Category Archives: dairy

Three Cheese Calzone with Tomatoes and Balsamic Glaze

Posted on by

calzone

Makes 4 calzones

BALSAMIC GLAZE:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

DOUGH:
Olive oil, for brushing
Homemade or store-bought pizza dough

TOPPINGS:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces shredded mozzarella
1 pint cherry heirloom tomatoes, halved
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Tomato Sauce, for serving, recipe follows
TOMATO SAUCE:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomato
2 cloves garlic, grated
Pinch sugar
Red pepper flakes, as needed
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh basil leaves, torn

For the glaze: Add the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thickened and coats the back of a spoon, 3 to 5 minutes.

For the dough: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Grease 2 baking sheets with olive oil. 
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. 

On a floured work surface, using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into a circle. Place the circles onto the prepared baking sheets.

For the toppings: Place 1/4 of the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella and tomatoes on the bottom half of each of the rounds. Season the filling with salt and pepper, tear some basil leaves over the cheese and tomatoes and drizzle with a spoonful of the balsamic glaze. 

Fold the dough rounds in half to resemble a half-moon shape, covering the filling with the dough. Starting at one end of the half-moon, begin to fold the dough over on itself pressing down as you go. Continue to fold the dough until you reach the end and then tuck the final end under and pinch it shut. 

Brush the calzones with some more olive oil and, with the tip of a knife, make 2 slits in each calzone so the steam can escape. 

Bake for 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp.

For the tomato sauce: Heat a medium saucepan to medium-high. Add in the olive oil. Saute the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the tomatoes, garlic, sugar, red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes on medium low. Season with salt and pepper and fold in the basil.

Cook’s Note: Cutting slits in the top of the calzone will prevent the calzone from leaking and let the steam escape. You can fill this calzone with whatever you like.

Cinnamon Bun Bites

Posted on by

Serves 8-10

This is from an old Martha Stewart Magazine but it is a fun favorite to make with kids. It does require parental involvement but they will be so proud to be a part of making something so good and so adorable.

1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast (from two 1/4-ounce envelopes)
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
4 large eggs
1-1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 stick unsalted butter or margarine, softened, plus 1/2 stick, melted, and more for dish
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze

2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon milk, or non-dairy creamer (orange juice works so great too)

Pour water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle yeast evenly over water, and let stand until foamy, 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk until smooth, then whisk in 1/2 cup flour to form a loose paste. Let rise in a warm place until yeast mixture has risen and fallen, about 30 minutes.
Add eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and remaining flour to yeast mixture. Knead dough, using dough hook attachment on mixer, until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add 1 stick butter or margarine, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes (add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky). Turn out dough onto an unfloured work surface, and knead by hand until very smooth, about 3 minutes. Transfer dough to another bowl, and let rise in a warm place, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down dough; press out air bubbles.
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or 9-inch square glass baking dish. Place melted butter/margarine in a bowl. Stir together remaining 1 cup sugar and the cinnamon in another bowl.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls (you should have about 45). Working with 1 at a time, dip balls into melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar and place in pie plate. Stack balls to form a dome. Sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon sugar, and drizzle with any leftover butter. Cover with plastic wrap, and let balls rise by half, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap balls, and place pie plate on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and firm, and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Let bites cool in dish 15 minutes, then drizzle with glaze.

Glaze:
Mix the confectioners’ sugar, butter, and vanilla together.
Adding half the milk (or orange juice) to start with, stir in to make a thick glaze, adding just a drop at a time more until you get a nice thick glaze.
Spread or pour immediately over cooled cinnamon rolls, pastries, pound cakes, or Danish.
Glaze will form a crust and harden as it cools, but you can spread over warmed cakes and serve that way as well.

Nutella Ribbon Bars

Posted on by

Recipe by gourmetkoshercooking.com

¾ cup chopped pecans
½ cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ cup Nutella

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line an 8-inch squared baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil with at least 1 inch overhanging the top of the pan and sides.

In a food processor, grind the pecans coarsely. Add flour, baking powder, brown sugar and salt and pulse once or twice to combine. Add melted butter and vanilla and pulse until all ingredients are moistened. Add oats and pulse once or twice to combine.

Sprinkle half of the mixture across the bottom of baking pan and press it with your fingertips into an even layer. Place the other half of the mixture in the freezer for 5 minutes.

Spread the Nutella in an even layer on top of the crust. Scatter remaining crumb mixture over the Nutella, squeezing it into crumbs across the top. Bake until top is golden, 25 – 30 minutes.

Cut into 16 squares.

Kosher & Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipes for a Kosher Shavuot

Posted on by

Do you ever gaze at those displays of rich fudge at farmer’s markets and wish all of it was kosher? Do you fantasize about the plain chocolate fudge or the marshmallow or even the peanut butter flavors? Have you ever wondered how to make fudge yourself, or if it’s even a possibility? Shavuot is the perfect time to turn that fantasy into reality by making the fudge of your dreams in the privacy of your own kitchen. New and unique Shavuot recipes are always fun to introduce into your repertoire, and fudge is yet another dairy delight that helps you get in the spirit of the holiday. And one of the best things about this chocolate fudge recipe – other than the taste – is that it’s super easy. So indulge and enjoy.

Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate Fudge

Posted on by

photo:whatscookingamerica.net

Not sure how to make fudge? Always wanted to try it for yourself? Try these easy chocolate fudge recipes with condensed milk.

18 ounces semisweet chocolate – either chips or coarsely chopped squares
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla

Line an 8-inch square pan with heavy-duty foil. Melt chocolate and sweetened condensed milk together – either in the microwave or in a small saucepan on top of the stove over low heat. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour in prepared pan and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Cut into squares.

Variations:
Walnut or Pecan: When you stir in the vanilla, also add a cup of chopped nuts.
Coconut: Along with the vanilla, stir in 1 cup toasted coconut.
Peanut Butter: Drop ½ cup peanut butter by teaspoonfuls on top of fudge and swirl with knife to marbleize.
Marshmallow: When you stir in the vanilla, add 2 cups miniature marshmallows.
Rocky Road: Same as above, only also add 1 cup chopped nuts.

Enjoyed this chocolate fudge recipe? Try another of our delicious Shavuot recipes for dessert!

Easy Quesadillas

Posted on by

photo: wordpress.com

Easy quesadillas recipes are everywhere. But the best easy quesadillas recipe is always the one you already know by heart! This recipe is so easy, you’ll know it after trying it one time, and your kids will love it so much, you may never stop making it.

1 (8 to 9-ounce) can chopped green chiles
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
3 cups grated mozzarella cheese
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin

Garnish:
1 cup sour cream
½ cup salsa (I like it to be medium or hot but depends on your taste)
½ cup chopped cilantro

Spoon 2 tablespoons green chiles over ½ of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese, onion and cumin. Fold remaining half over to cover. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray or 1 tablespoon oil. Adding 2 quesadillas at a time, cook for 3 minutes per side. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa and cilantro.

Enjoyed this easy quesadillas recipe? Try another of our Shavuot recipes for sides.

Creamy Corn Chowder

Posted on by

Creamy corn chowder is a great dairy soup for your Shavuot meal. Everyone loves creamy corn chowder – from kids to adults.

1 onion, chopped
¼ cup butter
1 stalk celery, chopped
½ green pepper, chopped
½ red pepper, chopped
3 new potatoes, scrubbed and chopped
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups pareve chicken broth
2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4-6 ears)
1-1/2 cups light cream or half-and-half (you can use soy milk or nondairy creamer if you are stuck)
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Imitation bacon bits (optional)

In a medium to large Dutch oven, sauté onion over medium heat until soft. Add celery, peppers and potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and keep cooking. Add broth, cover and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. Stir in corn, cream and milk and heat through but do NOT boil. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with imitation bacon bits, if desired.

Enjoyed this creamy corn chowder recipe? Try another of our Shavuot recipes for soup.

Israel’s Best Cheesecake

Posted on by

(using Israeli cheese products)

Submitted by GKC friend and reader Elana Bacon
Have a recipe to share? Submit it here.

Elana claims that Israeli cheeses make the best Shavuot cheesecake. Try it and let us know if this is the best cheesecake recipe you’ve tried – but I wouldn’t be surprised if she was right.

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST:
18 tea biscuits
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
Or buy a graham cracker crust

CHEESECAKE:
2-1/2 cups Gvina Levana (any percentage you want but I use 5%) (White cheese in Israel) This is cream cheese for those of us who live in the U.S. See Elana’s notes and tips at the end of the recipe)
1 cup Shamenet (sour cream)
1/2 cup dairy whipping cream (NOT whipped)(aka Katzefet)
2 teaspoons vanilla
Juice of 1 lemon (you can also use about 2-3 tablespoon bottled lemon juice depending on taste)
2 tablespoons flour
1-1/8 cup sugar
2 whole eggs plus 1 egg white

TOPPING (OPTIONAL):
1 cup Shamenet
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sugar
Cookie crumbs for crumbling on top (optional)

Topping:
Mix in a medium bowl until well combined.

FOR CRUST:
Mix all ingredients for the crust together and press into a spring form pan or in 3 long skinny rectangular aluminum pans.

FOR CHEESECAKE:
Preheat oven to 180 Celsius (or 350 F).
Mix all together in a big bowl until everything is mixed well.
Pour into greased pan/pans. At this point you can swirl in some blueberry pie filling, add chocolate chips or whatever your cravings desire.
Place into a bigger roasting pan (or 9×13 pan) to cook in a water bath.
Place on oven rack and slowly pour boiling water into the outer pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the center is only slightly loose but most of the cake is set.
Take it out and pour on the optional topping and bake another 10 minutes.
Cool completely then place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

ENJOY!

Other Tips/Notes:
Growing up in NY I know good cheesecake and coming to Israel to find out that the cream cheese here isn’t quite the American cream cheese, it was so hard to find a good old New York style cheesecake…until I found this recipe!!! I know this recipe may not help all those living in the states (since they don’t really need the help in the first place) but to all those readers in Israel, here is a good cheesecake recipe that is as close to a New York style cheesecake that I have found. Feel free to add any additions of pie fillings/chocolate/caramel or to add any topping. I personally like it best good and plain!!!

Notes on Gvina Levana, Israel’s version of cream cheese:
In Israel Gvina Levana is the Israeli version of cream cheese. It’s basically the same texture as thick yogurt instead of the harder brick like Americans are used to. It comes in the same type of container as the cottage cheese. Literally translated its white cheese. It comes in a variety of fat percentages too- there’s 0.5%, 3%, 5% or 9%. There may be more as well but those are the ones I’m familiar with. I generally use the 5% but to each their own…

Enjoy.
P.S. As a side note if anyone wants American style cream cheese here in Israel for their bagels or matzo or whatever all they have to do is take a container of Shamenet (sour cream) mix about 1 tsp of salt in and place it in a cloth/cheese cloth/dishtowel hanging over a container to drain overnight in the refrigerator (I do this by taking the extra material and rubber banding it over the side of a cylinder container) in the morning (or about 8-10 hours later) take the cream cheese out of the cloth and place in a smaller container and discard the liquid. At this point any additions can be added- chives, lox bits, garlic etc.

For all those who don’t eat Chalav Yisrael in Israel- they do sell Philadelphia cream cheese at a bunch of stores throughout Jerusalem.

Enjoyed this Shavuot cheesecake? Try another of our delicious cheesecake recipes.

Cheese and Noodle Pie

Posted on by

A reader-submitted noodle pie recipe; you can check out their site and their phone app here:
www.GoingPaprikash.com

What you need (for a medium sized pan)
2 sheets of prepared puff pastry

For the filling:
10-1/2 ounces (300 grams) thin egg noodles
1-3/4 ounces (50 grams) butter, melted for coating the noodles
4 eggs, separated
1 pound 2 ounces (½ kilo) pressed cottage cheese
5-1/2 ounces (150 grams) powdered sugar
1-3/4 ounces (50 grams) butter
3-1/2 ounces (100 grams) raisins
1 3/4 cups (400 ml) sour cream
Contents of one vanilla bean
Lemon zest
½ cup breadcrumbs
For topping: powdered sugar

What you do
1. Cook the noodles until soft. Rinse them, drain and coat in butter. Set aside.
2. Prepare the filling: whip the egg whites. Strain the cheese.
3. Mix butter, egg yolks, vanilla bean and powdered sugar into a light batter. Add the cheese, sour cream, raisins, and lemon zest. Stir well.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the batter – and finally, fold in the whipped egg whites.
5. Assemble the cake: grease the pan with butter. Line the pan with a sheet of puff pastry, grease well with melted butter and sprinkle on the breadcrumbs.
6. Pour on the filling. Cover with the remaining sheet of pastry. Generously brush with butter. Bake in a 350F (180 degree) preheated oven until golden. After it has cooled a bit, cover with powdered sugar and slice.

Various fruits, like cherries, plums and apricots can be added to the filling. The sweet filling can be substituted with a savory one: stir together 1 pound 2 ounces (½ kilo) pressed cottage cheese, 2 egg yolks, 1 3/4 cups (400 ml) sour cream, chopped onion, a crushed garlic clove, a bit of finely chopped dill, chives and parsley and salt. Fold in the 2 whipped egg whites and place on the sheet of puff pastry in the pan.

Enjoyed this noodle pie recipe? Try another of our yummy Shavuot recipes.

Fudgy Chocolate Cookies

Posted on by

photo: cookiemadness.com

These fudge chocolate cookies are non dairy but so are some of your other Shavuot recipes. And they’re so good…

4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
¼ cup margarine
½ cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
4 eggs
1-1/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups toasted coarsely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a microwave melt ½ the chocolate chips, the unsweetened chocolate and the margarine. Stir until smooth and cool slightly. Cream together eggs, sugar and vanilla. Beat in melted chocolate. Add flour and baking powder and mix well. Stir in remaining 2 cups chocolate chips and the walnuts. Drop by the ¼ cup onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes – until surface is no longer shiny. Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to finish cooling.

Enjoyed these fudgy chocolate cookies? Try another of our delicious Shavuot recipes for dessert.

White Chocolate Fruit Tart

Posted on by

This white chocolate fruit tart recipe is sweet and tangy.

Crust:
¾ cup butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1-1/2 cups flour

Filling:
2 cups white chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
¼ cup pareve whip
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
2 kiwi, peeled and sliced

Glaze:
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon lemon juice
½ cup pineapple juice

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. On low speed, beat in flour until well combined. Press into bottom and up sides of an ungreased 11-inch tart pan. Place pan on baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes – until lightly browned. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire rack.

For filling, beat together the melted white chocolate chips and the pareve whip. Add cream cheese and continue beating until smooth. Spread over cooled crust. Refrigerate for ½ hour. Drain the pineapple, reserving ½ cup juice for glaze. Arrange pineapple, strawberries, mandarin oranges and kiwis decoratively over filling.

For glaze, combine sugar and cornstarch in a small sauce pan. Stir in lemon juice and reserve pineapple juice until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir for 2 minutes until thickened. Cool and brush over fruit. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Enjoyed this white chocolate fruit tart recipe? Try another of our delicious Shavuot recipes for dessert.

Spinach Tortellini Soup

Posted on by

This savory spinach tortellini soup is a delicious and easy Shavuot starter. Shavuot recipes can often consist of something you might eat all year round, with the exciting addition of some grated cheese on top. Here’s a perfect example.

1 tablespoon butter
1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic
2 (32-ounce) boxes pareve chicken broth
1 (1-pound) package frozen cheese tortellini, thawed
1 (10-ounce) packaged frozen chopped spinach
2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes
Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Melt butter in a medium to large stockpot. Add garlic and sauté briefly. Add pareve chicken broth and tortellini. Bring to a boil and stir in spinach and tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer for about ½ hour. Top with grated Parmesan if desired.

Enjoyed this spinach tortellini soup recipe? Try another of our delicious Shavuot recipes for soups.

Herbed Cheese Popovers

Posted on by


This cheese popovers recipe can be made with bleu cheese as well. They look as pretty on the Shavuot table as they taste. Shavuot recipes for great side dishes like this one are essential for the holiday.

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon finely chopped flat leaf parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
1-¼ cups whole milk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon butter, melted
3 ounces Boursin or Alouette herbed cheese or creamy bleu cheese, crumbled

Preheat oven to 450 and place a rack in the bottom third of the oven. Spray a 24-cup, nonstick mini muffin pan generously with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, parsley, salt and pepper. Ina separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and butter. Pour the milk mixture over the flour mixture and whisk together until just combined (a few lumps are okay). Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups to within about ¼ inch to the top. Top each cup with a crumble of the Boursin or Bleu cheese.

Bake for 10 minutes without opening the oven door. Reduce the heat to 350 and bake until golden brown and nicely puffed, 8 – 10 minutes more.

*** You need non-stick muffin pan for this recipe!

Liked this cheese popovers recipe? Try another of our amazing Shavuot recipes for side dishes.

Easy Dessert For Kids

Posted on by

This is a super easy dessert recipe to make and is in the dairy spirit of Shavuot recipes. But I promise you it won’t only be the kids eating it.

24 ice cream sandwiches
2 (8-ounce) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped walnuts
Caramel sauce

Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with ice cream sandwiches. Spread with 8 ounces (1 container’s worth) of whipped topping. Add another layer of sandwiches and the rest of the whipped topping. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and walnuts and drizzle with caramel sauce. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours. Cut into bars while frozen (this and the eating are the only adult part of this job!)

Like this easy dessert recipe? Try another of our Shavuot recipes that the kids can help with!

Bundt Dulce De Leche Cake

Posted on by

photo by Isabelle Boucher

Dulce de Leche is a scrumptious dairy treat. It is basically like a creamy caramel sauce and can be eaten out of the jar – it’s that good. I use it often in Shavuot recipes or as an extra treat for Shalosh Seudas on long Shabbos days in the summer. This Dulce de Leche cake is a great way to use it.

1-½ cups sugar
12 tablespoons butter
4 eggs
2 cups flour
1-½ teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 cups dulce de leche, at room temperature, separated
1 cup whipped pareve cream for topping or garnish

Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour a Bundt pan. Using a standing mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Alternating with the dry ingredients, add 1 cup of the dulce de leche to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the cake comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes and then unmold.

Warm the second cup of dulce de leche. Drizzle it over the Bundt cake. Serve with pareve whipped cream.

Enjoyed this dulce de leche cake recipe? Try another of our great Shavuot recipes for dessert.

Caramel Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

Posted on by

This cream pie recipe is better than banana cream pie or caramel cream pie alone; it’s got both! Shavuot recipes don’t get any better than this.

1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
Yolks of 3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 chocolate cookie crust
2 large, ripe bananas
Topping
1 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche

Garnish:
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons toffee crunch chocolate, crumbled (like Viennese crunch)

Whisk sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan to blend. Gradually whisk in milk, and then egg yolks. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and, stirring gently, cook 2 minutes to cook yolks. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add chocolate and let stand 1 minute to melt, then whisk until blended. Refrigerate 15 minutes until slightly cooled.

Spread 1/3 cup chocolate custard over bottom of crust. Peel and thinly slice bananas; arrange over custard. Spread with remaining custard. Place plastic wrap directly on surface and refrigerate at least 5 hours or up to 1 day.

Up to 3 hours before serving: Beat whipped cream until stiff peaks form. Add the caramel and combine completely.

Liked this caramel chocolate banana cream pie recipe? Try another of our Shavuot recipes for dessert.

Sephardic Chilled Yogurt Soup

Posted on by

Serves 6

When I first saw a version of this yogurt soup recipe in a Persian cookbook I was not interested in trying it. But after reading the author’s notes about how it is her most requested recipe, I had to try it with a few of my own changes. The surprise flavors are wonderful – it is so much more than a basic cucumber yogurt soup recipe. Serve it with grilled bread. I omitted the dried rose petals and some of the mint from the original.

1/2 cup walnuts
2 cups 2% plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon rose water (optional, only available in select markets)
1-1/2 cups ice water
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and finely diced (1 cup)
1/4 cup finely chopped mint
1/4 cup finely chopped dill
1/4 cup finely chopped chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Ground sumac, for garnish (optional, available from Pereg)

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the walnuts in a pie plate and toast for about 10 minutes. Let cool, then finely chop.
In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt with the ice water. Stir in the raisins, cucumber, mint, dill, chives, walnuts, rose water (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until very cold, about 1 hour. Serve the soup in shallow bowls, sprinkled with sumac and with lots of grilled bread for dipping.

Liked this yogurt soup recipe? Try another of our Shavuot recipes for appetizers.

Leek Mushroom and Pesto Pizza

Posted on by

This pesto pizza recipe is a savory and unique addition to your Shavuot recipes. a kosher pizza recipe worth holding on to all year round.

4 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 small leek (white and light green parts only), halved crosswise and lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper
1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store bought)
2 tablespoons pesto (or store bought, made by Paesano or Meditalia)
2 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)

Heat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss the mushrooms, leeks, oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.

Shape the pizza dough into a 12-in. round and place in the bottom and slightly up the sides of a large (10- to 12-in.) cast-iron skillet, pizza stone or plate

Spread the pesto over the dough, leaving a 1/4-in. border. Top with the vegetables and sprinkle with the goat cheese. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Like this pesto pizza recipe? Try another of our pizza-related Shavuot recipes.

Potobello Mushrooms Stuffed With Spinach and Goat Cheese

Posted on by

This stuffed portobello mushrooms recipe is savory and incredibly flavorful. The goat cheese and spinach are a wonderful combination with the mushroom flavors. Healthy Shavuot recipes like this one are essential.

Marinated mushrooms
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup Marsala wine
4 large fresh thyme sprigs
6 large portobello mushrooms

Filling:
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach
1 pound button mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped sweet Vidalia onion
3 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 cup plus 6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unseasoned dry breadcrumbs
1 (5-ounce) package soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled

For marinated mushrooms:
Whisk first 6 ingredients and Marsala, if desired, in medium bowl for marinade. Stir in thyme sprigs. Cut stems from mushrooms and place stems in processor. Arrange mushrooms, gill side up, in 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour marinade over mushrooms and marinate 4 hours, turning to coat occasionally.

For filling:
Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain; cool. Using hands, squeeze excess water from spinach. Place in small bowl.

Add half of button mushrooms to processor with portobello mushroom stems. Using on/off turns, process until coarsely chopped. Transfer to medium bowl and repeat with remaining mushrooms. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add onion and sauté until beginning to brown, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add chopped mushrooms, sprinkle with salt, and increase heat to high. Cook until almost all liquid evaporates, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Season mushroom mixture with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl; cool to room temperature.

Add spinach, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and breadcrumbs to mushroom mixture; toss to distribute evenly. Add goat cheese and toss gently to distribute evenly. Season filling to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover filling and let stand at room temperature.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Transfer marinated mushrooms, with some marinade still clinging, to rimmed baking sheet, gill side down. Roast until beginning to soften, about 15 minutes. Turn mushrooms over. Divide filling among mushrooms. Sprinkle remaining 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese over and bake until heated through and cheese begins to brown, about 15 minutes.

Enjoyed this stuffed portobello mushrooms recipe? Try another one of our savory Shavuot recipes.

Pizza Dip

Posted on by

photo: showmethecurry.com

This pizza dip recipe with cream cheese is fun with different kinds of bread or crackers or with fresh vegetable sticks. Shavuot recipes like this are good to have around as snacks and appetizers.

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 (14-ounce) can pizza sauce
1 small onion, chopped
1-1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 (6-ounce) can black olives, chopped or black olive rings
2 ounces vegetarian pepperoni, finely chopped (optional)
Corn or tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press cream cheese into bottom of a 9-inch round pan. Spread pizza sauce over top and then layer remaining ingredients (except corn chips) in order listed. Top with vegetarian pepperoni, if using. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve with chips.

Enjoyed this pizza dip recipe? Try another one of our Shavuot recipes for dips.

Mascarpone Semifreddo with Cherry Wine Sauce

Posted on by

This Semifreddo recipe is very easy to put together, and the cherry wine sauce adds an elegant touch. Add it to your Shavuot recipes!

For the Cherry Sauce:
1 cup port wine
1/3 cup sugar
¾ cup dried cherries or dried strawberries or raspberries

For the semifreddo
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese
¾ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
1-½ ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
8 store-bought chocolate wafer cookies

For the sauce:
Bring the port and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Boil until reduced by 1/3, about 5 minutes. Stir in cherries. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered about 10 minutes. Refrigerate until thick, about 40 minutes.

For the semifreddo:
Whisk mascarpone, cream, confectioners’ sugar, and a pink of salt until medium-stiff peaks form. Fold in chocolate. Spread mixture into a 5 x 9 inch oaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap, placing the plastic wrap directly on the semifreddo and tucking it in to the edges of the dish. Freeze until edges begin to harden, at least 50 minutes. Scoop into dishes and spoon the wine sauce over. Top with crumbled chocolate wafer cookies or gently place one in the side of each dish.

** This keeps in the freezer for two weeks. Take it out to let it soften a little before serving. It should be cold and the texture of a soft creamy ice cream.

Enjoyed this semifreddo recipe? Try another one of our dessert Shavuot recipes.

Key Lime Meringue Pie

Posted on by

This key lime meringue pie recipe is a delicious alternative to the traditional key lime pie. If you prefer a traditional key lime pie, use the alternative lime whipped topping. Both finishes are delicious and sweet in contract to the lime filling. Everyone should have key lime pie in their Shavuot recipes box!

Crust:
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1-1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Filling:
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup Key lime juice or lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime zest, separated
2 eggs, separated
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar

Alternative topping:
2 cups whipping cream
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:
Lime zest
Thinly sliced lime

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

For the crust, combine ingredients and pat down into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden.

In a medium bowl, combine the milk, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon zest. Blend in the egg yolks. Pour the filling into the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until just set. Cool and refrigerate.

For the meringue, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar and remaining teaspoon zest until the mixture is stiff. Spread the meringue over the filling; spread it to touch the edge of the crust all around. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly cooked. Sprinkle with more lime zest and serve each piece with a sliced lime.

Alternatively, whip 2 cups whipping cream. When soft peaks form, slowly add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Once whipped, fold in the vanilla extract and the lime zest. Top the pie with whipped topping and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoyed this key lime pie recipe? Try another of our delicious Shavuot recipes for dessert.

Malted Chocolate Cheesecake

Posted on by

photo: offallytasty.com

This chocolate cheesecake recipe is a yummy Shavuot cheesecake. Its a bit unique, but still traditional enough to satisfy the classic cheesecake lovers.

Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted

Filling:
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup chocolate malt powder
4 eggs
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup Whoppers (malted milk balls) for garnish

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter and press into bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan. Set aside.

Cream together cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. On low speed, beat in the malt powder and then the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla and pour on top of prepared crust. Bake for about 1 hour. Cool on wire rack for about 10 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen. Finish cooling and sprinkle top with malted milk balls, if using. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove sides before serving.

Enjoyed this chocolate cheesecake recipe? Try another delicious Shavuot cheesecake.

Artichokes and Cheese in Phyllo Dough

Posted on by

This phyllo dough recipe is savory and a bit unexpected. Shavuot recipes are a great way to try out new kinds of appetizers and side dishes – phyllo dough is delicious, especially with cheese.

¼ cup butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese
3 eggs
2 cups artichokes, chopped
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup cracker crumbs
16 sheets filo dough
½ cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a frying pan and sauté onions until sauce. Add garlic and sauté briefly. Beat cream cheese and cottage cheese together. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in onion-garlic mixture. Add artichokes, cheese and cracker crumbs. Brush light coating of melted butter across bottom of 9 x 13-inch pan. Cover with 2 sheets of filo, then brush with melted butter. Repeat until you have used 8 sheets. Spread artichoke mixture across filo. Top with remaining 8 sheets, brushing with butter every two. Bake for 45 minutes.

Enjoyed this phyllo dough recipe? Try another one of our side dish Shavuot recipes.

Mushroom Feta Cheese Bread Pudding

Posted on by

This savory bread pudding recipe is a wonderful Shavuot recipes appetizer.

From the Bite Me Cookbook

3 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 cups thinly sliced assorted mushrooms, shitake, button, Portobello)
1 cup chopped celery
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2-½ cups milk
1-½ cups feta cheese
1-½ loaves of challah, crust removed, cut into 1inch pieces
½ cup crumbled feta cheese for topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Ina small bowl, combine parsley, oregano, thyme, lemon zest and garlic. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté until soft and liquid has evaporated, about 12 minutes. Add half of the parsley mixture and all the roasted red peppers stirring over medium heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine remaining parsley mixture, eggs, milk and 1 ½ cups feta, stirring well to combine. Add mushroom mixture and bread cubes, stirring gently. Transfer to baking dish and sprinkle with ½ cup feta cheese. Bake uncovered 40 -45 minutes, until set and top is golden.

Enjoyed this bread pudding recipe? Try another one of our Shavuot recipes for a side dish.