News
Purim Celebration March 10 2017
This Saturday night marks the beginning of the Jewish Holiday of Purim. This is one of the more festive holidays and is enjoyed by all ages. Children dress up in costumes similar to Halloween and there are often carnivals to celebrate the holiday. One big tradition of Purim is to give Mishloach Manot or Purim Baskets. Traditionally these consist of at least two different food items that are given to family and friends. Historically this was to insure everyone had enough to eat during the feasting portion of the holiday. These days it just adds to the celebration.
I am sure you already have your baskets set for this year but we do have a lot of great Kosher products in our marketplace that would be perfect for next year! I prefer to do homemade items and my kitchen has been busy this week with lots of baking to get ready for the holiday. Today we packed up our Purim Baskets and will deliver them to friends this weekend.This year, along with a hand decorated card by my 2-year-old, we included Grandma Terry’s Hamantaschen, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Rococo Chocolates Bee Bars. I am sure our friends will not be disappointed when they open their baskets of goodies.
Happy Purim!
Julie
Sending Mishloach Manot March 18 2016
With Purim less than one week away, I am frantically trying to decide what to include in the Mishloach Manot I will be giving to friends. The gift of MIsloach Manot is one of my favorite Purim traditions. The idea is to give the gift of food (at least 2 types) to family and friends so they will have enough food for the Purim feast. It is also said to increase love and friendship among the Jewish People.
Our Gourmet Kosher Gift Set is the perfect go-to Mishloach Manot for procrastinators. It includes Rick’s Picks K.O.(Kosher Organic) Pickle Spears. These pickles are the perfect straight out of the jar and are even better when paired with your favorite sandwich. Cacao Prieto Chocolate Bark is so delicious. I love the apricot pistachio and the art work is a postcard so beautiful. This is part of a gift that keeps on giving. Tiny But Mighty Heirloom Microwave Popcorn will make a treat for many in just 3-4 minutes. Use the Jacobson Salt Co. Kosher Salt in your cooking or put a bit on your table to finish your dishes. All of these products are certified Kosher but so delicious it doesn't even matter!
Our products are also always available on their own. Have some fun and put together your own unique collection. We would be happy to put together a personalized set and ship them off to your family and friends. Order by Tuesday March 22nd for Purim delivery.
Here’s our favorite recipe for Hamantaschen. Another great item to include in your basket.
No matter how you celebrate… Happy Purim!
Happy Friday,
Julie
Dreaming of Spring February 19 2016
As the winter weather comes and goes here in New York, I’m beginning to look forward to spring. A day with temperatures below zero will do that to anyone I imagine. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year and filled with lots of fun holidays including my son’s birthday! Here is a quick peak at what we have in store for the upcoming holidays.
St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday March 17th – Get your green on with these great products
Rococo Chocolates Basil and Persian Lime Artisan Bar
Paul + Pippa Lime After Time Biscuits
Artion Greek Foods Green Pitted Olives
Purim, Wednesday March 24th – We have everything you need to impress your friends by giving the best Mishloach Manot. Check out our Gourmet Kosher Gift Set.
Easter, Sunday March 27th – On Easter everyone wants chocolate eggs. You won’t be disappointed with these Hazelnut Praline Quails Eggs from Rococo Chocolates
April Fools Day, Friday April 1st -The jokes on your friends, get them to buy you something special from our marketplace in exchange for no pranks on this day.
Passover, Friday April 22nd – Try the chocolate bark from Cacao Prieto as a sweet addition to your seder table.
Earth Day, Friday April 22nd – You can feel good about the earth when purchasing the products in our Organic Gift Set.
Happy Friday,
Julie
A Holiday Tradition March 06 2015
This week we celebrated the Jewish Holiday of Purim. For most people this means costumes, carnivals and gifting sweets to friends. As a child, Purim for me meant making Hamantaschen, a traditional Purim cookie shaped like a triangle, with my grandmother. I continue the tradition as an adult making these cookies each year for friends. This year I used the Clementine Marmalade from Gus & Grey Jams and the cookies were divine! I know my grandmother would be proud of the finished product. Below is her recipe.
Happy Friday,
Julie
GRANDMA TERRRY’S HAMANTASCHEN
Makes 36 cookies
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 cup oil
1 ¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
5 ½ cups flour
2 cups of your favorite Jam
Method:
Beat eggs well. Add oil and sugar and continue to beat.
Next add vanilla, baking powder and salt, mix well. Gradually add the flour, you may need to mix the last bit in by hand.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes.
Divide dough in half. Roll out on floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 3-4 inch rounds. Continue rolling and cutting the dough until you have all the circles cut.
Fill with a heaping teaspoon of your favorite jam. Draw sides in to form a triangle and pinch closed.
Place cookies on a sheet sprayed with non-stick spray or on a silpat. Allow some space between the cookies so they do not stick together.
Bake at 350 F or 7-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Enjoy!