Since we're celebrating the abundance of fall, as well as no longer wandering aimlessly about the desert, the American custom of eating turkey for Thanksgiving is an apt dish for Sukkot. Instead of the heavier, traditional roasted bird with all the trimmings, here is a lighter version with a Middle Eastern twist.
Israeli-raised Lisa Mendelson was dismayed that the only halva she could find in the U.S. was "dry and sandy in only a few boring flavors." The tahini she bought was bitter, oily, and hard to stir. With two friends she founded Seed + Mill in New York's prestigious Chelsea Market which sells -- wait for it -- 28 flavors of artisanal, gourmet halva along with other high-quality sesame-based products.
Sukkot is under-appreciated as the Jewish answer to Christmas. Compared to Passover, Hanukkah, or Purim, Sukkot gets less observance from non-Orthodox, North American Jews. Perhaps we’re all worn out from the High Holy Days.
Yet the sukkah ritual -– which takes place outside of synagogue after all! – is precisely targeted to appeal to the more secular among us, just as putting up a Christmas tree is enjoyed by millions and not just the piously Christian.
Last year we vowed to break the Bagel-Kugel Axis that's seized control of most holiday tables. This year we continue that mission with even more gusto, presenting a full-scale buffet menu culled from the many "New Israeli" cuisine recipes we've published.
Pita can be round too! We're always looking for interesting alternatives to predictable holiday staples, such as round challah. Bruno Francois accepted our challenge to create the type of wood-fired pita you can usually only find in Israel: scorched, airy, thin, and yet sturdy enough to plow through hummus.
As the year 5776 winds down, we're reflecting on a joyous year in which we had fun creating innovative and bold cocktail ideas fit for innovative and bold Jewish lifestyles. We've gathered all KosherKocktails of this year into exclusively designed, downloadable cocktail cards.
As the clock advances towards the year 5777, we decided to stir up two truly salivating cocktails for Rosh Hashanah.
On this Yom Kippur, have the courage to share your soul and accept the occasional bitter truths of life. KosherKocktail's "Repentance" will help you do just that.
"Maskit" is a Biblical word for an ornamental object, as well as the legendary Israeli fashion house. Fig Tree & Vine is thrilled to carry these stylish, modern, and unique pieces exclusively from MASKIT's new housewares line -- a joint production with the women of Segev Shalom, the second largest Bedouin community in the Negev desert.
Welcome to the transitional season -- that time of year when you don't know quite what to wear, let alone what to drink. Is it too late for Gin & Tonic? Too early for a Hot Toddy? To help you out, we've created a transitional cocktail -- one that combines the tropical coconut flavors of summer with fall’s essential flavor, cinnamon.
It's Fig Tree & Vine's second High Holiday season! We're excited to head into this new year with so many exciting, new, and original products and to introduce you to so many talented and creative artisans.