The following is the unedited article that I wrote for the Mid- Atlantic Media Syndication. Unfortunately, due to space limitations a lot of the article was cut (I had SO much to write about!!!). Also, please note that the order that the products are listed in do not indicate a preference order - they were all fabulous. Enjoy!!
Kosherfest is the yearly
international Kosher food convention hosted at the Meadowlands Convention in
New Jersey. Easily the largest Kosher
food exposition, tens of thousands of people walk up and down aisles tasting
and exploring new, innovative Kosher products from startup companies and
classic favorites from more established companies. I walked through the doors Tuesday morning
with an eager sense of anticipation, excited to see what new and creative
products were being shown this year. I
wasn’t disappointed. There were also
cooking demonstrations and competitions featuring icons like Levana
Kirschenbaum and my local favorite Bryan Gryka (of Milt’s Kosher Restaurant) in
the Kosherfest version of Iron Chef, judged by Kosher Cooking Queen (and my
friend) Joy of Kosher’s Jamie Geller.
Being all about food, there was even a Kosher Cookbook showcase
featuring the new and exciting Kosher Cookbooks with signings by veteran Norene
Gilletz, Elizabeth Kurtz, Miriam Pascal, Leah Schapira & Victoria
Dwek. There was so much food that I had
to designate one day “Dairy Day” and the next “Meat Day”. I was sad and
incredibly full when the show was over.
I’m excited about the new friends and associates that I made at the show
and am already looking forward, G-d willing, to Kosherfest 2016!
There were groundbreaking announcements at Kosherfest this
year from two family owned giants in the Kosher food industry.
1.
Manischewitz and
Welch's grape juice announce an
ongoing partnership, merging America’s #1 best tasting grape juice brand with
America’s #1 Kosher brand. I had a
special opportunity to talk one on one with the President and Ceo of
Manischewitz and the Welch’s representative.
Both companies are incredibly excited about the seemingly natural
partnership. Speaking to the dedication for quality of both brands, there are
no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in the juice. The packaging is BPA free, Kosher for
Passover and year round, mevushal
certified, and most important - it tastes great! The juice is also available in a delicious
100% grape juice sparkling version as well.
http://www.manischewitz.com/
2.
Empire Kosher
has really upped its product line. The
company is dedicated to bringing the consumer a healthy, delicious product, and
is also committed to reducing its global footprint. To that end, the entire Empire product line
is now all natural. No nitrates,
nitrites, or phosphates, and soon to be GMO free. Each product now has minimal, healthier ingredients. I can tell you from personally tasting all
the samples (multiple times!) they are even better tasting than before! The
Uncured Chicken Franks are improved over the old version, though the spicy
Gourmet Hot Italian Chicken Sausages were my favorite (I did leave a few
samples for others). Empire also has
improved packaging, no more large tubs with lots of packaging waste. Products are packaged with a high pressure, bacteria
killing pasteurization process, in minimal, cleaner looking packaging. Due to the reduction in packaging there
really shouldn’t be a price differentiation in the new products, just a fresh,
new, healthier, better tasting product.
Way to go Empire! http://www.empirekosher.com/
Best of Beef/Chicken/Fish Products:
1. Jack’s Gourmet
came out with the most amazing, unbelievable, melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful,
and just plain delicious BBQ Pulled Beef
Brisket. I simply could not get
enough. I wasn’t the only one to love it
- the BBQ Pulled Beef Brisket was named Kosherfest 2015 Best New Product and
Best in Show! Made without artificial
ingredients, msg, or nitrites, it’s gluten-free and comes in a heat & eat
box in the refrigerated section. Jack’s also had it’s usual lineup of awesome
sausages and beef bacon “Facon” which are also great. http://www.jacksgourmetkosher.com/
2.
Aufschnitt Meats
is my go to for dried beef/chicken products. Their shelf stable beef jerky products that
are low in fat, high in protein (8g per serving), and bursting with
flavor. The jerky comes in four flavors,
and the beef sticks in five (the spicy is of course the best). Shortly the beef sticks will bare the
all-natural statement, unlike any other beef stick brand on the the US
market. I love to throw a bag of Jerky
in my tote when out and about - it’s the perfect meal/snack! http://aufschnittmeats.com/
3.
Joburg Boerewors
- this originally Australian company has been making one of my favorite
sausages for years! Great straight off
the grill. http://joburgkosher.com/
4.
Pelleh -
Duck! For the first time ever there were
duck products at Kosherfest. The Pelleh company brought samples of
Cherry Duck Sausages, Fried Duck, and Squab.
I have never had squab. I was a
little scared. It was really, really
good. I’m looking forward to finding the
Pelleh products in my local store. Just don’t tell my family it’s duck ;-).
5.
Meal Mart -
I was intrigued by Meal Mart’s
cleaner and fresher looking packaging.
Pinny Roth the sales rep said that Meal Mart’s products now look as good
inside as they do outside. I love their
Buffalo Wings and make them as a “carry over” for the kids (and me!) before
Shabbat every week. http://www.alleprocessing.com/
6.
Heimishe
Fisherman boil in package gefilte fish.
Super convenient, just take it out of the box (it looks like a wrapped kishke)
and boil. Tasted like gefilte fish
(shocking!). http://www.heimishefisherman.com/
Best of Snacks/Treats/Desserts:
1.
California
Gourmet semi-sweet chocolate chips- A competitively priced great pareve,
gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan chocolate chip, made with excellent
quality chocolate. They will be coming
out shortly with packaged chocolate chunks, and are hoping to have a passover
line as well. The chips are so good they were a New Product Winner at the show.
Bonus: The owner Chana Shusterman is one of the nicest people I have ever met. http://californiagourmet.net/
2.
Paskez Chanukah
line - Everything you need for Chanukah from one of our favorite Kosher
manufacturers. Candy, treats, oil wicks
for your menorah. It’s all good. http://paskesz.com/
3.
Hint Mint -
You wouldn’t expect so much flavor in a little, tiny mint! My favorite: Citrus Ginger Sour. http://www.hintmint.com/
4.
Shay’s Caramels & Caramel Corn - Rich,
yummy, dairy. The Caramel Corn was a New
Product Winner at the Show. http://shayschocolate.com/
6.
Excellence
Chocolates - Praline filled Belgian chocolates that come Dairy or
Pareve. Rich indulgent excellence. http://www.excellencechocolate.com/
7.
SC Cheesecakes
- Guilt Free indulgence. Really. 95 calories for a rich, creamy individually
sized (not tiny) cheesecake. I didn’t
feel one bit guilty when I ate mine, not one bit. And...I licked the container. ‘Nuff
said. www.saycheesegourmet.com
8.
Matt’s Munchies Premium Fruit Snacks - Zippy dried
fruit squares in flavors like Island Mango, Apple-Licious, and Mango
Ginger. Gluten free, certified vegan and
pareve. www.mattsmunchies.com
Best of Sauces/Dressings/Spreads/Condiments:
1.
Briana Dressing -
Family owned, New Product Winner Sauces Dressings and Marinades. These dressings are tangy, flavorful and
delicious. My favorite not-low-calorie
dressing was the Blush Wine Vinaigrette, and the lower cal Lively Lemon Tarragon Dressing. There are 9 fabulous flavors to choose from. http://www.briannas.com/
2.
Mediterranean
Chef Hummus - Went to the display/sample table and tried the Hummus
Masabzha. YUM! I asked about the hummus and declared it was
outstanding, then asked how to actually spell Masabzha (I mean really, how was
I supposed to know that?). The Chef
turned to me and handed me two full size containers to take home!!! Now I know how to spell Masabzha. They also had 13 other great flavors like
Pesto Hummus and Roasted Pepper Strips with Feta Cheese. All Gluten-Free, no msg, 0g Trans Fat. http://www.themedchef.com/
3.
Oxygyen
Spicy Mexican Marinade - my favorite this year.
Spicy, and will be great on chicken, beef, or vegetable stir-fry. http://oxygenimports.com/
4.
Mikee
Sriracha/Sriracha Mayo Sauce & Sriracha Techina - I am a Techina
fanatic. I will even put it on pizza
(salad’s a given). Put techina together
with spicy and I’m rendered nearly speechless. This brainstorm of President and
cake pop lover Peter Kaufman, had me close to tears in gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you! http://www.mikee.com/
5.
Health Garden
Sugar Free Ketchup - Every year at Kosherfest I find one or two smaller
companies that I take a special interest in.
This year one of those companies was Health Garden. They make a line of sugar free sweeteners,
some for baking, and sugar free products that are really good, and good for
you. Every single product is 100%
all-natural and low-glycemic. I feel
good using and giving these sweeteners to my family. I have some samples to try for baking - I’ll
keep you posted. If they are as good as
I expect them to be then this company is a real winner! www.healthgardenusa.com
6.
Specialita
Tartufi Black and White Truffle Spreads and oils - Crazy, crazy, crazy
indulgence. A tiny amount has a huge
burst of flavor.
7.
Mina Shakshuka
Sauce - what a great idea! Ready
made Moroccan Spiced Tomato Shakshuka sauce in
a jar! Made with all natural
ingredients it makes making your own Shakshuka super simple and tasty too. www.casablancafoods.com
Best of Cheese/Dairy:
1. Ludwig Farmstand
Creamery - My second project company this year was Ludwig Farmstand
Creamery. I was sold as soon as I tasted
their Havarti-Style Cheese and found out they are based in Central Illinois - virtually neighbors. Look for their cheese soon in your local
stores or order it directly www.ludwigfarmsteadcreamery.com
2.
Cheese Guy
Cheese - Outstanding cheese. I am
usually not a blue cheese fan but Brent “The Cheese Guy” makes a great one, and
if you are a spicy fan (me!!!) then you must try the USA hand-crafted artisan
Chipotle Cheddar all natural, vegetarian, gluten-free cheese. Then again, all of Brent’s cheeses are
terrific so you could pick any one and be supremely satisfied. www.thecheeseguy.com
3.
Normans Yogurts
- Another surprising product at the show.
I expected these Cholov Yisroel yogurts to taste...well… I was pleasantly surprised by the creamy,
tangy, delicious, 100 calorie blended yogurts that I tried. They were better than some of the more well
known brands that I’ve had. When I asked
about the carb content of the yogurt (12g) I was told with a smile “we only use
real fruit in our yogurt, no artificial flavors - and fruit adds carbs”. Norman has a full line of healthy yogurts for
the family. It’s my new brand. http://normansdairy.com/
4.
Oneg/Shtark
- This Chicago based company makes wonderful cheddar, part-skim mozzarella and
other cheese. The Shtark brand is Cholov
Yisroel.
5.
Natural and
Kosher Cheese - Great quality all natural Cholov Yisroel cheese. They were actually making fresh mozzarella at
the show that was to die for. www.naturalandkosher.com
6.
Isaac’s Kosher
Cheese - Awesome Italian parmesan, romano and asiago cheese...coming soon
to your stores. http://www.milanoscheese.com/kosher-division
Best of Beverages/Wine/Alcohol:
1.
Aromaville -
My last year’s project company. The best
iced cappuccino mix. They make a sugar
free version as well. I was thrilled to
see that Aromaville has expanded to other beverages as well as beverage
dispensers. I greatly reduced the
quantity of frozen mango juice in their dispenser this year. Their products are Cholov Yisroel. http://aromaville.com/
2.
Lavie Dulce De
Leche Dairy Liqueur - My second stop
every year after Gus’ pickles. Rich,
creamy, sweet liqueur. Sigh. http://www.kosherwine.com/lavie-dulce-de-leche-liqueur.html
3.
Hevron Heights
Winery Eden Quintessence 2007 - Gorgeous bottle, delicious sweet wine.
4. Welner Wines
- maker of Sarah Bee (found at Trader Joe’s) - It was fun to meet the winemaker
of one of our favorite table wines. He
even had a super cool map of where all the Welner Wines are made. www.welnerwines.com/
5.
Bella Sabatina
Premium Tea - Winner of my personal award for prettiest and best tasting
tea at the show. Flavors like Buckingham
Breakfast, Ginger Spice, and Blueberry Flan. bellasabatinatea.com/
6. Wissotsky Tea
- New Nana Tea flavors this year: Black, Lemon, Ginger & Citrus, Chamomile,
and Spiced Nana Mint. Great for a
morning or bedtime cup of tea. http://www.wteashop.com/
7.
Pallini
Limoncello - In general, I’m not a drinker, but the Limoncello looked so
pretty and inviting I had to take a sample.
Woa! It was delicious and very lemony. I spoke to the rep for a while and he told me
about how the Limoncello was made in Italy with Amalfi lemons. Then he showed me a picture of him holding a
lemon that was larger than his hand! If
you are looking for a lemon liqueur this is a fantastic one. GMO Free, Gluten
Free, Organic Lemons & Kosher.
http://www.limoncellopallini.com/
Best Gluten Free:
1.
Manishewitz Gluten
Free Products - It’s a natural
progression, the leader in kosher certified products has come out with a great
line of gluten-free products. You can
find them at http://www.manischewitz.com/product/
2.
David’s Gourmet Pareve Collection Gluten Free
cookies - The great cookie and cake manufacturer David’s now has a kosher,
pareve, gluten free, dairy free, nut free (but not calorie free!) line of
cookies and brownies. Super exciting for
the GFE (gluten free eater). http://foodservice.davidscookies.com
3.
Matzola -
Now has a gluten-free Kosher for Passover version of their delicious mazto
based granola - Gluten Free Cranberry Orange.
It’s the “Trail Mix of the Exodus”.
http://foodmannosh.com/
5.
Ten Acre
“Crisps” & Popcorn: Awarded with my “Funnest Product at the Show”
award. This British company (and
everything is better with a British accent) makes awesome chips and popcorn
with fantastic names like “The Story of when Mr. Cheesey Met the Onion”, “The
Day Sweet and Sour Became Friends”, “How Chick’n Soup Saved the Day”, and “Captain Theodore’s Lime and Sea
Salt”, just to name a few. Their
products are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, msg free, and pareve. It’s worth it to go to their web site to see
the explanations of all their wacky product names. http://www.tenacrecrisps.co.uk/
6. Froozer -
Fresh frozen blended fruit in an easier to eat tube. Refreshing delicousness. http://froozer.com
7.
Pure Genius
Blondies & Brownies - Brownies made from black beans, Blondies made
from chick peas. Cool right? Nut free, non-gmo, gluten free, vegan, “made
only with the good stuff”. http://puregeniusprovisions.com/
8. Orly’s Blends - Orly is back with her
terrific one for one baking blends. You
can find them in your local store or online.
Say hi for me when you talk to her!
http://blendsbyorly.com/
9.
RC Fine Foods
soup mixes & new Demi-Glace brown sauce mix - These mixes don’t contain
msg, or any of the bad stuff you don’t want to serve your family. I use them when I need a boost of
flavor. Now the company has come out
with a brown sauce mix that tastes like gravy should, rich, creamy and
flavorful. I was really pleasantly
surprised when I tasted it. You can
order their products on amazon.com (I do).
http://www.rcfinefoods.com/
Best Misc.
1.
Mana frozen
sweet plantain slices - Never had a plantain in my life...until now. Mana has come out with frozen green and
yellow plantains. Delicious! I can’t wait to try them here at home. http://www.spanishfoodsolutions.com/
2.
Guss’
Pickles - The legend from the Lower East
Side of NY and the first booth I always go to at Kosherfest. A super sour pickle please! http://www.gusspickle.com/
3.
Blue Bonnet
Veggi Protein Mix - I am a protein shake user and was happy to see that
Blue Bonnet has come out with a protein powder derived exclusively from
sustainable, organic and non-GMO, dairy/lactose-free vegetable sources that do
not contain soy or gluten. I didn’t
taste it but if you are looking for a protein powder with all those attributes
it’s worth a try. www.bluebonnetnutrition.com
4.
Mendel’s
Kansas City BBQ rub - Mendel, a fellow Midwesterner has come out with an award
winning super BBQ rub for your chicken or beef. “A Taste of Kansas City
BBQ”. www.rabbiq.com
5.
Devik brand
Delila medjool dates - Best. Dates. Ever!
Grown in Israel, super plump, fresh, sweet and awesome! I actually had some in my pantry before I
went to the show. I have never had dates
better than these (except those with my dear husband!). www.devikintl.com
For recipes using these products
please go to the company's web sites listed. Bitayavon!
All my Kosherfest loot!
Huge. Just Huge.
Me and my dear friend Jamie Geller
Bryan Gryka at the Kosher Chef competition
(Go Milt's of Chicago!!)
The competitors:
Me, Esti Berkowitz (LOVE!), and Stacey (PR Maneschewitz)
Me and the famous Levana Kirschenbaum!
Want "Something Sweet"? Ask Miriam Pascal!
Dear Norene Gilletz & me!
Me and the wonderful Elizabeth Kurtz!
Super fun! Gelt and dreidles all in one package!
That is a HUGE parmesan cheese! Wait 6 hrs. before meat please!
T
The Hungarian Kosher gang (Chicago):
Ira, Caryn & Me
Sweet home Chicago!
Kosher Everyday is dedicated to the memory of my father
Dr. Theodore Saltzberg - Tuvia Ben Nachum Z”L
May his memory be for a blessing - Yihi zichro baruch.
Look for additional information about Edible Experience Kosher Everyday at www.koshereveryday.com,
JewishExponent.com, aish.com, Mishpacha Magazine’s Kosher Inspired Magazine,
The Chicago Tribune Syndication,
or on Facebook at Edible Experience by Sharon
These recipes are for sole, personal use of visitors to Sharon Matten -Edible Experience Kosher Everyday. Edible Experience Kosher Everyday recipes are for your enjoyment but are not to be posted or reprinted without express permission from Sharon Matten. Thank you!!
