This week was Kosherfest! The largest kosher food show in America where thousands of people come to see what is going on in the kosher food world and of course GKC was there, meeting with dozens of kosher vendors, some old friends and some new and exciting ones – more on that later. There were cookbook authors, new products for the kosher consumer, and eating, lots and lots of eating – This week KosherFest, next week the gym!

First stop was visiting some of our favorite cookbook authors. And that means no better place to start than the amazing Susie Fishbein. Susie’s cookbooks have become a staple in most kosher kitchens, and why not, they’re so beautiful and imaginative. It’s remarkable what Susie has contributed to the elegant kosher kitchen. GKC found Susie demonstrating easy delicious desserts that she created for Kolatin (A company GKC told its readers about in past blogs!). Susie thanked me and told me how great the GKC readers have responded to her new book (check out all your great comments and enthusiasm in the GKC comments section) and why not? It’s a great and really fun cookbook!

Next, GKC good friend Jamie Geller was there in her classic Jamie high energy tons of fun way… Jaime is going to be joining us soon, for a personal Q & A about her new book, Meals in Minutes (submit your questions to Jamie here). I have to say it is so great to watch Jamie light the kosher world, on fire and to bring the joys of kosher cooking to so many women who might not otherwise be cooking with a smile. I have known Jaime for years and remember her as a powerhouse professional and guest at my Shabbos table, and now watching and enjoying her energy in the kosher world is just wonderful. After spending time with Jamie, GKC got a few minutes in with Estee Kafra from the new Kosher Inspired, the new kosher food magazine published by Mishpacha magazine. I saw the first one and it’s full of great articles, recipes, photos, and entertaining ideas – check it out, lots of fun.

GKC shared lots of fun web ideas with Lois and Roberta from koshereye.com and let me tell you, those ladies give new meaning to southern hospitality and charm! I want to go to Atlanta for Shabbos just so I can spend more time with them. Afterwards while I could still stand, GKC met with our good friend Jodi Samuels from metroimma.com Jodi is spending her time doing what she does best, helping Jews stay in touch with each other!

Throughout the day, GKC received the best VIP treatment (meaning extra snacks and samples!) from all of our great partners from Royal Wines, Osem, Streits, Mehadrin, Zelda’s, and more. We loved meeting with the mashgiach from the White House, Rabbi Segal, who was so kind to give GKC great recipes from the White House kitchen!

Now, lets talk food. What was good you ask? Here are a few of our favs.

* Matzel Toff. We mentioned this one last Pesach and it made the show this year. Really scrumptious chocolate covered matzah with caramel and sea salt. It’s hard to image that matzah is really in this product. I’d eat it year round!
* Jack’s Gourmet Sausage. Don’t fall down. My friends know that I am no sausage eater but WOW! I was impressed. Incredibly flavorful without that overly salty, hyper-smoked taste. These are rich, smooth, and upscale. I would definitely have a fleish eggs, onions and sausage breakfast if these were included.
* Zelda’s caramel popcorn. I just love it. Covered in sweet caramel, crispy and crunchy. The extra snack bags didn’t make it home, I snacked on it all the way.
* Belgian Crepes. How fun is that idea? Prepared soft, thin crepes, in a vacuumed packed bag, ready to eat. I love the idea of instant crepes Suzette, or a crepe with strawberries in it for breakfast, or Nutella for dessert.
* Dr. Praeger’s buffalo nuggets. This is no kiddy chicken nugget and it certainly does not taste pareve. Healthy, quick and full of flavor. Try them.
* Tishbi Fig Cabernet Preserve. I loved it before I even tasted it. How cool is that name and the packaging is so wine snob… black, elegant, refined. And the taste, yum, sophisticated, slightly sweet with wine overtones. Perfect with Brie and crackers, or a scone.
* Lily Bloom’s Kitchen Gourmet Macaroons. These are no ordinary macaroon. New to the show and new on the market, I loved the white chocolate raspberry and the chocolate. Super rich but small so they leave you wanting more. Boxed like fine chocolates they make great gifts except your guests will finish them before you arrive for the meal.

Stay tuned for more from Kosherfest over the next few months. We can’t wait to bring you information about all.