The party was AMAZING and I can't wait to show you guys pictures of it! I am as tired as I can remember being, so while I recuperate, I have one last guest poster for you. I am super excited to introduce you folks to Estee Lavitt. Estee is a working mommy who manages to find time to bake and cook delicious food, and she maintains a blog. Also, she is the nicest person on the entire twitter. No jokes. Are you impressed yet? I know I am. Wait, there's more! Estee bakes the best challah ever. I know so because I tasted it. That's the awesome thing about meeting online friends in real life, you get to taste their goodies! Estee is pretty lucky too, if I do say so myself, because her husband … [Read more...]
Dairy Recipe Roundup for Shavuos
Shavuos is coming, and I for one am cooking up a storm! I'm going to be posting an awesome new dairy recipe tomorrow, just in time for Shavuos, but in the meantime, if you're looking for some awesome dairy ideas, check out these posts from the archives: Healthy Quiche Cups: a healthy quiche filling, baked inside a whole wheat wrap..for those who want to stay healthy over the holiday. Healthy Cottage Cheese Pancakes: another delicious and healthy option for Shavuos. Caprese Panini: A delicious twist on a grilled cheese sandwich! And now onto some delicious desserts: Cream Cheese Swirled Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake: the best bundt cake you've ever tasted, plus it's a great change … [Read more...]
Passover Apple Crumb Kugel
I'm exhausted right now. Want to know why? Here's a partial list: Doughless potato knishes, cabbage kugel, chocolate chip cookies, crispy shallot breaded chicken, marinated almond crusted chicken, butternut squash kugel, and of course, apple kugel. All for passover. All made after I got home from work the last two nights. I am a little breathless thinking about the multitudes of food I still need to cook, but I had to stop and post my apple kugel recipe. I searched and searched every corner of the internet for a proper Apple Crumb Kugel for Passover, and came up empty. I am sure one exists, but I couldn't find it. And so I set out to make up my own recipe. I am not simply happy with this … [Read more...]
Passover Recipe Roundup
I think I am (shockingly) done posting non-Passover recipes until after the Holiday. I can't imagine going so long without baking (and I know I will be baking Passover goodies, but it isn't the same!) but I will get over it. Somehow. I hope y'all are cool with some real food, because there might be a higher than usual percentage of that stuff in the next few weeks. I haven't gotten to actual Passover cooking yet, but I thought we'd kick things off with a list of recipes that I've posted on this blog that are either okay for Passover or can be easily adapted. I know every family has different traditions and customs about which extra restrictions they follow regarding Passover food and … [Read more...]
Hamantashen Shaped Beef Wontons
I know this blog has been non-stop purim treats recently. And I know that Purim is this week and most of you already have your Purim planned out, if not done. And I know that there should be some kind of witty introduction written here. Some kind of story, or a clever joke. Or maybe something to get everyone into the Purim spirit. But I must admit, I am exhausted. Too exhausted to write. Because every time I try to think of something to write by way of introduction to this post, I think about the crazy day I had at work today. I think about the million emails I didn't answer (or so it feels. In reality it was probably more like 50) and the 29 orders I haven't finished. (Not that I counted or … [Read more...]
Traditional Hamantashen
With Purim coming up, Jewish cooks from all over are scrambling to be creative in their Purim treats. There have been numerous twists on Hamantashen posted on other blogs. I myself created two great twists on the traditional Hamantash for Ami Magazine, as well as adorable Hamantashen cake pops for Joy of Kosher. But...let's not completely forget the original! If you have always been one of those people who admire hamantashen, but can't get your homemade version to look right, you're in luck. The Humble Hamantashen Fairy (that would be me) is here to provide you with the tips and tricks you need to make your hamantashen look like they came from a bakery. Scroll down for the recipe, then … [Read more...]
Broccoli Kugel Muffins
I recently posed the question on twitter: "how does one describe broccoli kugel to non-Kosher eating folks?" For someone like me, who grew up eating kosher, Jewish style foods, kugel is a no-brainer. But when you stop and think about it, try to determine how one can define kugel, it gets infinitely complicated. Is it a side dish? Maybe. Is it savory? Occasionally. A sweet dish? Can be. Something eaten on Shabbos (sabbath)? Often times. Is there one blanket definition of kugel? Sadly not. So while my Jewish readers will probably know exactly what a broccoli kugel is, it may be perplexing to my non-Jewish readers. What exactly is a broccoli kugel, you may be asking yourself. Well, … [Read more...]
Easy Homemade Donuts
***Before we start – have you signed up for my email newsletters? You’ll get new recipes, cooking tips, menu suggestions, kitchen deals – and more! Click here to signup.*** I can't believe Chanuka is more than half over. Where did all those days go? And could you believe I haven't posted anything fried yet? Well, never fear, I have a delicious donut recipe to share with you. Isn't there always time for one more batch of donuts? Here's the thing about making donuts: people seem to think they are ultra complicated, something to attempt only in your most ambitious moments. But I am here to tell you that donuts are totally easy- or at least they should be. I'm usually the queen of … [Read more...]
Tiny Pecan Pies and a Pie Crust Tutorial
Until a couple of months ago I was absolutely terrified of making my own pie crust. Any and all desserts that involved pie crust started with one out of the freezer aisle in the grocery store. Then one of my coworkers asked if he could order a pie as a treat for his family for Rosh Hashanah. My first instinct was to say no, after all, I had never made a pie crust, and didn't want to try it for the first time on a customers. But as I have mentioned before, I never like to turn down a customer, so I did some research, and I said yes. I explained that it was going to be my first time making a homemade pie crust, and he agreed. I spent a long time searching the internet for advice and … [Read more...]
Homemade Potato Knishes
Are you one of those people who thinks making homemade potato knishes from scratch is difficult? I used to think so. Then I made them. And I realized it's a lot easier than I imagined. I guest posted the recipe and some instructional photos on The Spiffy Cookie. Check it out here. Click here for the recipe. Enjoy! … [Read more...]