After hearing about cold brew coffee for the millionth time, I’m ready to take the plunge and try it. The only problem is that I don’t know where to start. If anyone drinks cold brew coffee, I’d love some advice—which brand, how to prepare, etc. 

I have a regular drip machine and a Keurig, which I find equally good. Because cold brew is supposed to make better iced coffee and be less acidic, I’m curious. But maybe it’s just hype? Either way, dear folks, please chime in. 

The fragrance, the color, the taste—mint is one of my favorite things to plant in a garden. Like zucchini, a tiny bit seems to multiple like magic, producing an abundance of epic proportions. Convinced you can’t use it all up? Try these 10 creative ways to enjoy fresh mint, ensuring the bounty won’t be wasted:

1. Drinks 

Water (cold is very refreshing, hot is good for indigestion), lemonade, tea, seltzer, smoothies. 

2. Salads 

Green salad, fruit salad, or cucumber/tomato. For a fancy version, try sliced strawberries, mint & basil with balsamic dressing. 

3. Desserts 

Homemade ice cream (every kid’s favorite!), brownies, chocolate pudding, candy, cupcakes, and  the infamous Grasshopper Pie.

4. Sauce 

Finely chop, then combine with 1 tsp. of vinegar and 1 tsp. of sugar. Great with beef and lamb.

5. Ice cubes

Pretty and delicious way to make a cold drink nicer. My sister loves it with Diet Coke.

6. Yogurt 

Mint, berries and yogurt make a lovely light breakfast. Add chocolate chips for a decadent version.

7. Decoration 

I use it as cut greenery, both on its own and mixed into a bouquet.

8. Decongestant 

If you have a stuffy nose, make a small bunch of mint and eucalyptus, then tie it upside down in the shower. The steam combined with the scent works so well.

9. Cleaning

Mix with white vinegar for an all-purpose spray. Dry, crush and add to baking soda, then sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming.

10. Sunburn Relief

According to Martha Stewart, an infusion of black tea and fresh mint is super soothing when applied to the skin.

Do you like mint?

My Jewish Learning has put together a list of The Best Jewish Delis in America, with restaurants featured in 44 states. Because I love that kind of food, I was excited to see what the options are. To my dismay what they’ve called a “Jewish deli” is quite the stretch; Jewish-inspired would be much more accurate.

Take the location closest to me, Bubby’s NY Style Delicatessen. Do they offer familiar favorites like challah, latkes, bagels with lox, and pastrami sandwiches? Yes. But would I call it a Jewish deli? Absolutely not. Other menu items include Eggs Benedict with ham, Monte Cristo sandwiches with ham, Breakfast BLT with bacon, and on it goes. Even the foods that are okay (meat) have slices of cheese on top, which is definitely not the Jewish way. 

The author offers an interesting interpretation about which places were selected and why: “In making this list, we sought delis with Jewish roots, serving standards like matzah ball soup or overstuffed sandwiches—kosher or not. Some are Jewish-owned, while some are owned by folks whose appreciation for Jewish food and culture run deep.”

I have no problem there, and if the article had been titled differently to reflect that, it would’ve been fine. Obviously, most of the patrons who frequent these restaurants are not Kosher and probably not even Jewish. They don’t follow the dietary laws. But those who do observe Kashrut can not eat at these ” Jewish delis” which is rather ironic. A true Jewish delicatessen does not serve ham or bacon or melted cheese turkey sandwiches. Saying otherwise is misleading. 

Creamy Jif peanut butter, Smucker’s Concord Grape Jelly, and Wonder Bread—the sandwich loved by littles. PB&J is a popular kids’ lunch, for sure. (I’ve probably made thousands!) There’s nothing wrong with the original, but a few tweaks can reinvigorate the old stand-by. Here are 5 easy ways to improve PB&J sandwiches:

1. Switch up the bread

Plain white loaf is the standard, but it’s not the only option. Challah, raisin bread, English muffins, bagels, croissants, pita, and wraps are all tasty. Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters.

2. Fruit

Try adding thinly sliced bananas, strawberries, or apples. Prefer dried? Try raisins, apricots, or cranberries. 

3. Crunchy

Add some texture with crushed pretzels, flaked coconut, sunflower seeds, or granola. Like sweet and salty combos? Try crushed potato chips. Use saltine crackers and skip the bread entirely.

4. Sweet treat

Feed your sugar cravings with honey, Nutella, mini chocolate chips, marshmallow fluff, or sprinkles.  

5. Chewy

Try toasting the bread before adding the filling or make PB&J French Toast (dip prepared sandwich in egg with cinnamon sugar and vanilla extract, then fry).

While PB&J isn’t the healthiest food available, it is something that kids will eat without complaint that’s affordable, and takes almost no effort to prepare, making it a decent choice. (If you’re truly lacking time, they can even be frozen ahead.) I serve mine with carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks for extra nutrients.