Shabbat Menu (a.k.a where did my week GO?)

This has been a week. A week of dress rehearsals, recitals, birthdays, trips to far away cities; a week of too many kids coming down with colds, a week of exhaustion. A week of a horrific terror attack that is so horrific it has the whole country reeling. A week of answering questions and a week of too many questions left unanswered.

So it has been a WEEK. A week that snuck past me.

And I'm ready for Shabbat.

My house is not ready, though, and the food is not cooked. So now I am sitting here writing up my Shabbat menu.

These are all the foods I'm going to make, they'll be served as needed at each of the three meals.

Homemade Spelt Challot (with Oat Bran and flaxseed)
Chicken wings in a few different sauces, and some chicken breast as well
Potato Kugel
Black Bean Cholent
Roasted Cauliflower
Brown Rice with Wild Rice
Stir-Fried Tofu with Date Honey/Ginger Sauce
Lettuce salad with honey cinnamon oranges
Carrots, Cucumbers, and Red Peppers
Egg Salad
Chocolate Crispy Rice Squares
Popcorn

If I get around to it, I'll make some sort of muffins, maybe even Pumpkin Muffins since I picked up a large piece of pumpkin-like squash from the sug bet rack today! (That pumpkin was fine except for one bit I had to cut away. An amazing deal at 2 shekels/kg - it weighed almost 2 kilo. It'll go far!)

Shabbat Shalom

Discount Attractions!

Summer.
Vacation (for some).
Some of you lucky people have set aside some time and money to do fun things this summer!

So I'd like to share some DISCOUNTS for some of the most sought-after attractions around!

This post is about Escape Rooms/Puzzle Rooms and ways to get discount admission.

First up is the Maimonides Puzzle Room in Tiberias (Teverya), for which I have an EXCLUSIVE coupon for you!

Here's a deal for the "NO EXIT!" Escape Room in Netanya. Buy your admission through Groupon, starting at 179 shekels for 3 people (dates and times are limited, so be sure to read the fine print).

Click the picture to see the deal

And there's also a deal on Groupon for the Speed Escape Room in Herzliya. With the Groupon, it's 59 shekels for one person (instead of 100), 115 shekels for 2 people (instead of 200), or 225 shekels for 4 people (instead of 400).

Click the picture to see the deal

Let me know if you're going (especially to the one in Tiberias - I may pop by and say hello)!

Summer Stuff Deals!

Israelis, don't we constantly gripe about high prices? Well, I am here to tell you - there ARE some ways to save some shekels when you are shopping. One of them is Groupon Israel, and there are some great summer deals going on right now! These are all items that I think make summer a whole lot more fun. Like these two beach chairs, starting at 79 shekels!

Click the picture to see the deal!

This hammock looks like so much fun to have, and they start at 79 shekels. You'll need to check if you need the hardware kit to attach it to a tree, which is sold separately for 44 shekels:

Click the picture to see the deal!

This Super Slush Cup will be sure to save you many shekels and calories. Instead of going out for a "barad", make healthier homemade slushies in minutes at home! It starts at 37 shekels plus shipping, but the best deal is the 4-pack for 148 shekels. That's 37 shekels apiece, INCLUDING shipping!

Click the picture to see the deal!

I also really love these GIANT outdoor games, so I had to share them with you. They've got Giant Connect Four (129 shekels plus shipping) OR Giant Chutes and Ladders (59 shekels plus shipping)! Perfect for keeping the kiddos occupied outside in the yard!

Click the picture to see the deal!

Enjoy your summer! It's gonna be a great one!

iHerb Sunscreen Sale! PLUS Additional Savings!

Looking for some natural sunscreens?

No need to look any further than iHerb!

Right now (thru Wednesday 10am Pacific time), all sunscreens are 15% off!

(Click here to browse their full selection of sunscreens)

If you've never shopped from iHerb before, you'll get a $5 discount loaded into your cart when you click any of these links. And international shipping is really well-priced - I go with the $4 option and my orders get here in about 2 weeks.

Also, for more savings, combine this extra discount with code SUMMER in your shopping cart you'll get an additional 10% off any order with a value of $50 USD or more at iHerb!
 
In addition to immediate savings, you will also get a 10% Loyalty Credit based on your total order value, that they can use towards your next iHerb order! (I really like this Loyalty Credit thing, it's great!)

But Hurry! This coupon code is only good until Friday, July 1st, at 10 a.m., Pacific Time. 
I know, some of you want to know more about my iHerb obsession and some of the things I buy from them. Check out this post that will tell you more about that!

Series: Financial Assistance in Israel (Part 4)

The National Initiative for Nutrition Security is a program sponsored by "Eshel" that operates in 24 municipalities around the country.

The program provides assistance with food for low income families, as well as workshops about nutrition and finances.

The program provides EITHER a monthly box of food, containing approximately 75 kg of dry goods, OR a preloaded debit card (with 300-600 shekels/month) that can be used at a number of supermarkets. (I don't think you get a choice of benefits, different areas have different programs.)

This program serves the following areas: Yerucham, Rahat, Be'er Sheva, Kiryat Malachi, Netivot, Lachish, Dimona, Sderot, Tsfat, Kfar Manda, Ma'alot, Karmiel, Nahariya, Assafiya, Chatzor HaGlilit, Gilboa, Baka-Al-Garbiyya, Ariel, Ramle, Afula, Yavne, Migdal Ha'Emek, and Beitar Illit.

Your local social services office can help you get on the list if you qualify. For more information about the Eshel program, call 02-6501036.


I hope this information helps someone out there - so please share this with anyone who might find this helpful.

Be sure to check out the other installments in this series:
Part 1 

Part 2
Part 3
Part 5

Also, if you haven't yet familiarized yourself with the list of price controlled foods in Israel, please do so! I'm still waiting for them to switch out the white bread for whole wheat bread, and add basic produce items to the list...

Additional Peanut-Related Recalls

Here are the latest additions to the peanut related recall list.

The following products contain undisclosed peanut ingredients:

"Bayit Im Ofi" Vegan Pepperoni, all packages that have production dates in March, April, or May 2016 (expiration dates in October, November, December 2016)

Please call the company at 054-441-9845 if you have this product and are allergic to peanuts, to arrange for your return.

N.R.G. Yasmin announced that their Veal Sausages (Naknikiyot Egel), from production dates 6.03.2016 thru 19.6.2016 (expiration dates 5.05.2016 thru 18.08.2016

To receive a refund, please return the product to the manufacturer in Jerusalem. 

These products are safe to eat UNLESS you have a peanut allergy.
If you have a peanut allergy, please be sure to check the previous recalls as well.
Share this post - you could save a life!

IHerb Coupon Code!

Right now you can get 10% off any order with a value of $50 USD or more at iHerb!
Use code SUMMER in your shopping cart before checking out.
In addition to immediate savings, you will also get a 10% Loyalty Credit based on your total order value, that they can use towards your next iHerb order! (I really like this Loyalty Credit thing, it's great!)
But Hurry! This coupon code is only good until Friday, July 1st, at 10 a.m., Pacific Time. 

I know, some of you want to know more about my iHerb obsession and some of the things I buy from them. Check out this post that will tell you more about that!

Teva Deli Products with undisclosed Peanut Ingredients

Teva Deli announced they also were affected by the garlic that contained peanuts.

The following product contains peanuts:

Me'urav Yerushalmi style Seitan, 350g with expiration dates 1/9/2016 - 30/9/2016

The product is safe to eat UNLESS you have a peanut allergy.

Customers with a peanut allergy who have purchased this product should get in touch with customer service at tdservice@tevadeli.co.il or 054-762-4657

If you have a peanut allergy, please be sure to check the previous recalls as well.

Share this post - you could save a life!

Complete List (To Date) of Peanut Related Recalls

This post contains a list of all the peanut-related allergy warnings that have been issued so far this June (2016) Last Update June 21

Compiled by Ester at www.kosherfrugal.com

If you have trouble printing this list from my website, please send a note to ester@kosherfrugal.com and I'll send it to you in another format.

"Bayit Im Ofi" Vegan Pepperoni, all packages that have production dates in March, April, or May 2016 (expiration dates in October, November, December 2016)

Please call the company at 054-441-9845 if you have this product and are allergic to peanuts, to arrange for your return.

N.R.G. Yasmin announced that their Veal Sausages (Naknikiyot Egel), from production dates 6.03.2016 thru 19.6.2016 (expiration dates 5.05.2016 thru 18.08.2016

Teva Deli   Me'urav Yerushalmi style Seitan, 350g with expiration dates 1/9/2016 - 30/9/2016

Soglowek Teva products:

Vegetarian Hot Dogs, 2 kg package, barcode 7290006739735, with expiration dates: 8-03-2017, 10-03-2017, 21-03-2017, 30-03-2017, 05-04-2017, 13-04-2017


Vegetarian Hot Dogs, 750g package, barcode 7290000537085, with expiration dates: 28-03-2017, 129-03-2017

Vegetarian Hot Dogs, 1 kg package, barcode 7290006739155, with expiration dates: 30-03-2017 

Of  Yerushalayim has announced that the following products contain undisclosed peanut ingredients:

Kebab Mizrachi

Burger Mizrachi

Jumbo Hamburger

Home Style Lamb Kebab

Jumbo Romanian Kebab

Rodriguez Kebab

Chicken Burger

Chicken Kebab

Sold under the following labels: Hadar HaBasar, Of Yerushalayim (hechsher: Mahpud), Of Ta'im, Idit (hechsher: Rubin) and Glatt Yerushalayim (hechsher: Badatz She'erit Yisrael)

The recall affects all batches with production dates between 29/02/16 and 16/06/16, and expiration dates thru 16/08/16

Of Tov brand Products:

Chicken Shnitzel with potato chip coating, 700g packages, barcode 7290000158235, with production date 7.6.2016, expiration date 7.12.17, and production code 61593621

Thin Chicken Shnitzel with Crispy Coating, 700g packages, barcode 7290014745919, with production date 7.6.2016, expiration date 7.12.17, and production code 61593621

Baladi Meats has released a VERY long list of products that are being recalled.

If you have purchased any meat products from Baladi, (including kebabs, hamburgers, hot dogs, chorizos, and more) please consult the press release to see if they are included.

The recall includes meats with expiration dates thru (and including) 16/08/2016

Achim Chamuy - Telfrost products:

Telfrost American Hamburger, 600g, barcode 7290013615213, production date 17.04.16 and expiration date 17.06.16, and production date 24.04.16 and expiration date 24.06.16

Telfrost "Ktzitzot" for cooking, 1 kg packages, barcode 7290013615138, production date 20.04.16 and expiration date 20.06.16, and production date 28.04.16 and expiration date 28.06.16

Additionally, Dahan Butchers have announced products that are affected. However, I have not been able to verify that they actually are kosher. If you have their products, please check the press release.

Shufersal brand baked croutons for salad, 250g packages, barcode 7296073059615, with best if used by dates 11.5.2017 and 25.5.2017

Shufersal brand baked croutons for salad, 400g packages, barcode 7296073048978, with best if used by dates 11.4.2017 and 20.4.2017

HaMutag brand croutons for salad, 400g packages, barcode 7290011553715, with best if used by dates 11.4.2017 and 23.5.2017

"Shloshet Ha'Ofim" warns that a large number of their products are also affected:

Mini Beef Kubbeh, (carton)  barcode 7290008335133, exp. date 30/07/2017

Beef Kubbeh, (carton) barcode 729000833514, exp. date 30/07/2017 thru 30/08/2017

Beef Empanadas, (carton) barcode 7290008343305, exp. date 30/07/2017

Beef Kubbeh, 600g, barcode 7290008335553, exp. date 30/08/2017

Beef Kubbeh, 1 kg, barcode 7290008343602, exp. date 30/08/2017

Felafel balls, 1 kg, barcode 7290008343626, exp. date 30/08/2017 thru 30/09/2017

Felafel balls, 500g barcode 7290002929512, exp. date 30/08/2017 thru 30/09/2017

Potato filled Dumplings, (carton) barcode 7290002787426, exp. date 30/06/2017 thru 30/08/2017

Potato filled Dumplings, 1 kg,  barcode 7290008343596, exp. date 30/08/2017 thru 30/09/2017

Potato filled Dumplings, 600g, barcode 7290008335546, exp. date 30/09/2017

Delidag warns that the following products contain undisclosed peanuts, too:

Cooked fish patties, 750g, barcode 7290002757511, expiration dates 04/04/2017 thru 06/06/2017

Mini Cooked fish patties, 500g, barcode 7290002077268, expiration dates 25/05/2017 thru 02/06/2017

Cooked salmon patties, 750g, barcode 7290002109334, expiration dates 02/03/2017 thru 08/06/2017 

Peanuts in Soglowek Products

--- Retrieved from http://www.kosherfrugal.com/ ---

The following products were added to the list of products containing garlic powder tainted with peanuts:

(These products are safe to eat, UNLESS you have a peanut allergy!)

Soglowek Teva products:


Vegetarian Hot Dogs, 2 kg package, barcode 7290006739735, with expiration dates: 8-03-2017, 10-03-2017, 21-03-2017, 30-03-2017, 05-04-2017, 13-04-2017


Vegetarian Hot Dogs, 750g package, barcode 7290000537085, with expiration dates: 28-03-2017, 129-03-2017

Vegetarian Hot Dogs, 1 kg package, barcode 7290006739155, with expiration dates: 30-03-2017

These products are being removed from store shelves. If you have purchased any of these producst and have a peanut allergy, please call customer service at 1-800-555-000


If you have a peanut allergy, please be sure to check the previous recalls as well.

Share this post - you could save a life!

Additional Products with Undisclosed Peanuts

Of  Yerushalayim has announced that the following products contain undisclosed peanut ingredients:

Kebab Mizrachi
Burger Mizrachi
Jumbo Hamburger
Home Style Lamb Kebab
Jumbo Romanian Kebab
Rodriguez Kebab
Chicken Burger
Chicken Kebab

Sold under the following labels: Hadar HaBasar, Of Yerushalayim (hechsher: Mahpud), Of Ta'im, Idit (hechsher: Rubin) and Glatt Yerushalayim (hechsher: Badatz She'erit Yisrael)

The recall affects all batches with production dates between 29/02/16 and 16/06/16, and expiration dates thru 16/08/16

If you have purchased these products and have a peanut allergy, please call customer service at 073-232-0406/8/9  to arrange your return.

Please check out my previous post for more information about the other products that have been recalled.

Homeschool Curriculum and Supply Sale!

*note: the links in this post are all affiliate links, meaning I get paid a small commission if you click any of these links and make a purchase. Thank you so much for your support!

This week is the perfect time to buy homeschool curriculum for the summer or for next year! For a limited time, get FREE shipping (to US addresses only, sorry, I know some of you have this option though!) on orders over $49 Monday - Friday. One time promo code use per customer, so place your order all in one shot.

If you're overwhelmed by the 15,000 products available from Educents, I've got an easy way for you to narrow it down! Meet Cathy Duffy:

Cathy Duffy is the know-all when it comes to homeschool curriculum. She has reviewed hundreds of homeschool curricula to help parents like me (and you) make an educated decision when shopping for homeschool curriculum. 

Here’s a handful of Cathy-approved educational picks available at Educents.com. I hope these double-recommended educational resources will relieve you from endless hours of shopping around for the best (and most cost-effective) homeschool resources.

Elementary Math & Science

Life of Fred Elementary Math

 

If you haven't heard of Life of Fred, you're in for a real treat. Dr. Stanley F Schmitt is a math teacher who developed story-based math learning series that has taken homeschooling by storm! Forget rote learning that doesn't resonate: learners follow the Fred and his pals through life and learn math concepts along the way. Kids sometimes don't even know they're learning math until they're told! Each book has a topic, like Apples, Butterflies, and Cats. My kids ABSOLUTELY LOVE Life of Fred!

 

Giant Butterly Garden

This ties in with the second Life of Fred book so well! With the set little ones can learn about (and experience!) the miracles of metamorphosis. Available at Educents for $35.99.

Elementary Reading & Writing

Grammaropolis

 

I can't say enough for story-based learning. It's one of the oldest ways we've learned from each other - starting with fables that teach us to be good to one another. Grammaropolis is a great tool for K-3rd grade learners on their quest for perfect English grammar, which isn't always straight forward! This set comes with animated shorts, music videos, books and quizzes, so you've got a lot of learning styles covered. Price: $40, down from $50

   

Middle School Math

Life of Fred Intro to Algebra

I really can't say enough about the Life of Fred series! Kids learning algebra and beyond will enjoy the stories and learn the concepts through holistic learning. If your learner is new to Fred but at a more advanced level, it has been recommended that they start from the beginning. That said, re-learning a few known concepts in the Life of Fred framework will help them get up to speed with story and succeed with the series. Price: $34.08 down from $38 at Educents.

 

Life of Fred Financial Choices

 

As your kiddos get older you may also like to instill strong financial decision making. The Life of Fred Financial Choices book is a great intro. And if we're being honest, there's never a bad time time for parents to brush up on this! Price: $15.99 down from $19.99

Middle School Social Studies

myWorld Social Studies

Comprehensive comprehension: this world history and social studies packet is an excellent kick off to middle school studies. Created for 6th graders, this set lays the groundwork for students to become active citizens by learning about US history and politics, and encouraging learners to understand real ways they can participate, and how it matters. The package also includes a teacher's guide for every chapter, lesson plans, audio podcasts on each subject, and editable tests with answer keys: it really sets everyone up for success! Price: $72.47

Science for the Family

Magic School Bus Nature Bundle

 

Summer is a great time to get the whole family involved with experiments to foster learning and family bonding! This set comes with four science kits at $16 (a $35 savings) with topics covered:

• Weather - learn about rainbows, tornadoes, the greenhouse effect and more.
• Going Green - learn about recycling, compost, and making new paper out of old!
• Solar Energy - watch solar energy inflate balloons and spin a top
• Wonders of Nature - build and ant hill, dissolve an egg shell, do an animal tracks exercise

Price: $63 down from $100

 

More Undisclosed Peanuts

The following products were added to the list of products containing garlic powder tainted with peanuts:

(These products are safe to eat, UNLESS you have a peanut allergy!)

Of Tov brand Products:

Chicken Shnitzel with potato chip coating, 700g packages, barcode 7290000158235, with production date 7.6.2016, expiration date 7.12.17, and production code 61593621

Thin Chicken Shnitzel with Crispy Coating, 700g packages, barcode 7290014745919, with production date 7.6.2016, expiration date 7.12.17, and production code 61593621

These products are being removed from store shelves. If you have purchased this product and have a peanut allergy, please call customer service at 1-700-500-775 

Baladi Meats has released a VERY long list of products that are being recalled.
If you have purchased any meat products from Baladi, (including kebabs, hamburgers, hot dogs, chorizos, and more) please consult the press release to see if they are included. Find the press release here.
The recall includes meats with expiration dates thru (and including) 16/08/2016

These products are being removed from store shelves. If you have purchased any of these producst and have a peanut allergy, please call customer service at 073-211-3700.

Achim Chamuy - Telfrost products:

Telfrost American Hamburger, 600g, barcode 7290013615213, production date 17.04.16 and expiration date 17.06.16, and production date 24.04.16 and expiration date 24.06.16

Telfrost "Ktzitzot" for cooking, 1 kg packages, barcode 7290013615138, production date 20.04.16 and expiration date 20.06.16, and production date 28.04.16 and expiration date 28.06.16

Please call the company at 02-651-9099 to arrange for your return and refund. 

Additionally, Dahan Butchers have announced products that are affected. However, I have not been able to verify that they actually are kosher. If you have their products, please check the press release.

If you have a peanut allergy, please be sure to check the previous recalls as well.

Share this post - you could save a life!
 

 

Menu for the week

Time to plan our weekly menu! When it's this warm, I have a hard time getting motivated to cook, unfortunately, so it's actually more important than ever to have a PLAN. That way I don't have to think much, instead I can just look at the list and just.do.it.

Tonight we had Polenta Pizza (with Cheese for the dairy eaters, with Nutritional Yeast for those who don't eat Dairy, Steamed Broccoli, and Cherry Tomatoes

Monday: Embellished Shabbat Leftovers

Tuesday: ?? Still up in the air with our plans for Tuesday, so we'll just have to "wing it"

Wednesday: Scrambled eggs, French Fries, Whatever veggies need to be used up

Thursday: Baked Ziti (+ a wheat free, dairy free alternative for me), Salad, Balsamic vinegar Roasted Red/Yellow Peppers (I got a lot of peppers really cheap on Friday, and while I can wrap them well to make them last, they will need to be used up on Thursday)

Lunches will be completely totally random whatever we are in the mood to pull together. I'm counting on my kids to help me out here! (we had tuna and egg salad sandwiches and salad today, we'll probably have more sandwiches or rice and lentils most of the week...)

I am going to try out something new though - I'll make a huge batch of pancakes tonight that the kids can warm in the toaster oven for breakfast tomorrow and maybe Tuesday... oatmeal doesn't have lots of takers, lately, and some of my children have taken to eating very little for breakfast. Gotta fix that, because they do get hungry!

What do you feed your family when it's this hot?

More undisclosed peanut warnings

As I expected, there are even more warnings about undisclosed peanuts in a number of foods.
(The culprit appears to be a batch of garlic powder that was mixed with peanuts!)

Here are the latest products to be added to the list. Be sure to check out the previous posts to see them all (see here, here, here, and here).

Shufersal brand baked croutons for salad, 250g packages, barcode 7296073059615, with best if used by dates 11.5.2017 and 25.5.2017

Shufersal brand baked croutons for salad, 400g packages, barcode 7296073048978, with best if used by dates 11.4.2017 and 20.4.2017

If you have a peanut allergy, these products are unsafe to use. Please call Shufersal customer service 1-800-686-868 with questions or to find out how to obtain a refund.

HaMutag brand croutons for salad, 400g packages, barcode 7290011553715, with best if used by dates 11.4.2017 and 23.5.2017

If you have a peanut allergy, this product is unsafe to use. Please call the number on the packaging with questions or to find out how to obtain a refund.


"Shloshet Ha'Ofim" warns that a large number of their products are also affected:

Mini Beef Kubbeh, (carton)  barcode 7290008335133, exp. date 30/07/2017
Beef Kubbeh, (carton) barcode 729000833514, exp. date 30/07/2017 thru 30/08/2017
Beef Empanadas, (carton) barcode 7290008343305, exp. date 30/07/2017
Beef Kubbeh, 600g, barcode 7290008335553, exp. date 30/08/2017
Beef Kubbeh, 1 kg, barcode 7290008343602, exp. date 30/08/2017
Felafel balls, 1 kg, barcode 7290008343626, exp. date 30/08/2017 thru 30/09/2017
Felafel balls, 500g barcode 7290002929512, exp. date 30/08/2017 thru 30/09/2017
Potato filled Dumplings, (carton) barcode 7290002787426, exp. date 30/06/2017 thru 30/08/2017
Potato filled Dumplings, 1 kg,  barcode 7290008343596, exp. date 30/08/2017 thru 30/09/2017
Potato filled Dumplings, 600g, barcode 7290008335546, exp. date 30/09/2017 

The products are being removed from store shelves, but are safe to eat for anyone without a peanut allergy. If you have a peanut allergy and have these products, DO NOT EAT THEM. Call customer service at 1-800-50-40-50 for further information. 

Delidag warns that the following products contain undisclosed peanuts, too: 

Cooked fish patties, 750g, barcode 7290002757511, expiration dates 04/04/2017 thru 06/06/2017 
Mini Cooked fish patties, 500g, barcode 7290002077268, expiration dates 25/05/2017 thru 02/06/2017 
Cooked salmon patties, 750g, barcode 7290002109334, expiration dates 02/03/2017 thru 08/06/2017  
Cooked salmon patties, (carton), barcode 7290002109341, expiration dates 03/03/2017 thru 07/06/2017 
Cooked patties, (carton), barcode 7290002775362, expiration dates 06/04/2017 thru 16/06/2017  
Fish patties in Sauce, barcode 7290004230074, expiration dates 03/04/2017 thru 10/04/2017

The products are being removed from store shelves, but are safe to eat for anyone without a peanut allergy. If you have a peanut allergy and have these products, DO NOT EAT THEM. Call customer service at 1-800-50-40-50 for further information. 

UPDATE June 19, 2016: Additional Products were recalled, please check the list.
 
Please be sure to share this post with anyone you know with a peanut allergy! You could save a life!

iHerb Coupon Code!

Besides the weekly specials at iHerb going on right now, I've got an extra coupon code for you!

Get 10% Off all Coconut Oil, Fish Oil, and other Omega 3-6-9 products when you use coupon code Oils622 in the shopping cart, before checkout.
Click here for Coconut Oil products Click here for Omega 3-6-9 and Fish Oils
This Promo Code expires Wednesday, June 22th at 10 am Pacific Time, and is good for all current & new customers. 

Right now, the published specials include these brands/products, so it's a good time to stock up if these are products you use!