Kosher customers are being advised to skip Starbucks after the coffee giant decided to end the expanded Star-K kosher information program. Many drinks that were previously approved by Star-K have been taken off the list, leading to many angry customers, one of whom started an online petition that’s received nearly 10,000 signatures. 

How did coffee that was once kosher suddenly become non-kosher? Well, like everything about Kashrut, the rules are complicated and can be rather confusing. Unflavored coffee and tea are kosher and don’t require special labeling. The conflict comes from the non-kosher sandwiches that Starbucks sells. Some utensils and some equipment is co-mingled, creating a potential problem. 

In the past, Starbucks was willing to work with Star-K so popular drinks like Frappuccinos and Caramel Macchiatos, along with flavor syrups and caramel sauce, could be enjoyed. By ending their program, none of those will be allowed. (Full list of approved and banned products can be found here.) Granted, the new rules affect only the strictest kosher practices, but the intent is what matters. 

I find it rather ironic that a corporation who prides itself on sensitivity training and reaching out to various minority groups would voluntarily end their kosher information program. Starbucks has never been certified kosher, nor do they need to be, but why this change is happening now makes no sense at all. 

Would I still drink their coffee? Possibly, but I don’t feel like they care about the Jewish community and that’s quite hurtful. 

Tuna sandwiches are a lunchtime staple. Everyone’s got their favorite version. In America, it’s all about the pickles and celery. In Israel, they make something called “Tuna Fricassee” which combines tuna, eggs, and potatoes, along with hot spices. It’s influenced by North African immigrants and looks amazing. 

Here is the recipe, courtesy of Hadassah magazine:

Ingredients

4 eggs
2 large potatoes 
4 cans tuna packed in oil
1/3 cup mayonnaise
Freshly ground black pepper
Garlic powder to taste
Small package arugula
Pinch finely grated lemon zest
Focaccia bread
Prepared roasted red pepper sandwich spread

1. Place whole eggs and whole peeled potatoes in a medium pot and fill to cover with water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the hard-boiled eggs with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl. Run cold water over the eggs to shock them.

2. Continue simmering the potatoes for an additional 10 minutes, or until fork tender. Spill the water from the pot and place potatoes in a bowl to cool slightly. Once cooled, peel the boiled eggs, then place both the eggs and potatoes in the fridge to chill until cold. This will make them easier to slice.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the tuna mixture by mashing the canned tuna with the mayonnaise and black pepper and garlic powder, to taste. Wash and spin dry the arugula in a salad spinner.

4. Assemble the sandwich: Spread each side of the sliced focaccia with about 1 tablespoon of red pepper spread. Top with 2-3 thick slices of boiled potato, tuna mixture, 2-3 slices of hard-boiled egg, a few leaves of arugula and a small pinch of finely grated lemon zest. Wrap tightly and keep in the fridge until serving.

The author of the sandwich enjoyed hers during a sunrise picnic atop Mt. Masada. While I won’t be having quite as much fun dining in my own kitchen, I’m excited to try Tuna Fricassee anyway. As usual, I’ll add my own touch to the recipe by including some sliced black olives. Yum!

 

Do you like tuna sandwiches? 

Do you save soy sauce for Chinese food? Some folks only try it while enjoying takeout, but there’s no reason to stop there. It’s actually quite a versatile condiment, good with fish, fruit, meat and more. Here are 25 creative ways to use soy sauce:

1. All purpose marinade – Soy sauce, scallions, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.

2. Sweet and savory marinade – Soy sauce and brown sugar. A similar version is soy sauce and molasses.

3. Mustard marinade – Soy sauce, grainy mustard, garlic, and rosemary. Excellent for lamb chops.

4. Dipping batter – Add a few drops of soy sauce to liquid batter, then bread. it really enhances the flavor of fried chicken or fish.

5. Meatballs or meatloaf – Use soy sauce instead of salt.

6. Beef jerky – Marinate in soy sauce for a tasty treat.

7. Potato Salad – One teaspoon will make a huge difference.

8. Salsa or Pico De Gallo – Add a spoonful to balance acidity. 

9. Burgers – Mix soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced onion into ground beef or turkey.

10. Pasta – Add soy sauce to cooking water before it boils.  

11. Vegetarian – Add soy sauce to cooked lentils, black beans or tofu. Think you hate tofu? Try this honey soy version.

12. Grilled onions – Coat whole onion with soy sauce, wrap in foil and grill.

13. Soup – Try it in Chicken soup, French Onion, Tomato, or Mushroom.

14. Scrambled Eggs – Use soy sauce instead of Tabasco.

15. Baked potatoes – Rub it on the skin before baking or use as topping.

16. Rice patties – Mix soy sauce and leftover cooked rice, then fry into patties.

17. Raw veggie dip – Mix soy sauce and mayo to make a flavorful dip. This also works for French fries.

18. Macaroni and cheese – It may sound unusual, but it works great. 

19. Gravy – Jazz up a bottle of jarred gravy or add to homemade.

20. Fruit salad – Mix soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and pineapple juice, then pour over fruit. Works wonderfully with peaches.

21. Salad dressings – Use in place of vinegar or lemon when making a homemade version.

22. Popcorn – Soy sauce can replace salt as a topping.

23. Wood chips – If you use these for grilling, try soaking first in soy sauce before cooking.

24. Poaching – Add soy sauce to the liquid before poaching fish. Very nice with salmon.

25. Fish sauce – Soy sauce, butter, and cream makes a lovely topping for white fish.

 

Do you like soy sauce?

There is nothing like eating a juicy burger fresh off the grill on a summer evening. This time of year, my family loves to grill whenever we get the chance. Not only is the food delicious, but we get to enjoy the outdoors while being social. 

Unfortunately, what should be a fun activity can result in tragedy—think burns, upset stomachs, house fires, etc. Here are 10 grilling safety tips that will help you avoid unnecessary accidents:

1. Clean your grill and trays often 

I don’t know anyone who would re-use a pan without washing it first, yet so many people don’t wash their grill with each use! Very unsanitary. 

2. Don’t use indoors

Another tip that would seem like common sense, but it’s surprising how many actually try grilling inside their home—usually with bad results. This also includes grilling inside the garage.

3. A stable surface is a must

Ever see someone try to grill on a step or raised platform? Yeah, not pretty… Only grill on flat areas.

4. Keep your grill separate

A grill’s flame can quickly spread to the house itself, a deck, shrubs, a hanging branch, etc. Try to maintain a 5-10 foot radius as a precaution.

5. Safely ignite

Light barbecues with a long match or mechanical lighter. Don’t wear loose clothing, either. Cooking on a very windy day can also contribute to disaster, so be mindful of weather conditions.

6. Keep decorations away from grill

I actually know someone who was cooking on 4th of July and had a flag accidently set on fire by a grill. Dish cloths are another one that’s often overlooked.  

7. Avoid food poisoning 

Cross-contamination is a serious problem. Use separate plates and utensils for cooked and uncooked meat. I never re-use a marinade after cooking, but if you insist, it must be boiled before serving.

8. Starter fluid needs to be properly stored

If used, do it carefully and always keep away from children and heat sources. Don’t leave it beside the grill indefinitely. It’s a chemical, after all.

9. Don’t leave unattended

Sad but true: A hot surface with potentially shooting flames is a magnet for tiny fingers and wagging tails. Keep a watchful eye when in use. 

10. Check for leaks with Propane 

Turn grill off immediately if you smell gas. If the smell continues, move all people and pets away from the grill and call 911. This is nothing to play around with. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is always smart, just in case.

 

Do you have any more tips for safe grilling?