Food Recall!

Maadanei Yechiam has announced a recall of a number of products, due to a packaging problem.

Deli products sold at Rami Levy under the label "HaMaadaniyah" may have a packaging defect that led to discoloration of the product.


The affected products include:

If you have purchased any of these products, please check for discoloration. If it has discolored while still in the original packaging, please return it to the store where purchased for a refund or replacement. Alternatively, you can call the manufacturer at 1-800-336-969 or 050-375-0015

Recall - Institutional Size Tahini (Techina Golmit)

Unilever announced a recall of it's sesame paste (techina golmit) produced by Al-Waadi - RJM Food Industries, sold in industrial size containers, due to positive tests for salmonella contamination.

The affected products were sold in 5 kg and 17 kg containers.

The recall affects the batch produced on 23.6.16 with expiration date 23.6.17

This recall affects only those who bought industrial size containers of tahini, but I'll be on the lookout for the trickle down effect. I am guessing there will be further recalls by other companies who purchased this batch.

Food Recall!

Today Superpharm expanded their previous Granola recall, due to a pantry moth infestation.

While not dangerous to health, pantry moths are pretty awful pests. (I have used these awesome traps to get rid of an infestation, though! I highly recommend keeping some on hand.)

The following Wellness brand products have been recalled:

Granola with Silan, Banana, and Dark Chocolate, 330g, barcode 7290109315720

Tropical Granola, 330g, barcode 7290109315744

Granola - Tropical Mix, 375g, barcode 7290103437732

All with any expiration date through 16.06.2017


Anyone who purchased these products can return them to any Super Pharm location for a refund.

Shabbat Menu!

Time to get my act together and cook for Shabbat!

 

Here's the plan:

Friday night:

Spelt Challah
Turkey Wings in Silan/Ginger
Tofu with Silan/Ginger
Potato Kugel
Apple Crisp 
Carrot Kugel
Cucumbers, Carrots, Red Peppers

Shabbat Lunch (us plus a family of 6)

Spelt Challah
Black Bean Cholent
Oven Fried Chicken (now I make it wheat-free, if I have a chance, I'll post an updated recipe!)
Potato Kugel
Spicy Corn
Broccoli Kugel
Various Salads

Dessert: Cinnamon Cake, Chocolate Rice Crispy Squares

Seudah Shlishit

Challah Rolls
Egg Salad
Chumus
Vegetable Platter
Cheese if we're milchig...

Shabbat Shalom!

Whole Spelt and Oat Bran Challah - Vegan

--- Retrieved from http://www.kosherfrugal.com/2013/06/sweet-whole-wheat-and-oat-bran-challah.html --I change up my challah recipe sometimes, and this is our latest favorite version! It's been a hit with my family. If you make it, I'd love to hear your feedback!



Whole Spelt and Oat Bran Challah

8 cups whole spelt flour, sifted
1 cup oat bran  
2/3 cup ground flaxseed  
1 T. salt  
1/2 cup sugar
2.5 cups of lukewarm water*  
1 tsp sugar  
2 tsp dry yeast
1/3 cup oil + a little more for oiling the bowl (I use olive oil most of the time)

 *I find that the amount of water needed varies a lot - depends on the temperature and humidity in my kitchen on a particular day, and different batches of flour behave differently

Directions: 1. Mix 1 tsp sugar with the water. Add the yeast. Allow to proof for about 10 min

2. Mix together dry ingredients (flour, oat bran, flaxseed, salt, sugar)

3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add liquid ingredients. Mix well. Then knead. 

4. Coat the dough with oil and flip over a couple of times, so the bottom and sides get oiled too. cover with a tea towel to rise till doubled. On warm days, this can be about 1 hour, on cold days it can take a lot longer! (In the winter I usually make the dough Thursday night before I go to sleep)
 
5. Punch down. Shape your challot. Cover with a tea towel to rise for about 1/2 an hour. (I usually make 3 challot out of this size batch, so I often double it!)
 
6. Bake for about 30-40 min at 350 F (175-180C)
Allow to cool before you devour them. These cut much better when they've cooled properly.


Enjoy your Shabbat Challot!

Snap In - Money Saving Tip

--- Retrieved from http://www.kosherfrugal.com/2015/11/snap-in-money-saving-tip.html ---note: this post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support

Saving money on groceries is a REALLY popular topic. It seems like some expenses are just too "fixed" to try to reduce (It's really hard to reduce a mortgage payment one month!), but groceries are somewhat flexible for most people. While you can occasionally  find coupons for groceries in Israel (go ahead, click and see if there are any you can use!), I find they are not nearly as common as they were when I lived in America, and they are definitely not as "high value".

In order to stretch my grocery budget a little bit further, I use Snap In in addition to the few coupons I find, the sug bet rack, and searching for discounts and deals (and of course, cooking from scratch!), as well as planning ahead.

As I've explained previously, Snap In is a rebate program. You buy a product, scan your receipt, and Snap In will give you a rebate. (They credit your account and then send you a payment when you accrue 100 shekels in credit.)

So far, I'm happy with Snap In. They pay directly into my bank account, and they're very user friendly. If ever there's a question about a rebate, they are quite responsive.

I find the best way to use their program is to take them up on "Free Offers" (who doesn't like free food?) and also use their rebates to help decide which brand to buy. So, if a particular product will give me a 5 shekel rebate via Snap In, but its competitor is 1 shekel less, I may decide to buy the one that comes out cheaper after rebate. This is only good if you actually can afford to wait for the rebate, obviously. Each person will have to make that decision for him/herself (I know it's not always feasible - I've been there!).

Rebates are lised on SnapIn's website, and they do change from time to time.

If you haven't tried it out, give it a try! If you've signed up already but haven't yet tried uploading a receipt, go ahead and give it a try! It's really not hard and you may find yourself getting rebates!

Note: upload your receipts as soon as possible, and definitely within the 30 day limit. If you're using Snap.In's mobile app, getting rebates as easy as snapping a picture! It takes me almost no time at all, and I've gotten a couple of hundred shekels from them since I joined! What are you waiting for? Join today!

Let me know if you use SnapIn, I'd love to hear what you think!

Expanded Food Recall!

The smoked salmon recall from last week has been expanded.

The following items have been added to the recall list:





Smoked Salmon, Maadanei Miki brand, any size package with the dates listed below.

Production Dates:                 Expiration Dates

03/07/2016                              27/02/2017

05/07/2016                              01/03/2017

07/07/2016                             03/03/2017

14/07/2016                              10/03/2017

02/08/2016                              29/03/2017

04/87/2016                             31/03/2017

Anyone who has purchased these products is instructed not to consume them.






Please contact Maadanei Miki's customer service to arrange your return. They can be reached at services@mikideli.co.il or 1-700-505-540 0r 03-961-6283

Discount Glasses PLUS Exclusive Extra Savings!

Reminder - this discount is still valid! Take advantage of it while you can - expires SOON!

Home Care Optical came into being a little over a year ago. Originally, the owner planned to provide a service for the elderly/homebound population, but he quickly realized that many others also prefer the convenience of an at-home service with flexible hours.

--- Retrieved from http://www.kosherfrugal.com/2016/08/discount-glasses-plus-exclusive-extra.html ---

The frames offered are high quality frames, with name brands such as Beverly Hills Polo Club, Tommy Hilfiger, and Lupo but without "name brand prices" The price range for frames is 200-450₪. 

The lenses provided by Home Care Optical are high quality lenses, made by one of the largest lens manufacturers in Israel. Pricing starts at 150₪ for a pair of lenses, but varies according to prescription and special qualities. The more expensive an item would be in a traditional optical store, the larger the savings will be!  (For example, thin lenses with a high index can be 500-600 per lens normally, but at Home Care Optical the cost would be 500-600 for the pair. The greatest savings are for multifocal lenses which typically start at 2,500 for the lenses, but start at 1,300 at Home Care Optical!)

Eye exams for prescriptions are available as well, using a device that works with a smartphone app. The app runs an interactive test that takes about 3 minutes, and accuarcy is ensured using another device. The exam is free with the purchase of glasses, otherwise the cost is 75₪.

HCO serves the following areas: Jerusalem, Mercaz, Sharon, Binyamin, Shomron, Gush Dan,  Modiiin/beit Shemesh (from Jerusalem to Netanya). Individuals in other communities can organize a sale at their home for a group of people. 

Save 10% on the purchase of your new glasses when you mention KOSHERFRUGAL.COM !
Discount valid thru September 3, 2016

For more information or to set up an appointment, contact Shauli Zacks, at 052-470-2041

www.homecareoptical.com 

www.facebook.com/homecareoptical

Exclusive Discount - Maple Syrup In Israel

Reminder: This exclusive discount will end soon! Check it out and order your maple syrup! The best deal is the gallon jug, and the discount makes it EVEN BETTER!

--- Retrieved from http://www.kosherfrugal.com/2016/07/exclusive-discount-maple-syrup-in-israel.html ---

I am so excited to bring you this exclusive 10% Discount for Anderson’s Maple Syrup - Maple Syrup in Israel!

Maple Syrup seems like a really decadent purchase here in Israel, so if you've been waiting for a less expensive option - here it is!

This Maple Syrup is 100% Pure, from Wisconsin, and you can choose from several varieties when you purchase:

• Grade A Organic

• Grade A Non-Organic

• Grade B Organic

• Grade B Non-Organic (large jugs only)

The syrup comes in three economical sizes:

•  473 mL / 16 oz glass bottles (Twice the size you find in the stores- 50-55 NIS per bottle with your discount)

• 947 mL / 32 oz glass bottles (Just under a liter- 90-100 NIS per bottle)

• 3.79 L / 1 gallon plastic jugs (The perfect size for small businesses or the seriously thrifty)
  

Certified Kosher, Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo Compatible, No added sugar or chemicals- just pure maple syrup!

Delivery by post office (10 NIS per bottle) or, where possible, by FREE tremp!

When you buy it, and after you have tried it, you will agree that it is the best tasting and most affordable maple syrup in Israel!

Click here to get your discount code and buy your bottle of Maple Syrup today! 

Shop the sales!

In America, we used to get weekly circulars for all of our local stores delivered to the house - either as part of the weekend paper, or as a separate "ad pages" delivery.

This was amazingly convenient for planning my shopping trips. As you probably know by now, I'm a really price sensitive shopper. One of the ways I'd shop was to make sure I was shopping sales, and never buying something pricey at the last second because I'd run out. So if tuna was on sale for the right price - I'd stock up (for example). I'd make a point of going to whichever store(s) had the best sales each week, assuming they were within a reasonable distance.

Here, I find it harder to do this. BUT I do still check the sales before shopping.

Here's how to do that here in Israel - and the secret is the internet (I know, not much of a secret, is it?).

I go to the websites of the stores I'll be able to shop at, and check if there are any don't-miss sales. Of course, this is never perfect, as there are always other in store sales that are not advertised online, as well. But it certainly helps.
 
In order to stretch my grocery budget a little bit further, I use Snap In in addition to the few coupons I find, the sug bet rack, and searching for discounts and deals (and of course, cooking from scratch!). Click to find out more about Snap In!

Here are links to some of the country's popular supermarket chains that post weekly or monthly sales online:

Chatzi Chinam 

Co-op Shop

Eden Teva Market

Maayan 2000 

Machsanei Hashuk

Machsanei Lahav

Mega Ba'Ir

Nizat HaDuvdevan

Shuk Ha'Ir (they post sales circulars to their FB page)

Super Coffix (sign up to get coupons sent to your phone!)

Shufersal Deal

Victory

Yochananof

Yeinot Bitan 

Zol v'B'Gadol (they post sales circulars to their FB page)

I have not had luck locating online circulars for these stores:

Bar Kol  (sent an email asking to subscribe but delivery FAILED)

Dabach

Osher Ad

Rami Levy 



Salei Zol

SuperDeal

Yesh (they do not update their website)


Yochananof



If you've found any more helpful online circulars, please let me know!

Frugal Food Plan for the week

This week, we plan to do sandwiches and fresh vegetables for most lunches. Simple and no fuss. It is far too hot for fussing.

Also not doing much shopping that I know of! We'll need some milk,eggs, a few fresh fruits and vegetables, and chicken for shabbat. That's all I plan to buy.


Suppers will be:

Sunday night: Pasta night! (+ a salad)
Monday night: Shabbat leftovers
Tuesday night: Scrambled eggs, hash browns, and vegetable sticks
Wednesday night: Rice with stir fried vegetables and cashews or tofu
Thursday night: Sloppy Sams on fresh rolls, whatever cheap veggies we find

I try really hard to buy veggies for less than 5 shekels/kg, and definitely favor the ones that are 2 shekels/kg or less. Hoping I luck out this week! Right now we've got purple cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, and kohlrabi in the fridge, and tomatoes on the counter. It should get us through the first half of the week!

Exclusive Discount for Gap Year Students!!

Reminder - Sunday is the last day to order for guaranteed delivery before your gap year student arrives! Don't wait, order today!

 

Preparing for a Gap Year in Israel?

 

Is your child leaving for a year to study abroad in Israel?  I'm sure you know about the recent (or not so recent) changes in luggage allowances for travelers (gone are the days of bringing 2 huge, oversized duffel bags that were well over the weight limit and not paying anything extra because you were coming for the year, like I did in the 90s!). In addition to luggage limits, there are other things to keep in mind as well - electrical requirements are different here than some other countries, and cultural and language barriers can make acclimating and buying things difficult for a gap year student.

I'm teaming up with a great company, Tamarim Concierge, to bring you this special discount on "Student Dorm Packs" that will be sure to make things easier for you and your gap year student!

For the past three years, they’ve been delivering just what students need, right to their dorm rooms, before the school year begins.  Far more than just blankets, pillows and linens, they also deliver small appliances, ironing boards, egg crate mattress toppers, yoga mats, fans, Shabbat lamps, storage units, power cords, adapters  – even small refrigerators!

Take a look at the online store for a one-stop shop that will cover all bases for your students when settling in to their new home away from home. 

And be sure to take advantage of this exclusive discount - get 10% off your Dorm Pack order when you use promo code "KosherFrugal"!

I also am going to be sending my soon-to-be 18 year old off - he'll be drafted into the army in the coming months. This time of life is the beginning of a new era for our children. I hope yours has a wonderful, productive, growing experience during his/her gap year here in Israel.

Food Recall!

This time, Willi-Food Imports has announced a recall of the following product, citing an unusual "off" odor.

Canola-based Oil Spray, 156ml can.
Barcode 7290108500379, with a use-by date of 05/2018

The product is imported from Turkey.

The company is testing the batch to check if there is any danger, but in the meantime has issued a recall.

Consumers who have purchased this product are asked NOT to use it.

Please call customer service at 08-932-0107 or email them at customerservice@willi-food.co.il for additional information.

Stock up Time!

It's time to stock up on sunscreens from iHerb! ALL sunscreens - even the ones that "never" go on sale, are 15% right now!

Also, time to stock up on TEA! My favorite Stash brand teas are ALL 20% off right now!

And maybe some of YOUR favorites are on sale too - be sure to check out the weekly sales!

Click to shop at iHerb ($5 off for first time customers when you use this link!

iHerb has recently gotten rid of flat rate shipping to Israel. This means if you place a really small order, you might just pay $2 or so to ship it. I believe if you place a large order (max 4 lbs), it will cost somewhere in the $10 range. IF your order totalls $40 or more, you'll get a super low rate (mine was under $4 to ship!) !!

If you're curious what I buy from iHerb, I've written all about it, be sure to check it out! (See "What do I order from iHerb?")

Summer Shabbat Menu!

This week we have a few guests coming over, and it's supposed to be "above average temperatures" here, so I guess that means super hot instead of hot! And I am not really in the mood for cooking, so I'll just put everyone on vegetable chopping duty and keep the house relatively cool (I'll cook things like hard boiled eggs, potatoes, beans, and quinoa late Thursday night so we won't have to warm the house too much during the day! But I really like to do the Challah on Friday, so I may still do that.).

So here's my summer Shabbat menu for this week:

Homemade Spelt and Oat Bran Challah

Salads - tomato-basil salad, carrot salad, kohlrabi salad, classic American garden salad, potato salad, quinoa salad, maybe a black bean salad...

Chicken - oven fried chicken, which can be served hot or cold

I don't think it's kugel weather, unless I can think of one that can be served cold.

There may be a need to make cholent, since certain people in my house think that's needed year round. If they insist upon it, I'll put a Black Bean Cholent in the slow cooker!

Hopefully we'll pick up some watermelon for dessert!

Seudah Shlishit will be more challah (or rolls), leftover salads, and egg salad and other spreads

*lots of the veggies mentioned above were purchased for 2-4 shekels/kg. If you look hard enough, you CAN find them!

Food Recall

Maadanei Miki has announced a recall of smoked salmon, due to possible listeria contamination.

The recall pertains to the following product:

Frozen Sliced Smoked Salmon, 500g packages (10x50g), barcode 7290006736086, with production date 07/07/16, and expiration date 03/03/17




This product was sold industrially, not to individual consumers.

Anyone who has purchased this product is instructed not to consume it.
Please contact Maadanei Miki's customer service to arrange your return. They can be reached at services@mikideli.co.il or 1-700-505-540 0r 03-961-6283

Another Recall (sigh)

This time, the recall is for halvah products that may be contaminated with salmonella.

Included are halvah products market under the B'arkah and Hel'al labels.

Included are products with the following expiration dates:

13.4.17 thru 20.4.17

18.5.17 thru 22.5.17

21.6.17 thru 23.6.17

21.7.17 thru 7.8.17

Consumers who have purchased these products should NOT eat them.

Please call customer service at 04-856-0135 to arrange for a full refund.

Another Food Recall!

Sugat is recalling the following products, due to an unspecified problem with them that is causing the packages to appear bloated:

"Couscous with Vegetables" from the Meal in A Minute line of products, with the following production codes and expiration dates:






Production Code:               Expiration Date

16.123                                     2.1.17
16.129                                     8.1.17
16.138                                    17.1.17
16.139                                    18.1.17
16.158                                     6.2.17
16.159                                     7.2.17
16.161                                     9.2.17
16.175                                     23.2.17

Consumers are asked NOT to eat this product. Please call customer service at 1-700-550-222 to receive a replacement product.

2-day book sale! Hurry!

Hurry -- it's time to stock up on books if you can! I've always got a list, and I am sure that as soon as my kids discover this blog post in the morning they will be begging me to place a humungous order!

The last few times we ordered, BWB sent us these huge M-bags.. which means we buy a lot of books.

But anyhow, if you've been waiting for a sale, now's your chance!

Sale ends Thursday, August 18th, 2016 at 3:00:00 PM EDT. If you're not sure if a book is on sale, look for a sale tag on the book’s product page, like this:

As always, thanks for supporting this blog when you shop using my links!

Another Recall!

Strauss - Elite announced a recall of certain cakes, due to the presence of an undesirable taste from the yeast used in the cake.

The affected products are considered safe to eat, but may not taste right.

The recalled products are:

Chocolate Rolade, 350g, barcode 7290008754613, with a use by date of 3/12/2016

To arrange for your refund/exchange, please call customer service at 1-800-777-777

Recall!

Osem is recalling the following products, due to an undesirable aftertaste:

Vitaminchik, 2L bottle, raspberry flavor, with production code 61242824 and best if used by date of 2.11.2016

Vitaminchik, 2L bottle, raspberry flavor, with production code 61252824 and best if used by date of 3.11.2016

Vitaminchik, 1L bottle, raspberry flavor, with production code 61302824 and best if used by date of 8.11.2016

Vitaminchik, 1L bottle, raspberry flavor, with production code 61312824 and best if used by date of 9.11.2016

Please call customer service at 1-700-504-065 or 1-700-707-676 to arrange to exchange the products you've purchased.

Vegan Apple Cake!

   
Have lots off apples? Apples are finally coming back into season and we found ourselves with a whole lot of them.
 
I made a cake for a community event using some of the granny smiths, and several people asked if the recipe was up on the blog.

Well, it WASN'T, but now it is!

Vegan Apple Cake

Ingredients:
 
2 T. ground flaxseed + 1/4 cup boiling water (or 1 egg if you don't need it to be vegan)
1/4 cup oil
1 c. soy milk or orange juice or water + 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2  c. flour (I used whole spelt flour. wheat flour - white or whole - works fine)
2/3 c. sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 granny smith apples, cored and diced (peeling optional)

Directions:

Mix 2 T. ground flasxeed with the boiling water, allow to cool for 10 min.
Add oil, sugar, cinnamon, and your choice of liquid. mix well.
Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well - you'll need a mixer or a whisk.
Fold in apples.
Fill 2 loaf pans and bake at 180 C (about 350 F) for about 50 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!

(Sorry no pics - will try to get one up here next time!)