25 memorable dishes for Memorial Day celebrations. Many are great for take-alongs or picnics; all work well for entertaining friends or family at indoor or outdoor buffets. Do let us know which ones you try! And, share your favorite buffet recipes with us.

Starters
Green Olive Dip
Guacamole Aut

The Zoku Slush and Shake Maker sells for $19.99. For more information, visit Zoku.

Read about the original Zoku Quick Pop Maker as we reported in our 2011 feature.

]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Allan Scher) frontpage Fri, 17 May 2013 02:51:36 +0000 http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2505-papergoodscom-online-tableware.html http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2505-papergoodscom-online-tableware.html Papergoods.com

KosherEye has made a new discovery and what a find it is! We try to follow up on suggestions from our readers, and so when a KosherEye friend recommended Papergoods.com we checked it out. We found a huge online store of disposables, paper and plastic goods for entertaining, everyday use, Shabbos and special occasions. In fact, we were so impressed that we contacted the company

According to Sholom: "I am personally a huge online shopper. One day after an especially large shopping (schlepping) trip I decided to find out if there was anyone selling paper goods online. Lo and behold, there was none and I decided then and there that this is what I wanted to do! I started the company, which was originally called papergoodsdirect.com, in my garage about 5 years ago and have been building papergoods.com ever since. Presently, our company has relationships with many of the country's leading paper/plastic companies, but we hope to eventually manufacture our own signature lines."

We asked Sholom to recommend tableware for different occasions and budgets. He graciously complied.

]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Allan Scher) frontpage Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:24:50 +0000 http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2494-zojirushi-virtuoso-breadmaker-.html http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2494-zojirushi-virtuoso-breadmaker-.html Zojirushi Virtuoso Bread Maker

Selecting a Breadmaker can be confusing

Yes the Zo is an investment ($275), but if you have the counter or pantry space available, and if you love fresh bread and preserves, we think that it is well worth the price. If you use it often, studies have indicated that over time, homemade bread costs substantially less than store bought bread, and is of course healthier, (We guess that depends on your ingredient choices.)

Why did we select the Zojirushi? ]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Allan Scher) frontpage Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:54:45 +0000 http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2483-slow-spring-cooking.html http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2483-slow-spring-cooking.html By Guest Columnist Chef Rachel Willen

The absolute stunning thing about this particular cooker, and why I loved working with it, is that it has a "browning" setting. It actually browns and sears, right in the cooker pot, right inside the cooker. Browning meat for a stew, even a slow cooker stew, is a flavor-building technique that should not be skipped, even though, for convenience sake, a lot of slow cooker recipes do skip it. With this Cuisinart cooker, you don't have to mess up an extra pot, or your stove with the browning process...and all the flavor stays right in the pot you'll be slow cooking in.

The browning function allows you to set the temperature as high as 400 degrees F, which is hot enough to get a nice sear on the meat. It also allows you to bring things to a boil, as in reducing the sauce at the end of the cooking time, without dirtying yet another pot!

Wouldn't you love to have one of these lovely cookers right now?  Even though it's spring? Just to make this lovely slow-cooked spring lamb? Well, as a memorable way to introduce myself to KosherEye readers, and because Cuisinart was generous enough to offer a brand-new one of these to giveaway, one lucky reader will give this beauty a home. Enter here. 

Now, a final word on this lamb stew. It's has the depth of a classic boeuf bourguignon, but on daylight savings time! It's perfect for the still cool nights we are having but gives a wonderful hint of all the green freshness to come. The herby-fresh pistou (fancy-French for pesto) with mint and parsley and basil along with the new potatoes, boiled, lightly smashed and pan-fried to a crispy, creamy perfection make this a meal fit for a spring celebration!

]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Allan Scher) frontpage Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:17:37 +0000 http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2477-emile-henry-roastinglasagna-dish.html http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2477-emile-henry-roastinglasagna-dish.html Freezer to Microwave to Oven to Table

We look at the Emile Henry bakeware and ovenware line as providing heirloom quality pieces for our kitchens. They are culinary accessories that although sometimes pricey, can last a lifetime and beyond. If a bride adds these to her gift registry, she can be confident that she will not have to purchase replacement pieces for a very long time. The company too is confident in the quality of its products and offers a 10-year warranty.

Our newest Emile Henry culinary wonder is the roasting/lasagna dish we have been testing. It is versatile, and our "go to" ovenware casserole dish for baking or roasting family sized entrees, sides or desserts. This rectangular baking dish is durable, functional and stylish. It multitasks...going directly from freezer to oven, to table, and then into the sink for a hand washing or into the dishwasher. And, due to the hard glaze, cutting and slicing in the dish is possible without the worry of damage or scratches. It is also resistant to chipping. Whew!

We tried our recipes in a large 16.7" x 11"

The casserole:
According to WikiPedia, the word casserole is from the French word for "saucepan" and is defined as a large, deep dish used both in the oven and as a serving vessel. The word casserole is also used for the food cooked and served in such a vessel, with the cookware itself called a casserole dish or casserole pan.

To purchase, click here: Emile Henry Lasagna Dish

Enjoy these crowd friendly casserole recipes:

]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Allan Scher) frontpage Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:07:35 +0000 http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2465-an-inside-look-at-the-2013-manischewitz-cook-off.html http://koshereye.com/vip-chefs-foodies/in-the-spotlight/2465-an-inside-look-at-the-2013-manischewitz-cook-off.html By Robin Saul - Finalist

When I read about the Manischewitz Cook-off I just couldn't resist entering. I was researching ways to gather funding for my daughter's education, and a $25,000 grand prize (cash and Maytag appliances) would surely help. I really did not think that I would become a finalist but, I do have a knack for creating original recipes that appeal to family and friends- a talent I do not take for granted. I created my original recipe inspired by a picture I had seen of a Panini that was so thin it looked like matzo, not bread. I added mushrooms, mango and balsamic flavors as the sandwich filler.

The contest rules encouraged simple, simple, simple

But the timing... was a huge issue. This year I was invited out for Passover Seder meals and did not have family to entertain,. So, even though the event was just 4 days prior to the holiday I was able to interrupt my Passover preparation schedule. However, the timing was a concern for the other contestants as well; everyone agreed that perhaps in the future the date should be reconsidered. (That is ]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Allan Scher) frontpage Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:49:24 +0000 http://koshereye.com/koshereye-features/gadgets/1544-chef-sleeve-ipad-cover.html http://koshereye.com/koshereye-features/gadgets/1544-chef-sleeve-ipad-cover.html Two Messy Thumbs Up!

When cooking, we use it all ]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Lois Held) frontpage Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000 http://koshereye.com/koshereye-features/food-n-drink/2449-recanati.html http://koshereye.com/koshereye-features/food-n-drink/2449-recanati.html An Artisan Winery

We are longtime fans of Israel's Recanati Winery, which offers very fine, highly rated reserve selections as well as several satisfying simpler table wines. The Recanati Winery was founded in 2000 by a group of wine lovers led by Lenny Recanati. Their goal was to create a new winery for the production of quality Israeli wines at reasonable consumer prices.

Two of our favorites are Yasmin white and Yasmin red; both appealing selections to keep on hand because they are terrific table wines at value prices. Added to our suggestions are several mid?priced exceptional wines as well as a few in the luxury category. What better time for a wine splurge than at the Seder table? Whichever of these kosher for Passover wines you choose, we hope that you sip your four glasses surrounded by family and friends.

Recanati Yasmin White 2012
Yasmin White is a stylish light blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Emerald Riesling and French Colombard grapes harvested in the winery's vineyards in Binyamin and the Jezreel Valley. ?Lovely as an aperitif or with chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes. Best served well chilled. $11.00

Recanati Yasmin Red 2012
Yasmin Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz grapes grown in the winery's vineyards in the Galilee and the Ella Valley. This light-bodied wine has rich fruity flavors and can be enjoyed young. Yasmin Red is a wonderful accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes including meat and poultry. $11.00

Sauvignon Blanc 2011
This crispy, fruity Sauvignon is made from grapes grown in a single vineyard in the Upper Galilee ?? This white wine's aroma is one of grapefruit and tropical fruits with shades of passion fruit and green apple. Especially lovely with appetizers, poultry and fish. $15.00

Shiraz 2011
A lively, heavily scented red wine with grapes harvested in two vineyards - Israel's Jezreel Valley and the Lachish region providing a wine with a wide spectrum of flavors. Suggested to complement roasted meats, meat casseroles, pastas with rich sauces and smoked, savory cheeses. $17.00

Petite Sirah- Zinfandel Reserve 2011
A blend of Petite Sirah with some Zinfandel grapes, this wine is deep purple in color with aromas of forest berries, chocolate and walnuts.? The Petite Sirah grapes come from the Lower Galilee while the Zinfandel grapes are grown in the Upper Galilee. The result is a combination of the best of both regions ]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Allan Scher) frontpage Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:57:57 +0000 http://koshereye.com/koshereye-features/food-n-drink/2444-de-la-rosa-real-foods-.html http://koshereye.com/koshereye-features/food-n-drink/2444-de-la-rosa-real-foods-.html Organic, Kosher for Passover Oil & Vinegar

At Kosherfest 2012 we found a wonderful selection of  oils and vinegars by De La Rosa Real Foods. What a treat ? their products are from Italy and are OU certified kosher and kosher for Passover. Founded 28 years ago by Rabbi Asher Devere Girshberg, the company focused  predominantly on Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and Balsamic Vinegar. Two years ago  they saw the need and opportunity to expand their product line and in January 2013 introduced several new organic products.  From Yehudith Girshberg, " The objective of the company is to enhance and promote principles of environmental responsibilities... We want to help to educate people to eat healthier products. Our goal is to make AFFORDABLE Organic Products - or at least natural products - available to the marketplace,  including the neglected kosher marketplace."

The Oils:
Olive oil is a fat obtained from the olive, the fruit of the olive tree (fruit of Olea europaea; family Oleaceae), which is  native to the Mediterranean basin countries. Olive oil is considered by many to be one of the healthy oils. Italy is the second largest country in both production and consumption of olive oil. The De La Rosa Oils are imported from Italy and have  no GMO or additives are added.

De La Rosa 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Organic 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Obtained from the first cold pressing of the olives, which are individually handpicked and harvested at their earliest and peak stage of ripeness to provide a special fruity and full bodied flavor. Made from a specially selected blend of Italian and other Mediterranean Olives ]]> ContactUs@KosherEye.com (Lois Held) frontpage Sun, 17 Mar 2013 08:48:41 +0000