We did the hard work for you…

The Ultimate Gift Guide 2018:

Espresso in a Minute

If you’re anything like us, the most important part of a morning routine is getting that steaming hot, double-shot, frothy coffee down pat.

Our secret to daily coffee perfection? Nespresso machine.

For every coffee addict, there is nothing better than an efficient coffee machine. Not only does a Nespresso machine make the best tasting coffee ever, but it’s also fast. (And by fast we mean it takes half the time it takes you to apply your eyeliner in the morning.) Once this sleek machine is sitting on your kitchen counter, you’re bound to look like you have your life in order. Gift yourself, or gift your friends, we don’t care, as long as you make The. Best. Purchase. Of. Your. Life.

Rose Gold Stainless Steel Straws

 

If you been keeping up with the latest trends you would know that plastic straws are so 2017. At first, we were like you, totally hesitant about this whole reusable idea. Until we came across the cutest and chic-est rose gold stainless steel straws ever. Extra? Yes. But we love being extra, especially around this time of the year.

Whether your giftee loves sipping cocktails on the couch (no shame!) or just gallons of La Croix (really no shame!!) this is the perfect gift for them.

So, no, using mason jars just won’t cut it at this year’s holiday parties. Rose Gold straws are where it’s at.

Linen Napkins like these

  

  

When it comes to party décor, every detail counts and so does every dollar. Let’s be real, guest lists only get longer and expenses higher at this time of the year. Investing in high-quality linen napkins just might be the answer that you’re looking for. A onetime expense, cloth napkins give that clean and sophisticated look everyone’s aiming to get when they try and purchase the classiest print napkins that somehow end up looking cheesy anyways.

Who wouldn’t like receiving a full set of monogrammed linen napkins?

Soda Stream

 

This one is for the relative or friend that hasn’t stopped trying to cut soda out from their diet. Not only will this solve their problem, but will also save you from having to listen to them complain daily.

With a touch of a button, the soda machine makes the bubbliest, thirst quenching soda water ever.

Game changer for when it comes to craving a drink that not only quenches your thirst but gives that fizzy feeling without the two cups of unnecessary sugar.

Coasters

Let’s be real, they’re more than just adding a protective layer under your morning coffee or afternoon beer. Coasters are that funky individualized drink accessory that takes “drinks with friends” to a new level.

It’s the type of gift that is just infinitely useful at literally any time of the day.

Lucky for you, there are endless options when it comes to picking colors, materials, and shapes. You’re gonna have a blast just placing the order. You’ll probably even end up buying a set for yourself. Don’t blame us, we warned you.

Marble Board

They love marble anything, and you know it.

A timeless trend, you just can’t let your cheese and crackers be #basic no more. The best part about using boards in the kitchen; there are absolutely no rules. Display homemade goodies, cheese or even boring green veggies on a marble board and you’re guaranteed everyone will go wild.

DIY food boards just got an upgrade.

Written by Lubicom for Kosher.com

It’s 5 p.m.

Do you know where your family’s supper is?

I knew where it was. Problem was, it wasn’t ready.

Supper that night was Miriam Pascal’s Crockpot Brown Sugar Beer Chicken (delish, by the way.)

Dinner was bubbling under the glass lid of my crockpot, which I kept lifting up every 17 and 1/2 minutes, waiting, WAITING until the chicken was no longer in that rubbery stage of limbo (technically edible, but far from that ideal chickeny, melt-in-your-mouth stage).

It was ALMOST ready…but at 5:17 (and 1/2) p.m., when you’re waiting to serve (and to eat!) almost doesn’t count.

You’ve been there, right?

When you gotta deal with homework, or bathtime, or cleaning up the cereal bowls that were left on the table since that morning, suppertime stress can bring you to the brink of madness. And possibly over the edge.

Could the Instant Pot be the answer to our dinner-making woes?

The Instant Pot has a cultish following. On Prime Day alone, Amazon sold a staggering 300,000 Instant Pots in 36 hours (that’s more than 138 Instant Pots per minute!)

Super convenient and very safe (a completely different appliance than the old-fashioned stovetop pressure cooker), the Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that can take the place of seven kitchen appliances.

We investigated and discovered Instant Pot users’ plentiful pros and handful of cons.

Pros of the Instant Pot:

1. 7 functions in just one appliance. The Instant Pot functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer.
2. Lightning-quick cooking. The crockpot chicken recipe I made had me waiting 6 hours for the chicken thighs to cook completely. With the Instant Pot, dinner would have been ready in a total time of under 30 minutes; the chicken itself only needs 15 minutes of cook time, but the pot needs 10-15 minutes to be brought to full pressure before it starts cooking. Not including pressure time, the Instant Pot can fully cook dried beans in 30 minutes (no soaking required!) and baked potatoes in 15.
3. No defrosting needed. With only an added few minutes of cooking time, you can cook frozen meat and chicken directly in your Instant Pot.
4. Improved tenderness. A pressure cooker quickly melts the connective tissues in meat, making roasts much more tender than standard oven or slow-cooking.
5. Retains nutrients. Long cooking times over high heats can destroy nutrients. Pressure cooking speeds up cooking times, thereby retaining valuable nutrients.
6. Foolproof. Instant Pot recipes and programmable cook times make it easy for virtually anyone to cook. It’s just set and forget.
7. Eggshells slide off like magic. This may seem like a minor benefit, but if you cook hard-boiled eggs often, you can appreciate not having to peel off tiny bits of stubborn eggshells piece by piece.

Cons of the Instant Pot:

1. Expense. A 6-quart slow cooker retails for about $25, the same size Instant Pot hovers at around $90. However, extra cost may be worth it for you considering the time savings. Plus, if you’re on a budget look out for seasonal sales when the price can dip considerably. (Check out deals on Black Friday/Cyber Monday in November, or Amazon Prime day in July.)
2. Steep learning curve. We’re so accustomed to cooking on a stovetop fire and in our ovens, but the Instant Pot is a completely different way to cook. You prep the food and the pot does the rest of the work (no midpoint stirring, sipping, or smelling the dish you’re preparing!) Many users say they mess up when they first use the Instant Pot.
3. Special recipes. There’s no relying on prior cooking knowledge — because the Instant pot cooks in such a unique way, you’ll need to follow specialized Instant Pot instructions.
4. Not crispy-crunchy. Despite its meat-browning “sauté” function, you can’t get a truly crusty finish or a fried texture with the Instant Pot.
5. Not for every food. Pasta, fish, fresh vegetables, and other delicate foods can be tricky to cook in an Instant Pot. Since the high pressure cooks the pot’s contents super fast, it’s easy to overcook foods that need short cooking times.

Overall, the Instant Pot can come to the rescue on days when dinner can’t be ready fast enough!

Have you tried the Instant Pot? Let us know in the comments if you think it lives up to the hype!

Written by Lubicom for Kosher.com

Does anyone else roll their eyes, when Thanksgiving rolls around and everyone’s ‘gramming the typical pumpkin pie on a fall themed tablescape? Let’s be honest, more often than not, it probably looks way better than it tastes. I mean come on; store-bought pumpkin puree with a frozen pie crust is not the kind of pie I crave. Those leaves made out of pastry just don’t cut it. (Sorry if you thought you were original to plant those on top of your pie.)

It’s time to outdo those perfect instagramable pictures and concentrate on the actual flavor off-screen. Don’t get me wrong! I love a good fall-themed Instagram shot, but I love a mouthful of flavorful homemade heaven even MORE.

Thanksgiving at its root is all about tradition. Granny’s homemade Giblet Gravy, Auntie Janet’s perfect mashed potatoes and of course who could forget the ubiquitous corn pudding. For us Millennials, besides for not even knowing what those dishes taste like, we’re all about “out with the old and in with the new.”

Here are some ideas to help you veer away from the ‘traditional’ dish mindset and spice things up at your upcoming ‘friendsgiving’.

1. Speaking of mashed potatoes, whoever knew that there would be so many ways to alter this staple “old-fashioned” dish? Whether you fry ‘em, half-bake them, blend in your Vita-mix for that velvety texture, potatoes are a true lifesaver. So this year, instead of the typical boring mash, try some fried mashed potato balls. We’re not trying to create more work for you, it’s as simple as combining your potatoes with herbs, garlic and the usual spices you like. Scoop into mini balls, dip in egg and then roll in panko crumbs and fry. If you’re looking for a slightly less indulgent form, pop them in the oven. I know I’ll be deep frying them until they get more golden than the piece of jewelry I’ve been eyeing all month.
   
2. If you’re like me, you’ve probably caught on to the sous vide trend. I mean who could refuse THE solution to all problems that relate to the word ‘dinner’ or ‘meal prep’. Although your mind probably associates Thanksgiving prep with a bird in the oven for hours and hours, this hands-free approach will not only free up your precious oven space but you just might have created a new family tradition. There is seriously nothing more reliable or effortless than sealing your well-seasoned turkey into a ziplock, dropping it into water and walking away. (By away we mean to the other side of your kitchen where you can now spend time making homemade shortcakes.)Do it! Take one of the hardest dishes to master and turn it into a stress-free delight. (Get the recipe for Michal Frischman’s Sous-Vide Lemon-Herb Turkey)
3. Now, let’s talk about pumpkin pie. It’s so convenient to use store-bought ingredients, but a homemade fresh, hot, healthy pie is really not difficult to make, we promise. Nowadays with 3-ingredient pie crust recipes, there is really no excuse.  Rachel Kor’s crust in her Oats and Honey Granola Pie is perfect (water and salt don’t count!), and if you want to add a health element to your pie crust you can try this one by From My Bowl. Not only do you get to choose which gluten-free flour you want to use, but you get the luxury of adding a health element to the crust alone: chia and flax seeds add the nutritional value that will ensure you’re not so guilty when you go in for a second slice. Rachel Goodman’s date-oat crust in her Flourless Pumpkin Pie is simplicity personified.)As for the filling, go on, just do it. Buy that fresh pumpkin (they sell already-cut pieces, LIFE CHANGER!), cook it, mash it, spice it and use that as your filling. You’ll be forever thankful.
   Written by Lubicom for Kosher.com

Congrats! You finally did it. You roasted a gorgeous golden, scrumptious, succulent turkey. You spent hours finding and adjusting the perfect recipe.  You’re fully convinced just from the smell, that this year your turkey is for sure the best-tasting turkey in the neighborhood.… and then all of a sudden you’re stuck.  How do you get from gorgeously whole to perfectly carved?

 

Although it might seem harder than carving a chicken, it’s really not.

We’ve got your back.

All you need is a Kosher turkey, sharp knife, clean kitchen counter (sorry if we’re asking for too much) and our detailed instructions. Oh, and bonus points for using a cutting board with a juice groove.

Here goes nothing….

1. Set up that carving station. Trust us when we say productivity skyrockets when it comes to having a clean kitchen counter with only needed utensils lying out.  Mind you, those drying dishes on the counter will not stay clean once the juices of your turkey escape that cutting board.
2. Remove the leg and thigh from one side. Position the turkey facing you. (Once you get used to a turkey lying in front of you, you’ll start seeing the art in it.) The leg and thigh should now be closest to you. Use that sharp knife you so readily prepared to slice through the skin between the breast and thigh so you can see the inside. Grab the thigh with no caution and push down until the thigh joint releases and pops out. To finish it off, guide your knife carefully and cut the remaining thigh and leg off.
3. Remove the breast. Still concentrating on the same side, it’s time for the breast to come off. Carefully slice through that crispy skin on the top of the turkey along the breastbone directly from the neck joint. Continue through the breast meat, along with the rib bone, removing as much meat as possible.
4. Remove the wing. Time for some wing action. Pull the wings back, and cut at the joint. It should release pretty quickly. Least work for the yummiest part – ironic, no?
5. Repeat on the other side. You’re probably a pro by now at locating the right area of the turkey in a jiffy. Turn the turkey so the neck is now facing you.  Remove the thigh and leg first, followed by the breast and wings.
   
6. Slicing & Plating. The complicated parts are officially over!!  Now for the presentation bit. The meat on the thighs should be easy to cut off from the bone. For decent pieces, slice the breast crosswise at a slight angle into quarter-inch-thick slices.

And just like that not only does your turkey smell and taste like heaven, but it also looks like you actually know what you’re doing with a sharp knife. Cutting skills on point.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Written by Lubicom for Kosher.com

By Menachem Lubinsky, Lubicom CEO

 

We all know Bimbo Bakery products; we all love Bimbo Bakery Products, so what is going on and why are there so many rumors?

You know their brands: Thomas, Levy’s, Arnold’s, Sara Lee and Freihofer, among others.

The announcement in November that the kosher certification would be dropped on all Bimbo bread products created quite a firestorm in the kosher community. Like with most issues in 2018, people took to social media with hundreds of comments online, heated discussion on Facebook, and people demanding answers from the rabbis.

I had the same thoughts. Isn’t it ironic that in the year 2018 when approximately 2,000 new kosher certifications were awarded, that a company with a long-standing tradition of kosher certification should be one of the few companies in the last two decades to remove their kosher certification? This lack of sensitivity to an extremely loyal base is unprecedented.

When reviewing the complaints, I discovered that many protests were coming from customers who rely on the special low calorie and whole-grain breads. Others were upset customers who live in smaller markets where breads like Arnold’s are their only option for kosher bread.

Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO of the Kashrus Division of the Orthodox Union, was optimistic that the OU kosher certification would continue on most products. He said that the company was undergoing some internal reviews of its baking sources and that the OU was working with them to adapt to some of these changes.

What most people don’t know is that in a few days, officials of Bimbo Bakeries and the Orthodox Union (OU) will meet once again to discuss the kosher status of many of the brands that Bimbo owns. Following the first meeting, Bimbo and the OU issued the following statement: “Bimbo Bakeries USA & the Orthodox Union had a productive meeting on December 13, 2018. We are confident that working together we can meet the bread and buns needs of kosher consumers.  Bimbo Bakeries and the OU have identified several possible solutions and aim to finalize a plan in January 2019. Bimbo Bakeries continues to offer kosher certified breakfast and sweet baked goods products under the Thomas’ and Entenmann’s brands.”

The US story of Bimbo Bakeries began in 1994 when Grupo Bimbo – Mexico’s largest baking company with operations in 21 countries – purchased La Hacienda, a California-based tortilla company. Bimbo Bakeries USA then entered the U.S. bread market in 1997. It now owns most of the baking brands in the US including Entenmann’s, Thomas’ and Boboli. In 2009, Grupo Bimbo purchased the remaining U.S. fresh baked goods business of George Weston Ltd., adding brands such as Arnold, Brown Berry, Freihofer’s and Stroehmann. It also owns Sara Lee’s bread business.

Written by Lubicom for Kosher.com