Your Online Kosher Gift Guide
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When you're in charge of preparing a kosher meal for the holidays or treating Jewish guests to some gourmet food gifts and treats, you'll find dozens of online resources to pull together a bountiful feast. Kosher recipes are readily available from hundreds of seasoned cooks, bakers and gourmet food enthusiasts who only use kosher ingredients for their authentic, traditional recipes. From matza balls and Passover latkas, to soofganiyot and babkas, you'll find many classic recipes for kosher specialties with an online search and can find out if these foods are kosher certified with some basic research.
Finding Kosher Food Online
Many kosher recipes call for specialty ingredients or kosher accompaniments that you can't find at your local grocery store or specialty food market. Kosher food stores and companies online give you a chance to shop for kosher food with ease and have everything delivered to your home within a few days.
If you're looking for food gifts and gourmet food items, you may also consider buying kosher candies and chocolate over the Web. Companies such as Enstrom's, a gourmet toffee and chocolate company, offer a bountiful selection of sweet treats that are perfect for almost any special occasion. You can also track down kosher bakeries online for babkas, mandel bread and even matza balls; just look for indications that they are kosher certified or contact the bakery owner for a confirmation.
Cooking with Kosher Recipes
When you're preparing kosher food for yourself or others, it's important to note the difference between categories of each food type. Dairy foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese are considered kosher when they have met FDA standards, but some families prefer to use only dairy items that are labeled 'Cholov Yisroel' to ensure that the milking has been done under rabbinical supervision. Acceptable dairy foods are those derived from cows, goats and sheep.
Meats include all kosher animals and fowl slaughtered according to Jewish law and prepared under rabbinical supervision. Meat derived from animals that chew their cud and are cloven-hoofed are all considered kosher; this may include beef, lamb, ox, turkey and chicken.
Parve foods are 'neutral' foods and include foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs and tofu. Fish is also considered to be a parve food, and these foods do not fall under the meat or dairy categories.
Making sure your kosher food and recipes are made only with kosher ingredients can take time, but there are many resources available in your local area and online to help you put together a kosher meal. Whether you're cooking for a family feast or rounding up gourmet treats for a special occasion, take the time to confirm that the food source is kosher certified and meets all food standards.
Written by Sabah Karimi
Kosher guidelines are formed from biblical beliefs that create the foundation of Jewish dietary laws. These dietary laws do not allow pork, shellfish, catfish and certain game, such as rabbit or eagle. The stringent guidelines continue on to say that other species of meat and fowl must be slaughtered in a very specific manner to be considered kosher. One last guideline states that meat and dairy products must not be consumed together. These foods are either considered to be non-kosher or did not follow appropriate guidelines.
This may sound overwhelming. It could even leave you wondering what exactly someone who follows kosher guidelines can possibly eat. Years back it may have been tough, but with all of the many choices in the marketplace today the options are practically limitless. Kosher food has turned into a very profitable industry, and the consumer greatly benefits from this with a vast array of choices. So if you are in need of a kosher gift for somebody who practices it, you're in luck! Gifts are given for holidays such as Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah or Hanukah - all of which are important within the faith. Reasons for gifts can also range from celebrating a new baby at a brisk or naming ceremony to mourning a family member passing away through Shiva. Here we examine the top 10 kosher gift ideas to make your shopping much easier - and even fun.
1. Rugelach Assortment. This Jewish pastry is a traditional favorite. It has a rolled-up shape and can be filled with a variety of ingredients
from raisins to chocolate. This treat is made without any dairy and has been loved through many generations.
2. Challah. Bread may not sound like a good gift idea, but this special variety is a true treat. This special braided braid is a delicious foundation at any kosher table. You could buy fresh Challah bread or really wow them by baking your very own loaf.
3. Gourmet Kosher Chocolate. Who doesn't love chocolate? While it's important to be certain that the chocolate you are buying is kosher, that shouldn't be an issue with the many sources available to you in your gift buying needs. One excellent example is Enstrom's, which offers a huge selection of tantalizing chocolates and homemade toffee. This is one gift that won't soon be forgotten!
4. Kosher Wine. A good bottle of wine can go a long way. Kosher wine is very carefully produced within the guidelines and has a taste all its own. Jewish celebrations are often marked with kosher wine. Luckily, you can find this variety anywhere. It's an excellent way to let them know you care.
5. Matzah Ball Soup. This is a staple at the Jewish Passover table and is served daily at many delis and restaurants throughout the country. If you don't want to make the soup, you can even find this mix to include in a care package.
6. Kosher Candy Bouquet. What a fun way to celebrate any occasion! Include some yummy favorites such as taffy, lollipops and chocolate-covered pretzels. This option can appeal to the child in everyone while offering sophistication. Kosher has never tasted so fun!
7. Kosher Snack Basket. You can either make your own gift basket or buy one already assembled as the number of retailers carrying kosher snacks is growing all the time. Be sure to include dried fruit, nuts and pretzels - if they contain the kosher symbol then you are sure to give something appropriate and appreciated.
8. Kosher Pie or Cake. It's amazing how many kosher baked goods there are. So long as the cakes or pies are prepared without any dairy and stick to the guidelines, you can find an endless number of yummy treats. Some tasty options include New York-style cheesecake, a blueberry crumb cake or a dairy-free chocolate cream pie. Nobody can turn down dessert!
9. Latke Crisps. Potato latkes (pancakes) can be found at any Jewish holiday table, and this snack is just like the real thing. This snack has all the taste of a traditional potato latke with the crunch of a potato chip. These can be given as a hostess gift or as part of a basket for any holiday or special occasion.
10. Yummy Gift Basket. You can find the less traditional gift baskets that include regular treats prepared to kosher guidelines, or go for a more traditional gift basket. If going for traditional be sure to find one that includes hamantash, as this three-cornered baked treat can appeal to anyone with fillings ranging from caramel to dates. You can't go wrong sending a gift basket for any occasion!
Written by Mary Frederick
Rushing last minute to find that special kosher gift for a friend or loved one? Gift baskets make great last-minute options. All you need is a basket and a group of kosher items that go together. It's a good idea to personalize the gift to the person you're giving it to. One way to do this is to take a general idea and then throw in something that the recipient enjoys. For instance, if you are doing a last-minute gift basket with a kosher chocolate theme and you know the recipient likes to eat chocolate during movies, throw in a pair of movie tickets as well. The great thing about a last-minute gift basket is that the ideas are endless and they can be compiled quickly.
Kosher Toffee and Chocolate Gift Basket
Almond toffee and chocolate are the perfect complementary gift basket confections. A mixture of different types of chocolates and toffee is a good idea. This way, the gift recipient will not tire of the treat. Chocolates and toffee are an easy gift to create at the last minute. To be sure you are purchasing kosher confections, always check the label. Enstrom's is a great company that makes both toffee and chocolate. All of of their confections are certified kosher under the Scroll K / Vaad Hakashrus of Denver. For a last-minute option, Enstrom's accepts orders 24 hours a day on their Web site and offers a variety of shipping options that include two-day and even next-day service.
Kosher Gourmet Gift Basket
Another great last-minute gift basket is one that contains assorted gourmet foods. Some suggestions include wine, crackers, cheese, salami, olives, oranges, apples and pecans. Just as with the confections, remember to make sure all items are kosher. KosherWineReport.com is a great place to learn about kosher wines and cheeses. This way your selection, even at the last minute, can be an informed one.
Kosher Bath Care Gift Basket
Many people enjoy gifts they can use in the bath. Kosher bath salts and oils are one idea. Others may include kosher shampoo, conditioner and soaps. Kosher lotions, body spray and candles are also good for last-minute kosher gift baskets. Raffia is great on the inside of the basket for holding these small items in place, as well as creating a decorative look.
Written by Momie Tullottes