Every week just seems to fly right past! At least most family members appear to be on the mend, although now my oldest child has caught a cold. I'm hoping it doesn't aggravate HIS asthma...
So it's time to plan a Shabbat menu, you say?
Trying to keep it really simple.
I am figuring it all out, EXCEPT I asked my vegetarian son to go through one of my vegetarian cookbooks and choose a non-tofu dish for him to learn to make, and I will coach him through cooking it for Shabbat...
The rest of the menu is:
Vegetable soup with wild greens
Black bean cholent (for lunch)
Oven-fried chicken and oven-fried shnitzels
Potato Kugel
Butternut Squash Kugel (using the one butternut squash I have left and the pumpkin that's left)
Salad - tomatoes, cucumbers, red/yellow peppers, and scallions
Apple Crisp (we got lots of apples for free the other day. I ran out of oats for the topping, but I made it this week with wheat bran and there were NO complaints!)
Challot (from the freezer)
Chocolate Cake (from the freezer)
We all know that Israel is expensive! Here you’ll find ways to save, important announcements, and frugal food ideas. (Please note: ALL posts may contain affiliate links)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
New Style J Discount Code
Looking for a new skirt?
Great Style J discount code right now!
Use code PR25G for 25% off
valid thru Jan 31, 2013
Great Style J discount code right now!
Use code PR25G for 25% off
valid thru Jan 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Little gifts - for which I am grateful
I was walking home this afternoon, with my 5 yr old daughter, and she always notices the flats of produce sitting in the driveway of one house in particular. She notices because they usually have fruits she like to eat - like persimmons and pomegranates right now, peaches and grapes in the summer, and more.
Today she pointed out an abundance of pomegranates.
And today I saw a light on in the window of the house.
So I asked her if we should go knock on the door and find out if that fruit is there for people to take if they want.
She timidly asked if we know them. I said no, but we can just knock on the door and say hello and ask about it.
So we did.
A kind woman in her 50s, maybe 60s, greeted us. The house was full of kids - at least 6 of them - which she identified as her grandchildren. We asked her about the fruits and veggies, and she explained to me that her husband simply buys too much when he goes to the shuk, and she can't possibly use it all. She said her husband gives some to some of the families nearby, but there is always such "shefa" (abundance), she doesn't know what to do with it... but she always wonders if there isn't someone around who could truly use it... and then she handed me 4 plastic shopping bags and told me to take whatever I wanted, b'simcha (happily), and to take anytime there is stuff out there.
We thanked her for her generosity, wished her that she should always be in a position to have such shefa to share, and went and picked out produce from the flats. Now bear in mind that they'd been sitting there since at least a day before, and it rained all night and part of the day today. Not everything was in great shape, even though the boxes were under the carport. We had to skip the persimmons as they were all so smushed we couldn't even lift them without making a huge mess.
We found avocados, pomegranates, apples, tomatoes, celery, turnips, dill, onions, cauliflower, pumpkin, and more.
I would take a picture but I already put it away and even served pomegranates, tomatoes, and avocados with supper!
Now, thanks to that family, I think all we need to buy this week will be grape juice and chicken for Shabbat, and some more bags of milk! Which is good, because all those asthmatic and allergic people in my house are running up our kupat cholim charges.
As I've always said, whenever we've looked at a month that we weren't sure what would be, Hashem makes sure it works out. Sometimes it's in the form of an unexpected little job, sometimes it's free groceries. But it always works out.
Today she pointed out an abundance of pomegranates.
And today I saw a light on in the window of the house.
So I asked her if we should go knock on the door and find out if that fruit is there for people to take if they want.
She timidly asked if we know them. I said no, but we can just knock on the door and say hello and ask about it.
So we did.
A kind woman in her 50s, maybe 60s, greeted us. The house was full of kids - at least 6 of them - which she identified as her grandchildren. We asked her about the fruits and veggies, and she explained to me that her husband simply buys too much when he goes to the shuk, and she can't possibly use it all. She said her husband gives some to some of the families nearby, but there is always such "shefa" (abundance), she doesn't know what to do with it... but she always wonders if there isn't someone around who could truly use it... and then she handed me 4 plastic shopping bags and told me to take whatever I wanted, b'simcha (happily), and to take anytime there is stuff out there.
We thanked her for her generosity, wished her that she should always be in a position to have such shefa to share, and went and picked out produce from the flats. Now bear in mind that they'd been sitting there since at least a day before, and it rained all night and part of the day today. Not everything was in great shape, even though the boxes were under the carport. We had to skip the persimmons as they were all so smushed we couldn't even lift them without making a huge mess.
We found avocados, pomegranates, apples, tomatoes, celery, turnips, dill, onions, cauliflower, pumpkin, and more.
I would take a picture but I already put it away and even served pomegranates, tomatoes, and avocados with supper!
Now, thanks to that family, I think all we need to buy this week will be grape juice and chicken for Shabbat, and some more bags of milk! Which is good, because all those asthmatic and allergic people in my house are running up our kupat cholim charges.
As I've always said, whenever we've looked at a month that we weren't sure what would be, Hashem makes sure it works out. Sometimes it's in the form of an unexpected little job, sometimes it's free groceries. But it always works out.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Crackers
Just a quick reminder about snack foods!
If you really want to stretch your shekels, don't buy snack foods.
I know, you still need to feed the kids snacks, and fruits and veggies are not the only thing they want to eat.
And you don't want to serve cookies or muffins every day. Too much sugar.
So what do you do?
Go ahead! Make your own crackers! It sounds hard, it seems intimidating, but really it is simple.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Click here for the recipe
If you really want to stretch your shekels, don't buy snack foods.
I know, you still need to feed the kids snacks, and fruits and veggies are not the only thing they want to eat.
And you don't want to serve cookies or muffins every day. Too much sugar.
So what do you do?
Go ahead! Make your own crackers! It sounds hard, it seems intimidating, but really it is simple.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Click here for the recipe
Menu
Our supper menu for the week, using what's here in the house.
Sunday:
Tomato Soup, Lentils and Rice with vegetables, oranges
Monday:
Whatever is left from Shabbat
Tuesday:
Split Pea Soup, Homemade bagels with homemade cream cheese, olives, carrot sticks, and sliced peppers
Wednesday:
Split Pea Soup, Pizza (I made a batch of individual size crusts and they are already in the freezer!), carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers
Thursday:
Garlic bread, Pasta with tomato sauce and cheese, salad
Sunday:
Tomato Soup, Lentils and Rice with vegetables, oranges
Monday:
Whatever is left from Shabbat
Tuesday:
Split Pea Soup, Homemade bagels with homemade cream cheese, olives, carrot sticks, and sliced peppers
Wednesday:
Split Pea Soup, Pizza (I made a batch of individual size crusts and they are already in the freezer!), carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers
Thursday:
Garlic bread, Pasta with tomato sauce and cheese, salad
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Simple Cake (that's not chocolate)
It started with a jar of cherry preserves. They had been sitting around for a while. My daughter found the jar and asked if she could open it for a sandwich one day, and I told her, "no, I'm planning to use that for a cake I'm going to bake." That was six months ago. Every so often, she has asked, "Eema, when are you going to make that cake with the cherry jelly?" Of course, I kept telling her, "soon," and for some reason, never did.
So, as her birthday approached, my daughter asked if I would make the cherry jelly cake for her birthday. "Of course!" - it was a great idea, since I didn't want to make the same ol' chocolate cake. BUT my husband always claims not to like cakes with fruit in them.
I wanted it to be a cake EVEN my husband would eat, and I succeeded! I know this, because apparently he came downstairs at 3 a.m. and ate a piece of cake...
Here's my recipe:
2 T. ground flaxseed + 1/4 cup boiling water (or 1 egg)
1/4 cup oil
1/2 c. milk or milk substitute (I used soy milk)
1 1/2 c. flour (I used white flour this time. gasp!)
1/4 c. ground flaxseed (optional)
2/3 c. sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 jar of cherry preserves or your favorite no-sugar added fruit preserves
Topping:
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts or ground flaxseed (I used flaxseed, because it was handy)
1-2 T. oil
Directions:
Mix 2 T. ground flasxeed with the boiling water, allow to cool for 10 min.
Add oil, and milk. mix well.
Add flour, ground flaxseed, sugar, baking powder, salt. Mix well.
Spread about half the batter (it will be thick) in a lined round cake pan. spread 1/2 jar of cherry preserves over this. Spread the remaining batter on top.
Mix together the topping, and cover the whole top of the cake.
Bake at 180 C (about 350 F) for 30 - 35 min. Check with a toothpick to be sure it's done.
Allow to cool before cutting.
It was a big hit in my house! Please be sure to tell me what you think if you try it!
So, as her birthday approached, my daughter asked if I would make the cherry jelly cake for her birthday. "Of course!" - it was a great idea, since I didn't want to make the same ol' chocolate cake. BUT my husband always claims not to like cakes with fruit in them.
I wanted it to be a cake EVEN my husband would eat, and I succeeded! I know this, because apparently he came downstairs at 3 a.m. and ate a piece of cake...
Here's my recipe:
2 T. ground flaxseed + 1/4 cup boiling water (or 1 egg)
1/4 cup oil
1/2 c. milk or milk substitute (I used soy milk)
1 1/2 c. flour (I used white flour this time. gasp!)
1/4 c. ground flaxseed (optional)
2/3 c. sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 jar of cherry preserves or your favorite no-sugar added fruit preserves
Topping:
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts or ground flaxseed (I used flaxseed, because it was handy)
1-2 T. oil
Directions:
Mix 2 T. ground flasxeed with the boiling water, allow to cool for 10 min.
Add oil, and milk. mix well.
Add flour, ground flaxseed, sugar, baking powder, salt. Mix well.
Spread about half the batter (it will be thick) in a lined round cake pan. spread 1/2 jar of cherry preserves over this. Spread the remaining batter on top.
Mix together the topping, and cover the whole top of the cake.
Bake at 180 C (about 350 F) for 30 - 35 min. Check with a toothpick to be sure it's done.
Allow to cool before cutting.
It was a big hit in my house! Please be sure to tell me what you think if you try it!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Shabbat Menu
It's Thursday. Again - it came very quickly! Time to plan for Shabbat, and it's a special one - Shabbat Shira and Tu B'Shvat! Unfotunately, my kids and I have been taking turns being sick, so we're not up to having guests - just trying to avoid having to go to the ER is enough effort (asthma is awful). But despite all the coughing, wheezing, ear-aching, sneezing, and sniffling, we will try to make sure we have an uplifting Shabbat.
Here's the menu:
Homemade Challah (making a batch today)
Vegetable Soup with lots of kishuim (squash) (special request for lots of kishuim)
Black Bean Cholent (for lunch)
Pineapple Chicken (special request from my daughter)
Rice
Apple Kugel/Apple Crisp
Potato Kugel
Roasted Carrots and Beets
Make-your-own-salad, with whatever veggies I happen to have on hand
Fruit Platter for Tu B'Shvat: So far I have pears (which I haven't bought yet this season, so we can even make shehechiyanu), persimmons, kiwi, grapefruit, oranges, bananas. We'll see if we get any other fruit today or tomorrow.
Birthday Cake for my daughter, who was born 8 years ago, on Tu B'Shvat!
Here's my favorite vegetable soup recipe. It's actually not so much a recipe, as it is a method:
Chop/dice/ slice your soup vegetables - I usually use onions, garlic, celery, tons of carrots, zucchini, and other veggies as the mood hits me.
Sautee all the veggies in extra virgin olive oil, then cook, covered, to reduce, for 10-15 min. before adding any liquid. Fill the pot with water or vegetable stock (if you don't want a vegetarian soup, feel free to use your chicken stock). Season with salt, pepper, parsley, dill, and any other herbs you love in your soup! Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1/2 an hour. You *could* cook it longer, making sure not to boil off too much liquid, but you don't need to.
It's a really easy soup.
What are you making for Shabbat Tu B'Shvat/Shabbat Shira? Anything special?
Here's the menu:
Homemade Challah (making a batch today)
Vegetable Soup with lots of kishuim (squash) (special request for lots of kishuim)
Black Bean Cholent (for lunch)
Pineapple Chicken (special request from my daughter)
Rice
Apple Kugel/Apple Crisp
Potato Kugel
Roasted Carrots and Beets
Make-your-own-salad, with whatever veggies I happen to have on hand
Fruit Platter for Tu B'Shvat: So far I have pears (which I haven't bought yet this season, so we can even make shehechiyanu), persimmons, kiwi, grapefruit, oranges, bananas. We'll see if we get any other fruit today or tomorrow.
Birthday Cake for my daughter, who was born 8 years ago, on Tu B'Shvat!
Here's my favorite vegetable soup recipe. It's actually not so much a recipe, as it is a method:
Chop/dice/ slice your soup vegetables - I usually use onions, garlic, celery, tons of carrots, zucchini, and other veggies as the mood hits me.
Sautee all the veggies in extra virgin olive oil, then cook, covered, to reduce, for 10-15 min. before adding any liquid. Fill the pot with water or vegetable stock (if you don't want a vegetarian soup, feel free to use your chicken stock). Season with salt, pepper, parsley, dill, and any other herbs you love in your soup! Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1/2 an hour. You *could* cook it longer, making sure not to boil off too much liquid, but you don't need to.
It's a really easy soup.
What are you making for Shabbat Tu B'Shvat/Shabbat Shira? Anything special?
Monday, January 21, 2013
Price Controlled Foods in Israel
Some readers wanted more information about government regulated prices for certain foods in Israel, a.k.a. price controls.
Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know:
The price listed is the MAXIMUM price for the specified item - of course a store can discount it further, if they want to!
If a store is selling price controlled items for a higher price, they are in violation of the law. You can (and should) report these violations.
I'm showing prices for the entire country, excluding Eilat, by the way. Eilat is exempt from Ma'am, so prices there will be lower.
Lechem Achid (I believe this is about 65% whole grain) - 750g loaf, 5.29
White bread, 750g loaf, 5.29
Challah or yeast cake, 500g, 5.77 (don't ask me what kind of yeast cake this is referring to, I have no idea!)
Lechem Achid, sliced and packaged, 750g, 7.93
White bread, sliced and packaged, 500g, 7.05
Regular Kitchen Salt, Fine Kitchen Salt, Fine Table Salt, and Coarse Table salt, 1 kg, 2.07
3% milk, 1 liter, bag, 5.04
1% milk, 1 liter, bag, 4.74
3% milk, 1 liter, carton, 6.27
1% milk, 1 liter, carton, 5.87
Eshel, 4.5% fat, 200ml, 1.59
Gil, 3% fat, 200ml, 1.45
Sour Cream, 15% fat, 200ml, 2.37
Butter, regular, 100g, 3.73
Emek Cheese (at the cheese counter),per kg, 44.52
Gilboa Cheese (at the cheese counter), per kg, 42.21
XL eggs, regular, 1 dozen, 13.90
L eggs, regular, 1 dozen, 12.80
M eggs, regular, 1 dozen, 11.80
If you see a store charging higher prices, you can report them to the regional supervisor.
Last year, the Ministry of Finance decided that Badatz milk products are also price regulated products, so stores cannot be charging more for the Badatz-supervised milk, leben, butter, sour cream, and Emek and Gilboa cheese, FYI.
Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know:
The price listed is the MAXIMUM price for the specified item - of course a store can discount it further, if they want to!
If a store is selling price controlled items for a higher price, they are in violation of the law. You can (and should) report these violations.
I'm showing prices for the entire country, excluding Eilat, by the way. Eilat is exempt from Ma'am, so prices there will be lower.
Lechem Achid (I believe this is about 65% whole grain) - 750g loaf, 5.29
White bread, 750g loaf, 5.29
Challah or yeast cake, 500g, 5.77 (don't ask me what kind of yeast cake this is referring to, I have no idea!)
Lechem Achid, sliced and packaged, 750g, 7.93
White bread, sliced and packaged, 500g, 7.05
Regular Kitchen Salt, Fine Kitchen Salt, Fine Table Salt, and Coarse Table salt, 1 kg, 2.07
3% milk, 1 liter, bag, 5.04
1% milk, 1 liter, bag, 4.74
3% milk, 1 liter, carton, 6.27
1% milk, 1 liter, carton, 5.87
Eshel, 4.5% fat, 200ml, 1.59
Gil, 3% fat, 200ml, 1.45
Sour Cream, 15% fat, 200ml, 2.37
Butter, regular, 100g, 3.73
Emek Cheese (at the cheese counter),per kg, 44.52
Gilboa Cheese (at the cheese counter), per kg, 42.21
XL eggs, regular, 1 dozen, 13.90
L eggs, regular, 1 dozen, 12.80
M eggs, regular, 1 dozen, 11.80
If you see a store charging higher prices, you can report them to the regional supervisor.
Last year, the Ministry of Finance decided that Badatz milk products are also price regulated products, so stores cannot be charging more for the Badatz-supervised milk, leben, butter, sour cream, and Emek and Gilboa cheese, FYI.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Election Day Deals
There are a bunch of election day deals out there.
Yesterday I posted about free coffee at Ilan's, and a discount at Shemo.
I found a few other discounts worth sharing, and I'm sure you'll find plenty of others that are only being advertised in your local area. Some establishments require proof that you voted - most say a picture of you at the voting station (on your phone) will do.
Gali has BOGO offers- Buy one, Get one Free for election day! You'll find this deal on Children's and Women's boots, and sneakers for the whole family, from the Winter 2013 collection. (Hush Puppies and Saucony are not included in this sale)
TNT is offering Buy one, Get one free, on clothing, beginning election day. Offer not valid on New Arrivals.
Honigman is offering 50% off clothing for election day. (excludes New Arrivals)
Honigman Kids is offering Buy one, Get one Free, for election day. (excludes New Arrivals)
Avis has a special for one day car rentals, for election day.
Merkaz Canada in Metulla is offering discounted admission for election day.
Leonardo Club Hotel in Teverya is offering 15% off room rates, plus 50% off spa treatments, and more
Ceasar Premier Hotels in Jerusalem, Eilat, and Teverya is offering an 18% discount to those who vote. Valid for reservations between Jan 22-24
Customers of Tifuach V'Yofi (Or-tal Eliav) in Ramat Yishai, who vote, will receive a gift of hand cream with the purchase of a beauty treatment
Machon Claudia in Karmiel is offering 30% off pedicures and select fingernail treatments
Ofan B'Teva, Moshav Ben-Ami, in the Western Galilee, is offering discounted bike rentals. Contact David 054-4441587, 04-9824339
Cycles Bike Shop in Hadera has special discount offers on Election Day. 04-621-1400
Devorat HaTavor is offering 30% off admission and tours on Election Day.
HomeStyle Stores are offering a variety of discounts, from 30% - 50% off, this week. In addition, on election day, every purchase over 200 shekels will receive a free gift.
Grand Beach Hotels (Tel Aviv and Jerusalem) is offering 10% off hotel stays, offer valid thru Feb 28
Cinema City (Rishon LeTzion, Gelilot, Ra'anana) is offering discounted snacks for those who vote
Science Park at The Weizmann Institute in Rechovot is offering 50% off admission for those who show they voted.
Park HaKerach in Eilat - 50% off ice skating!
Botanical Gardens in Eilat - FREE on election day
Ricochet is giving a 30% discount on their winter collection.
Budget is offering 30% off rental cars, and 1000 shekel off the purchase of a used car
Eden Teva Market - with proof that you voted, 5% off your entire purchase on Election Day!
Ben & Jerry's - free cone for voters - at Cinema City Rishon LeTzion and Glilot, at Be'er Tuvia, and Yavneh
Max Brenner Chocolates - 20% off
I'm sure there are many more... Please share the deals you've found in the comments below!
Yesterday I posted about free coffee at Ilan's, and a discount at Shemo.
I found a few other discounts worth sharing, and I'm sure you'll find plenty of others that are only being advertised in your local area. Some establishments require proof that you voted - most say a picture of you at the voting station (on your phone) will do.
Gali has BOGO offers- Buy one, Get one Free for election day! You'll find this deal on Children's and Women's boots, and sneakers for the whole family, from the Winter 2013 collection. (Hush Puppies and Saucony are not included in this sale)
TNT is offering Buy one, Get one free, on clothing, beginning election day. Offer not valid on New Arrivals.
Honigman is offering 50% off clothing for election day. (excludes New Arrivals)
Honigman Kids is offering Buy one, Get one Free, for election day. (excludes New Arrivals)
Avis has a special for one day car rentals, for election day.
Merkaz Canada in Metulla is offering discounted admission for election day.
Leonardo Club Hotel in Teverya is offering 15% off room rates, plus 50% off spa treatments, and more
Ceasar Premier Hotels in Jerusalem, Eilat, and Teverya is offering an 18% discount to those who vote. Valid for reservations between Jan 22-24
Customers of Tifuach V'Yofi (Or-tal Eliav) in Ramat Yishai, who vote, will receive a gift of hand cream with the purchase of a beauty treatment
Machon Claudia in Karmiel is offering 30% off pedicures and select fingernail treatments
Ofan B'Teva, Moshav Ben-Ami, in the Western Galilee, is offering discounted bike rentals. Contact David 054-4441587, 04-9824339
Cycles Bike Shop in Hadera has special discount offers on Election Day. 04-621-1400
Devorat HaTavor is offering 30% off admission and tours on Election Day.
HomeStyle Stores are offering a variety of discounts, from 30% - 50% off, this week. In addition, on election day, every purchase over 200 shekels will receive a free gift.
Grand Beach Hotels (Tel Aviv and Jerusalem) is offering 10% off hotel stays, offer valid thru Feb 28
Cinema City (Rishon LeTzion, Gelilot, Ra'anana) is offering discounted snacks for those who vote
Science Park at The Weizmann Institute in Rechovot is offering 50% off admission for those who show they voted.
Park HaKerach in Eilat - 50% off ice skating!
Botanical Gardens in Eilat - FREE on election day
Ricochet is giving a 30% discount on their winter collection.
Budget is offering 30% off rental cars, and 1000 shekel off the purchase of a used car
Eden Teva Market - with proof that you voted, 5% off your entire purchase on Election Day!
Ben & Jerry's - free cone for voters - at Cinema City Rishon LeTzion and Glilot, at Be'er Tuvia, and Yavneh
Max Brenner Chocolates - 20% off
I'm sure there are many more... Please share the deals you've found in the comments below!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Election Day Discount at Shemo!
After you vote, tell the friendly folks at Shemo Bakeries that you voted (hitzbati) and you'll get a 10% discount off your purchase!
I once had a cake from Shemo. It was heavenly. Buttery, rich. No shortcuts. Tasted AMAZING.
I might have to go, but I warn you - even with a 10% discount, this won't be a frugal purchase. It will be a major splurge!
I once had a cake from Shemo. It was heavenly. Buttery, rich. No shortcuts. Tasted AMAZING.
I might have to go, but I warn you - even with a 10% discount, this won't be a frugal purchase. It will be a major splurge!
 |
| image from www.shemo.co.il |
Free Coffee on Election Day
Ilan's Coffee is offering a free cup of coffee to anyone who votes on Tuesday.
Just walk into your closest branch, and tell them "I voted" ("Hitzbati"). You'll get a free cup of coffee!
They have a number of branches in the Merkaz, so find the one closest to you!
And let me know if it's good coffee!
Just walk into your closest branch, and tell them "I voted" ("Hitzbati"). You'll get a free cup of coffee!
They have a number of branches in the Merkaz, so find the one closest to you!
And let me know if it's good coffee!
New Style J Discount Code
Style J has a new discount code! For those of you who haven't shopped at Style J before, they have an AMAZING selection skirts - denim and more. Plenty of styles perfect for modest dressing.
Get 25% - 70% off select styles, use code BA25CK
Valid Jan 18 - 22
Get 25% - 70% off select styles, use code BA25CK
Valid Jan 18 - 22
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Cheese
I wanted to make pizza, but we needed cheese. It was a busy day and the easiest thing to do was to call my husband and ask HIM to get some.
So he went to Mega. He told me that's where he was going, so I asked him just to get a block of cheapest cheese at the cheese counter - usually that's Gilboa, because it is one of the price controlled items in the supermarket.
Ok, he did.
And then he got home. I pulled out my grater and started grating the cheese by hand. My husband stood there, not quite comprehending, and asked, "why didn't I just have them shred it?"
I told him that a while ago they told me if I wanted it shredded it was going to cost more, I couldn't remember exactly HOW MUCH more - somewhere in the 50 shekel/kg range, so I stopped buying shredded cheese (I have a grater at home, I can shred cheese myself).
Little did I know that I should have reported them, as today Globes reported they are investigating the situation... apparently they are charging 53 shekel/kg for shredded Gilboa cheese, claiming that the price controls are only in effect on Gilboa sold in a block or sliced, but not shredded.
Have you seen this anywhere?
So he went to Mega. He told me that's where he was going, so I asked him just to get a block of cheapest cheese at the cheese counter - usually that's Gilboa, because it is one of the price controlled items in the supermarket.
Ok, he did.
And then he got home. I pulled out my grater and started grating the cheese by hand. My husband stood there, not quite comprehending, and asked, "why didn't I just have them shred it?"
I told him that a while ago they told me if I wanted it shredded it was going to cost more, I couldn't remember exactly HOW MUCH more - somewhere in the 50 shekel/kg range, so I stopped buying shredded cheese (I have a grater at home, I can shred cheese myself).
Little did I know that I should have reported them, as today Globes reported they are investigating the situation... apparently they are charging 53 shekel/kg for shredded Gilboa cheese, claiming that the price controls are only in effect on Gilboa sold in a block or sliced, but not shredded.
Have you seen this anywhere?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Holiday Budgeting
It's less than 2.5 months till Pesach. I know that Pesach always costs more money than a regular week. We eat differently, and buy matzah (which is expensive) and use lots of wine, grape juice, and even some exotic items. And before Pesach, comes Purim, and I need to make room in the budget for Mishloach Manot, Seudat Purim, and most importantly, Matanot L'evyonim.
So since I know that Purim takes a bit of a bite (I like to splurge a bit for the Seudah, and I like to be as generous as I can with Matanot L'Evyonim), and the week of Pesach usually costs me at least twice as much as a regular week, I think it's time to do a little bit of cutting back so there is room in the budget. (You can check out my article on Joy of Kosher about this, too!)
Lucky for me, I have a freezer full of I don't know what. My kids hate surprise freezer food, but if I plan this far in advance, we only have to use a little bit each week!
My goal is to cut my grocery spending by at least 15% this month. If last month I spent 2100 shekels, this month I want to spend less than 1800 shekels.
It should be doable. Who else is in?
So since I know that Purim takes a bit of a bite (I like to splurge a bit for the Seudah, and I like to be as generous as I can with Matanot L'Evyonim), and the week of Pesach usually costs me at least twice as much as a regular week, I think it's time to do a little bit of cutting back so there is room in the budget. (You can check out my article on Joy of Kosher about this, too!)
Lucky for me, I have a freezer full of I don't know what. My kids hate surprise freezer food, but if I plan this far in advance, we only have to use a little bit each week!
My goal is to cut my grocery spending by at least 15% this month. If last month I spent 2100 shekels, this month I want to spend less than 1800 shekels.
It should be doable. Who else is in?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Do you compare prices?
According to a Globes report, 31% of Israelis do not bother to compare prices when they shop.
Reasons vary from "I believe there are no real differences in prices" to "I don't know how to compare prices" (and many in between).
As a dedicated frugal homemaker, it is hard for me to understand how so many people just pick up items and put them in their carts, without checking if they could be paying less buying a different, yet comparable product.
I started thinking it may be time to explain the ins and outs of price comparisons.
Some things are simple: Produce is almost always priced as shekels/kg. It is easy to tell where you are getting a better deal when it's priced this way. (Some items are priced per piece or per bundle/pkg, like celery, herbs, and the occasional specialty item, and these are somewhat more difficult to compare, but not impossible.) Cheese at the cheese counter is priced as shekels/kg. It is nearly always cheaper to buy cheese from the cheese counter than it is to buy packaged cheese from the refrigerated section. Meat and Chicken are also priced in shekels/kg, and you can easily compare.
It's the things that come in various types of packages and weights that always trip people up. I carry a little calculator in my purse. It's been there for so many years, and it's been used so much that I've managed to rub most of the numbers off!
Some things are easy - legumes usually come in 500g or 1kg bags (but watch out, I have also seen 400g bags!). You can simply compare the prices by multiplying the price of a 500g bag by 2, and comparing that to the price of a 1 kg bag. Sometimes it will come out a LOT more expensive, and sometimes you may be surprised to discover that it is cheaper to buy 2 500g bags than 1 larger 1 kg bag. If you have a 400g bag to compare, multiply that by 2.5 to get the cost of 1 kg.
Become inseparable from your calculator. if you divide the price by the weight, you will get a comparable value. Just be sure you know if you are comparing grams or kilograms. It would not be fair to figure out the price per kg for one bag of rice and for the other to find out price per gram.
One other thing a lot of people do - keep a price book. If you are lucky enough to live near a few different stores, you can start to keep track of prices in each store. That way you can figure out which store has the best deals FOR YOU. Not the "shopping cart" some organization assumes you want to buy, but the items you actually buy. For example, I know that I can usually find whole wheat flour at Mega for 5.05/kg, at Yesh for 5.65/kg, and at Osher Ad for 4.00/kg...
When prices change, be sure to take note of the new prices. Also you may want to get to know the local sales rhythm - I've noticed honey can be found for much less than usual in the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana, so that's a good time to stock up on honey.
Of course, some stores have price wars and that changes the game entirely. But staples like rice and flour and beans are rarely the discounted items. So it always pays to know what the normal price point is, and when and where it is worth it to stock up!
Are you a dedicated comparison shopper? Do you check price comparison websites or store ads before you go to the store? I'd love to hear about your strategies!
Some useful websites:
WebFlyer - where you can check ads for nearly every store!
Pricez - people report prices for various products at various stores, so you can see where the deals are
HaSuper - compares online supermarkets
Zap Market - compares online supermarkets
Reasons vary from "I believe there are no real differences in prices" to "I don't know how to compare prices" (and many in between).As a dedicated frugal homemaker, it is hard for me to understand how so many people just pick up items and put them in their carts, without checking if they could be paying less buying a different, yet comparable product.
I started thinking it may be time to explain the ins and outs of price comparisons.
Some things are simple: Produce is almost always priced as shekels/kg. It is easy to tell where you are getting a better deal when it's priced this way. (Some items are priced per piece or per bundle/pkg, like celery, herbs, and the occasional specialty item, and these are somewhat more difficult to compare, but not impossible.) Cheese at the cheese counter is priced as shekels/kg. It is nearly always cheaper to buy cheese from the cheese counter than it is to buy packaged cheese from the refrigerated section. Meat and Chicken are also priced in shekels/kg, and you can easily compare.
It's the things that come in various types of packages and weights that always trip people up. I carry a little calculator in my purse. It's been there for so many years, and it's been used so much that I've managed to rub most of the numbers off!
 |
| My calculator. It uses solar power with a battery back up. I've never had to change the battery. |
Some things are easy - legumes usually come in 500g or 1kg bags (but watch out, I have also seen 400g bags!). You can simply compare the prices by multiplying the price of a 500g bag by 2, and comparing that to the price of a 1 kg bag. Sometimes it will come out a LOT more expensive, and sometimes you may be surprised to discover that it is cheaper to buy 2 500g bags than 1 larger 1 kg bag. If you have a 400g bag to compare, multiply that by 2.5 to get the cost of 1 kg.
Become inseparable from your calculator. if you divide the price by the weight, you will get a comparable value. Just be sure you know if you are comparing grams or kilograms. It would not be fair to figure out the price per kg for one bag of rice and for the other to find out price per gram.
One other thing a lot of people do - keep a price book. If you are lucky enough to live near a few different stores, you can start to keep track of prices in each store. That way you can figure out which store has the best deals FOR YOU. Not the "shopping cart" some organization assumes you want to buy, but the items you actually buy. For example, I know that I can usually find whole wheat flour at Mega for 5.05/kg, at Yesh for 5.65/kg, and at Osher Ad for 4.00/kg...
When prices change, be sure to take note of the new prices. Also you may want to get to know the local sales rhythm - I've noticed honey can be found for much less than usual in the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana, so that's a good time to stock up on honey.
Of course, some stores have price wars and that changes the game entirely. But staples like rice and flour and beans are rarely the discounted items. So it always pays to know what the normal price point is, and when and where it is worth it to stock up!
Are you a dedicated comparison shopper? Do you check price comparison websites or store ads before you go to the store? I'd love to hear about your strategies!
Some useful websites:
WebFlyer - where you can check ads for nearly every store!
Pricez - people report prices for various products at various stores, so you can see where the deals are
HaSuper - compares online supermarkets
Zap Market - compares online supermarkets
Monday, January 14, 2013
Printable Coupon (Israel)
Don't forget to get your coupon from Tzuriel Cheese!
This coupon is valid thru the end of March, 2013.
This coupon is valid thru the end of March, 2013.
Food Recall Notice (Israel)
Following last week's recall, Shamir Salads, together with the Ministry of Health, is recalling ALL 250g containers of egg salad with expiration dates up to, and including, 30.1.2013.
Consumers who have this product at home should NOT eat it. Please call Shamir Salads' customer service line at 03-9067744 for more information.
Consumers who have this product at home should NOT eat it. Please call Shamir Salads' customer service line at 03-9067744 for more information.
 |
| image from www.shamir-salads.com |
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Kosher Cooking Carnival - Shvat Edition
I am so pleased to be hosting this month's Kosher Cooking Carnival (KCC). It's a tradition dating back to long before I started blogging, and it's so much fun to discover other Kosher Food (and related) blogs.
So here is the Shvat Edition!
Soups and Main Dishes
Chaviva presents Vegetarian Sheppard’s Pie posted at Challah Maidel, sharing her no-tofu version of vegetarian shepherd's pie.
Batya shared The Winds Whistle and The Soup's Cooking posted at me-ander.
I posted a summary of some of my favorite winter soup and stew recipes in Wintery Food, here at Frugal and Kosher.
Chaviva also shared her Oven Baked Felafel recipe at Challah Maidel.
Desserts
David shared Chosen Eats: A Good Apple (Cake) posted at JewishBoston.
Mrs. S. presents Freshly Baked Goods Friday: Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes Edition posted at Our Shiputzim: A Work In Progress.
I posted my vegan Chocolate Chip Squares, here at Frugal and Kosher.
Kashrut Concerns
Batya presents Shabbat Menus, Very Tricky Especially When "Milky" posted at me-ander.
Restaurant and Book Reviews
Batya presents me-ander: Eating Out, Don't Be Shy About Complaining posted at me-ander.
Hannah reviews the book A Practical Guide to the Laws of Kashrut at Ilana-Davita.
That concludes this edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival. Submit your blog article to the next edition of kosher cooking carnival-kcc using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page, and you can find us at the KCC Facebook Group, as well.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Chocolate Chip Cookies/Squares (vegan)
This post is long overdue.
We had some family over for Shabbat a while ago, and I made these chocolate chip squares. Well, the guests wanted the recipe, and I promised I would write it up.
I'm a little late, but trying to keep my promise!
Ingredients:
3 Tbp ground flaxseed
2/3 cup near boiling water
1.5 cups sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2.5 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oat bran
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
6 oz chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 190C
First, mix the flaxseed with water in a large mixing bowl. Let cool for about 10 minutes before you continue.
Then add the rest of the ingredients (except the chocolate chips, save those for the end) and mix well.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the mixture out on a large cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15 minutes MAX. Take them out a bit BEFORE you think they are done. Trust me, if you wait till they are "done", they will get rock solid.
You can also form these into cookies and bake for 8-10 min
While they are still warm, cut into squares.
This recipe yielded 4 dozen smallish squares.
Watch them disappear, while you smile that your kids are eating a treat that has a few slightly healthier ingredients!
We had some family over for Shabbat a while ago, and I made these chocolate chip squares. Well, the guests wanted the recipe, and I promised I would write it up.
I'm a little late, but trying to keep my promise!
Ingredients:
3 Tbp ground flaxseed
2/3 cup near boiling water
1.5 cups sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2.5 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oat bran
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
6 oz chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 190C
First, mix the flaxseed with water in a large mixing bowl. Let cool for about 10 minutes before you continue.
Then add the rest of the ingredients (except the chocolate chips, save those for the end) and mix well.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the mixture out on a large cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15 minutes MAX. Take them out a bit BEFORE you think they are done. Trust me, if you wait till they are "done", they will get rock solid.
You can also form these into cookies and bake for 8-10 min
While they are still warm, cut into squares.
This recipe yielded 4 dozen smallish squares.
Watch them disappear, while you smile that your kids are eating a treat that has a few slightly healthier ingredients!
Another Recall (Israel)
The Ministry of Health has found additional salads contaminated by Listeria. These salads are manufactured by Shamir Salads and are sold under private labels.
The following are being recalled due to contamination:
Green Techina Salad - Yesh brand, 350 g, expiration date 18.1.13
Techina Salad - Yesh brand, 700g, expiration date 24.2.13
Egg Salad - Yesh brand, 350 g, expiration date 10.1.13
In addition, the following are being recalled out of precaution:
Green Techina Salad, "HaMutag" brand, 400g, expiration date 18.1.13
Techina Salad, HaMutag brand, 500g, expiration date 24.2.13
Techina, Kimat Chinam brand, 700g, expiration date 24.2.13
Please call Shamir Salads costumer service line with any questions - 03-9067744
The following are being recalled due to contamination:
Green Techina Salad - Yesh brand, 350 g, expiration date 18.1.13
Techina Salad - Yesh brand, 700g, expiration date 24.2.13
Egg Salad - Yesh brand, 350 g, expiration date 10.1.13
In addition, the following are being recalled out of precaution:
Green Techina Salad, "HaMutag" brand, 400g, expiration date 18.1.13
Techina Salad, HaMutag brand, 500g, expiration date 24.2.13
Techina, Kimat Chinam brand, 700g, expiration date 24.2.13
Please call Shamir Salads costumer service line with any questions - 03-9067744
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Printable Coupons (Israel)
In addition to those Emek Cheese coupons I posted a few minutes ago, Tnuva has several other coupons available too!
Find all their coupons...
You'll find Yoplait coupons and Emek coupons.
They have varying expiration dates, so look carefully!
While the Emek ones are valid at Shufersal stores only, the Yoplait ones are good at ALL STORES.
Enjoy!
Find all their coupons...
You'll find Yoplait coupons and Emek coupons.
They have varying expiration dates, so look carefully!
While the Emek ones are valid at Shufersal stores only, the Yoplait ones are good at ALL STORES.
Enjoy!
Printable Coupons (Israel)
Tnuva has 3 printable coupons for Emek Cheese (the prepackaged kind) available on their website right now! You'll get 15% off your purchase.
These coupons are valid at Shufersal Deal and Shufersal Sheli.
Valid from Jan 1 - Dec 1, 2012
Have your printer ready, when you click for the coupon, it sends it right to the printer.
These coupons are valid at Shufersal Deal and Shufersal Sheli.
Valid from Jan 1 - Dec 1, 2012
Have your printer ready, when you click for the coupon, it sends it right to the printer.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Food Recall (Israel) - Listeria alert
Shamir Salads is recalling their "Home-style Egg Salad" because of possible contamination with a Listeria bacteria strain.
The recalled salad was sold in 250g containers, and has a sell-by date of 22.01.2013
Consumers are being asked NOT to eat this salad. Please call Shamir Salads' customer service line at 03-9067744 to arrange a refund.
The recalled salad was sold in 250g containers, and has a sell-by date of 22.01.2013
Consumers are being asked NOT to eat this salad. Please call Shamir Salads' customer service line at 03-9067744 to arrange a refund.
Food Recall (Israel) - E. Coli alert
Arava Foods is recalling Goat Butter, sold in 100g glass jars, because of possible E. Coli contamination.
The recalled butter was sold under the brand name "ha'Ez HaLevana", in 100g containers, and has an expiration date of 24/4/2013. Consumers are being asked to return the product to the store where purchased for a refund.
Please check your fridges.
The company can be reached at 08-8596958
The recalled butter was sold under the brand name "ha'Ez HaLevana", in 100g containers, and has an expiration date of 24/4/2013. Consumers are being asked to return the product to the store where purchased for a refund.
Please check your fridges.
The company can be reached at 08-8596958
Wintery Food - Lots of Stews and Soups
This is supposed to be quite the week here in Israel! Not only are they predicting up to 250mm of rain in my area, they are also expecting winds up 100 km/hr. And snow in the higher elevations!
BRRR
If your house is anything like mine, it has heaters, but it's pretty drafty and nearly impossible to keep warm.
We're piling on the layers, wearing our warmest socks and sweaters (I found some wool-blend socks which do a pretty good job of keeping toes warm), and walking around with steaming hot mugs in our hands.
We're drinking tea and coffee, some hot chocolate, and if I get some apple juice, we'll make mulled mock-cider.
We'll be getting filled up with toasted sandwiches and soups. And stews.
Here are some to try out:
Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and Red Lentils
Lentil Stew
Split Pea Soup
Pumpkin Soup
Chunky Tomato Soup with Rice
Tomato Soup with Black Beans
Minestrone Soup
My Fusion Soup
Traffic Light Soup
Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
Crock Pot Tomato Soup
"Garden" Pea Soup
I hope that helps inspire you to make some soups! Please let me know what YOUR favorites are!
BRRR
If your house is anything like mine, it has heaters, but it's pretty drafty and nearly impossible to keep warm.
We're piling on the layers, wearing our warmest socks and sweaters (I found some wool-blend socks which do a pretty good job of keeping toes warm), and walking around with steaming hot mugs in our hands.
We're drinking tea and coffee, some hot chocolate, and if I get some apple juice, we'll make mulled mock-cider.
We'll be getting filled up with toasted sandwiches and soups. And stews.
Here are some to try out:
Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and Red Lentils
Lentil Stew
Split Pea Soup
Pumpkin Soup
Chunky Tomato Soup with Rice
Tomato Soup with Black Beans
Minestrone Soup
My Fusion Soup
Traffic Light Soup
Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
Crock Pot Tomato Soup
"Garden" Pea Soup
I hope that helps inspire you to make some soups! Please let me know what YOUR favorites are!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Printable Coupon (Israel)
Meshek Tzuriel has a great printable coupon! (This links to their FB page)
It's for 30% off their salty cheeses, valid thru March 31, 2013!
Get it while you can! (This link will begin go to the print application, make sure to have your printer ready)
It's for 30% off their salty cheeses, valid thru March 31, 2013!
Get it while you can! (This link will begin go to the print application, make sure to have your printer ready)
Shabbat Menu
I need to make sure I get it all done tomorrow, so I'll share my Shabbat menu here!
This way, I know where to look when I get completely sidetracked and don't remember what I still need to make...
We're having a quiet Shabbat, but with 6 of us in the family, including a teenage boy, that hardly means minimal cooking!
Here's the plan:
Homemade Whole Wheat and Flaxseed Challot
Split Pea Soup (Friday night) - using up the last of my split pea stash, must get more!
Vegetarian Cholent (lunch) - also finishing up the black beans! Add those to the list!
Oven-fried Chicken (I mix equal parts whole wheat flour and yellow corn meal with spices of my choosing - usually black pepper, cayenne pepper, parsley, and granulated garlic. Coat chicken pieces with mixture. Arrange in a baking pan, and bake, covered, for about 2 hrs at about 200 C - coating will get all deliciously crispy)
Rice
Carrot Muffins
Potato Kugel, if I tovel the food processor blades! (otherwise, more roasted potatoes. I got potatoes very cheap this week...)
make-your-own-salad (we have cucumbers, red peppers, tomatoes, avodado...)
Apple Crisp
Chocolate Babka - made with- gasp! - white flour! can you believe it?
Also making:
maple-cinnamon breakfast bread or muffins
What are you making?
This way, I know where to look when I get completely sidetracked and don't remember what I still need to make...
We're having a quiet Shabbat, but with 6 of us in the family, including a teenage boy, that hardly means minimal cooking!
Here's the plan:
Homemade Whole Wheat and Flaxseed Challot
Split Pea Soup (Friday night) - using up the last of my split pea stash, must get more!
Vegetarian Cholent (lunch) - also finishing up the black beans! Add those to the list!
Oven-fried Chicken (I mix equal parts whole wheat flour and yellow corn meal with spices of my choosing - usually black pepper, cayenne pepper, parsley, and granulated garlic. Coat chicken pieces with mixture. Arrange in a baking pan, and bake, covered, for about 2 hrs at about 200 C - coating will get all deliciously crispy)
Rice
Carrot Muffins
Potato Kugel, if I tovel the food processor blades! (otherwise, more roasted potatoes. I got potatoes very cheap this week...)
make-your-own-salad (we have cucumbers, red peppers, tomatoes, avodado...)
Apple Crisp
Chocolate Babka - made with- gasp! - white flour! can you believe it?
Also making:
maple-cinnamon breakfast bread or muffins
What are you making?
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Big Sale
IKEA has a BIG Sale going on at their Israel Stores.
You may know that in general I think Ikea Israel is overpriced for what you get. HOWEVER, if there is a great sale, you may just find an awesome deal.
You may know that in general I think Ikea Israel is overpriced for what you get. HOWEVER, if there is a great sale, you may just find an awesome deal.
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