Just in Time for Passover!

Some of you know I am a high school teacher. This year, more than any other, I have students sharing information on their holidays, and their personal faith. We're not allowed to discuss our own religion in the public school system, but the kids can, and I never discourage it. I know faith is a very important part of our lives. One thing teachers do quite often, is bring snacks into their classrooms. When passover started, I was very careful to take in snacks that those celebrating Passover could enjoy (photographed above). The croutons? Well, you know how it is when you're looking for things for other people, you sometimes see something you'd like to have for yourself as well (and I'm always on the lookout for a fantastic crouton).

In doing a little research, it seems the leading kosher brands include Manishewitz, Tuscanini, Heaven & Earth, and Haddar. The foods/drink selected are all certified Kosher or Passover, and they are gluten-free. Of course, they are available year-round, but they make perfect selections for the here and now.

Passover is a festival of freedom, commemorating the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt and their transition from slavery to freedom, with the Passover seder as the central ritual of the celebration. The seder is a ritual feast at the beginning of Passover, which occurs on the first two nights (or, in Israel, just the first night) of the holiday, involving the retelling of the Exodus through song and story and the consumption of ritual foods like matzo (unleavened bread) and maror (bitter herbs). Since the central Passover practice is a set of intense dietary changes – mainly the absence of hametz or foods with leaven– food plays a significant role in the Passover celebration, which lasts for one whole week.

 

For over 130 years, no Passover celebration has been complete without Manishewitz matzo and other traditional products.  Back this year is the irresistible taste and texture of Manischewitz Egg Matzo.  Non-GMO, made with nothing artificial, this lightly sweet & airy cracker is enjoyed with toppings and dips. They are available in a 12-ounce box at an SRP of $3.99-$4.49.

 

The Manischewitz Patties in Dark Chocolate Peppermint, Coconut, Almond Butter, and Raspberry Crème; and the traditional sweet and chewy nostalgic flavor of Manischewitz Chocolate Covered and Coconut Macaroons are now in updated resealable packaging.  They are available in 8-ounce packages at an SRP of $7.99-$8.49. These products join the traditional list of Manischewitz Passover staples, including Chicken Broth, Gefilte Fish, and all the traditional selection of Kosher for Passover Matzo. 

 

New from Tuscanini is an exciting Tuscanini Sicilian Sparkling Lemonade. Served in an attractive glass bottle, this drink is ideal for formal dining, parties, and holiday tables. The beverage is made in Sicily, renowned as the “Lemon Riviera,” and cultivates the world’s finest lemons. They are naturally less acidic and sweeter than lemons grown elsewhere. Tuscanini Sparkling Lemonade blends the perfect citrusy brightness with well-balanced flavor and sweetness and is Certified USDA Organic.  They are available in 9.3-ounce bottles at an SRP of $1.99-$2.49 and 25-ounce bottles at an SRP of  $7.99-$8.49.

The Tuscanini Sparkling Lemonade joins the complete Kosher Imported Italian line, including new Tuscanini Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers, which are beautiful, top-quality red chili peppers in olive oil imported from Italy packed in a premium glass jar to deliver authentic home-jarred taste. They are available at an SRP of $9.99. Last, but certainly not least, from Tuscanini are the Red and White Premium Italian Cooking Wines, which, greatly enhance the flavor and aroma of any dish. They are available at an SRP of $8.99.

 

This Passover, leave it to Heaven & Earth to move ‘heaven and earth’ to help make exceptional gluten-free meals, deliciously gluten-free.  New from Heaven & Earth, discover the Heaven & Earth Grain Free Tortilla Chips made from casaba flower available in Sea Salt, Sweet BBQ, and Chili Lime flavors. They are available in one-ounce bags at an SRP of $4.69-$5.99. Also new are Heaven & Earth Veggie Croutons in Crispy Original and Onions & Garlic flavors which are gluten-free, vegan, and made with select plantains from small farms and perfect for salads, soups, and snacking.  They are available in 12-ounce containers at an SRP of $6.49-$7.99.

 

And finally, the wildly popular Haddar Pressed Pretzels will extend their product line to include Honey flavor.  Haddar Pressed Pretzels are gluten-free, crisply full-flavored flat pretzels made without nuts, dairy, or soy, great for snacking and dipping.  They are available in single-serve snack bags at 0.7 ounces and 5-ounce bags at an SRP of $.89-$1.49 and $4.29-$5.99.   Also, from Haddar are the Passover Pretzel Crumbs, now available in Seasoned flavor.  This gluten-free pretzel crumb is made without nuts, dairy, or soy and is excellent for coating and breading everything from chicken to onion rings.  They are available in 10-ounce containers at an SRP of $7.49-$8.99.

 

This Passover, be sure to visit Kosher.com, the premier site for Kosher and authentic Jewish cooking and conversation, and the number one destination for all things regarding Jewish and Kosher food. The site features top-quality kosher recipes by award-winning chefs, exciting articles and helpful cooking tips, addictively delicious and entertaining cooking videos, and everything necessary to make unforgettable meals. New cooking shows and content are updated regularly to coincide with holidays like Passover.  This year, check out these links for great ideas from Kosher.com on how to make sides beyond potatoes: https://www.kosher.com/lifestyle/25-passover-sides-that-dont-involve-potatoes-100, along with a ‘cheaters’ guide for anyone new to the Passover meal: https://www.kosher.com/lifestyle/pesach-recipes-for-beginners-1093

 

But remember, Kosher.com is geared toward everyone, including those who are Jewish, those who want to keep kosher, and anyone interested in Jewish Food. Whether you are a new cook still trying to figure out how to make a boiled egg, or a gourmet chef looking for new and creative ideas to impress important guests, Kosher.com is the destination for you.   Go to Kosher.com, which has thousands of recipes, and hundreds of original videos that will teach techniques to take cooking to the next level, and offer advice about wine pairings to elevate home-cooked meals.  The site allows users to interact with the community. Users are encouraged to try a recipe, review it, and share results with other readers.  Kosher.com also is there for advice if someone runs into trouble when the dough doesn’t rise or the soup is too salty.  Users can ask for help; the expert chefs and helpful community will provide advice.

 

“This Passover, we hope that the exciting products debuting at Passover from Manischewitz, Tuscanini, and Heaven & Earth are at the top of your list during this season and all year,” says Shani Seidman, CMO of KAYCO Kosher. “Food plays such a central role in the Passover celebration. KAYCO Kosher proudly offers the most comprehensive portfolio of Kosher-for-Passover products that blend the traditional with the innovative so that everyone enjoys the holiday and beyond!”

 

Kayco Kosher products are available at supermarkets, specialty kosher stores, and Amazon.

 

For more information on Kayco Kosher Foods, go to www.kayco.com.