Shavuous – Page 4 – Busy in Brooklyn

Well it’s been just about 8 weeks since my last pre-Passover blog post, which means the holiday of dairy delights, Shavuot, is upon us. I’ve traveled to Prague, Berlin and London in that time and while I was able to put many feathers in my traveling cap, I am tired.

In between traveling, I’ve been editing and re-editing the manuscript for my upcoming cookbook, so when it comes to cooking, I’m a bit burnt out creatively! I’ve been drawing a lot of inspiration from my trips, like these Halloumi Fries which they sold in Camden Market in London, and I was determined to try them.

Halloumi is like a cross between feta and mozzarella, and the benefit of this cheese is that you can fry it! It’s delicious doused in all types of sauces (I had an amazing honey sriracha version at Kanteen in London) – but this Middle Eastern take really appealed to my tastes.

I don’t know what I loved better about making these – getting back behind the camera, and styling the shot or getting to eat it for lunch! I miss blogging and wish I had more time for it these days – but thank you for always coming back here and supporting BIB, I appreciate you!

Wishing you a Chag Sameach! XOXO

Click here to view the reel on Instagram.

Halloumi Fries

1 pkg halloumi cheese, cut into 1/3″ thick strips
canola oil, for frying

for topping:
labneh or yogurt
pomegranate molasses
za’atar, sumac and Aleppo pepper
fresh mint

Method:

Heat 1″ of oil in a frying pan and fry the halloumi cheese in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with yogurt, pomegranate molasses and top with za’atar, sumac, Aleppo pepper, pomegranate seeds and fresh mint. Serve warm.

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Oh.
My.
Gawd.

Blame it on quarantine but we’ve all got cocktails on our minds, AmIright?! I mean, I may or may have not been sneaking some Frangelico into my iced coffee in the morning, and I’ve been known to kick back a glass (or two) of red in the evenings. But THIS? This is something else.

Inspired by the whipped coffee trend that has taken the internet by storm, this WHIPPED STRAWBERRY Frosé turns the classic on it’s head by folding the strawberry and lemon into whipped cream, and leaving the Rosé to shine on it’s own in all it’s glory. Which also means, lets prep and more drinking time!

So step aside Dalgona coffee, there’s a new whipped drink in town! L’chaim!

Whipped Strawberry Frosé
YIELD: 4 servings

1 750ml bottle Rosé
2 cups heavy cream
2/3 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cups strawberry puree (see note)
1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
fresh strawberries, for serving

Method:

Pour Rosé into a 9×13 pan and freeze until almost solid (it won’t completely solidify due to the alcohol), at least 6 hours.

In a bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the the powdered sugar, strawberry puree and lemon juice.

Divide the slushy Rosé between four glasses. Top with strawberry whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

NOTE: to make the strawberry puree, blend about 14oz. fresh strawberries in a food processor blender.

VARIATION: You can also make traditional Frosé by blending chilled Rosé with 2 cups frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup simple syrup and 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice until slushy. Serve immediately.

ADVANCE PREPARATION: you can prepare the strawberry whipped cream a day or two in advance and store in an airtight container. Freeze the Rosé the night before serving.

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Cheese Babka Straws

On May 19, 2020May 27, 2020

by chanie

in Cookies, Dairy, Dessert, Recipes, Shavuous

14 Comments

Babka straws were the surprise one hit wonder (ok there was more than one!) from my cookbook Millennial Kosher, and they never get old. It’s that back pocket recipe we all need for a last minute dessert, a Shabbat morning treat or a food gift for a new neighbor.

I’ll never forget happening upon a bakery stand at a Farmer’s Market in upstate New York last summer to find my babka straws being sold! I don’t know who was more excited, me or the lady who had prepared them from my book. It was so thrilling.

And of course the weekly photos that slide into my DMs every Friday of freshly baked babka straws remind me that this recipe is a keeper. And for good reason. They’re super easy, thanks to store bought puff pastry, and they come together in no time. Even your kids can make them!

In honor of the holiday of Shavuot, I decided to put a cheesy twist (pun intended!) on the classic recipe, and I may even like them better than the original.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday!

Cheese Babka Straws

Cheese Filling:
8oz. block cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg yolk

Vanilla Crumbs:
½ cup flour
½ cup sugar
¼ cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch salt

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 egg + 1 Tbsp water, for egg wash

Method:

1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, egg yolk. Beat until creamy.
3. Prepare the vanilla crumbs: In a second bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
4. Prepare the babka straws: Working with one sheet of puff pastry at a time, roll the dough out lightly to form a large rectangle. With the short side facing you, Spread half of the
cheese mixture on the bottom lower half of the dough; fold uncoated half over cheese side.
4. Using a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into ½-¾-inch strips. Transfer each strip to one of the baking sheets, spaced an inch or so apart. As you set them down, twist the ends in opposite directions
to give the straws a spiraled look. Repeat with second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining cheese filling.
5. Brush straws lightly with egg wash. Sprinkle with vanilla crumbs.
6. Bake until puffed and golden, about 25 minutes.

NOTES:
Since this recipe uses cream cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
Straws may be frozen raw or baked. I prefer to freeze them raw and bake fresh. Place frozen straws directly in the oven and bake as above.

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Category: Shavuous

Halloumi Fries

Jalapeno Poppers

Pan Fried Everything Bagel Brie with Sundried Tomato & Dill Tapenade

Whipped Strawberry Frosé

Cheese Babka Straws