Bonus Passover Recipe from our Newest Cookbook Author!

You might not know the name Daniella Silver yet, but you’re about to! Daniella’s upcoming cookbook is scheduled for release on May 6th. 

Introducing…

slvhDaniella Silver, a fresh face in the world of Kosher Cookbooks, has teamed up with famed Kosher cookbook author Norene Gilletz to create this phenomenal new cookbook that delivers over 160 wholesome, family-friendly recipes that you’ll make again and again.

The Silver Platter is scheduled for release on May 6th, but we’re giving our blog readers a bonus Pesach recipe from Daniella Silver, to give you a taste of her recipes. Daniella’s cooking style is all about taking simple ingredients and turning them into spectacular and wholesome meals.Here’s a bonus recipe from Daniella Silver, author of the forthcoming cookbook, The Silver Platter. This phenomenal yet easy side dish recipe is great for Passover – and year round!

Garlicky Potato Mounds

With their crispy golden crust and a creamy whipped center flecked with fresh scallions, these Garlicky Potato Mounds are an elevated take on classic comfort food. Serve two mounds per plate for an elegant presentation.

Click here to download or print the recipe for Garlicky Potato Mounds.Garlic-potato-mounds-LR

Click here to pre-order your copy of The Silver Platter.

pareve | passover | gluten-free | freezes well | yields 10-12 mounds

4-5 medium potatoes, (Idaho or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into chunks

4-5 cloves garlic

1/2 cup (approximately) vegetable broth

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 scallions, thinly sliced

  1. In a large saucepan, combine potatoes and garlic. Add enough lightly salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat; drain well.
  2. Return potatoes and garlic to saucepan and place back on the heat for 1-2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture. Remove from heat.
  3. Mash potatoes and garlic until smooth. Gradually blend in broth, oil, salt, and pepper. Whip until light and creamy. Stir in scallions.
  4. Line a rimmed baking with parchment paper.
  5. Using an ice-cream scoop, scoop rounded mounds of potato mixture onto prepared baking sheet. (Can be made in advance up to this point.)
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  7. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, until crusty.

Norene’s Notes

  • Dry, mealy potatoes have high starch content and are perfect for baked or mashed potatoes. Waxy potatoes have lower starch content and are best for boiling, scalloped potatoes, or potato salad.
  • If you don’t know which type of potato you have, put it in a brine of 2 Tbsp salt dissolved in 1½ cups cold water. Mealy potatoes will sink; waxy ones will float.
  • If your potatoes are tinged with green, cut off and discard any green parts. The green layer under the skin is called solanin and is poisonous.

 

Recipe by Daniella Silver, author of the upcoming cookbook, The Silver Platter, coming 5/6/15. © ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications

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The Silver Platter features:

  • Over 160 wholesome, family-friendly recipes that you’ll make again and again
  • Turn fresh, healthy, and easy to find ingredients into spectacular dishes
  • Mouthwatering full-color photo accompanies every recipe
  • Each recipe includes cooking tips, techniques, and advice from best-selling cookbook author Norene Gilletz
  • Many recipes are naturally gluten-free or offer a gluten-free option
  • Nutritional information included for every recipe

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Stay tuned for more information on the book, an interview with Daniella, and giveaways!

If you liked this post, your friends will too! Please share it using any of the social sharing options below. 

ArtScroll’s Ultimate Purim Giveaway!

We’re gearing up for Purim here at ArtScroll, and we’re giving away a selection of Purim titles and gifts for everyone in your family!

ArtScroll’s extensive selection of Purim titles includes megillos for both adults and children, Purim reading and stories, halachic guides, and even Purim themed judaica and mishloach manos items. Make sure to shop now in order to get everything in time for Purim, then scroll down for your chance to win our ultimate Purim gift basket!

Mishloach-Manos-2

The Ultimate Purim Gift Basket Giveaway!

Included in this giveaway:

Esther: The Megillah: This is the sefer that launched what was to become ArtScroll. This ground-breaking sefer contains the text of the megillah, English translation, and commentary from 2000 years of talmudic and rabbinic sources.

Let My Nation LiveLearn and understand the Purim story as never before with this fascinating book. While it reads like a story, this book is filled with carefully researched facts based on Talmudic and Medrashic sources. Download a sample chapter here. 

The Family Megillah: x2!! This easy-to-follow edition of Megillas Esther provides the text, translation and short commentary – all in a compact sefer. All of the adults in your family will want to use one of these, so it’s a good thing the winner will be getting two of them!

Halachic Handbook: The Laws of PurimThis pocket-sized sefer contains a clear and concise summary of the laws of Purim in an easy-to-follow, readable format.

The ArtScroll Children’s MegillahIn this  edition of Megillas Esther, made especially for children, renowned children’s author, Shmuel Blitz, presents the story of Esther – and its lessons – in a thrilling and exciting manner. This is a great way for your children to learn the Purim story!

Purim Cookie Cutters: ArtScroll carries a full line of Judaica for all seasons and Purim is no exception. With fun paper-goods, mishloach manos gift boxes and lots more, ArtScroll.com is your one-stop-shop for all things Purim! These Purim shaped cookie cutters will make it easy to create adorable Purim-themed cookies!

Purim ConfettiThis confetti comes in an assortment of Purim shapes and will make your Purim celebrations a whole lot more fun!

To enter the giveaway for all of the above items in ArtScroll’s Ultimate Purim Package: Leave a comment on this post letting us know that you would like to win!

Giveaway now closed! Check back soon for the winner!

**Giveaway ends on Wednesday, February 25th at 11:59 pm eastern time. Winner will receive one copy of Esther: The Megillah, one copy of Halachic Handbook: The Laws of Purim, one copy of The ArtScroll Children’s Megillah, one copy of Let My Nation Live, two copies of The Family Megillah, one set of Purim Cookie Cutters and one package of Purim Confetti. Prize does not include food and baskets. Prize can be shipped within the USA. Winner will be chosen randomly and notified via email. Valid email address must be provided to claim prize. Limit one entry per person. 

Weekly Free Download: Triumph of Survival

In his comprehensive volumes on Jewish History, Rabbi Berel Wein brings the events of our heritage and past to life in an engaging way. Thousands of readers have achieved a new understanding of history and the Jews’ part in it through his writings and teachings. And now, three of Rabbi Wein’s most popular books are available in compact sizes, either on their own or as part of a popular new set, Jewish History A Trilogy.

For this week’s download, we are offering a sample chapter of Triumph of Survival, the book that covers the story of the Jews in the Modern Era: 1650-1990.

Click here to view, print or download a sample chapter of Triumph of Survival

Click here to purchase Jewish History: A Trilogy

Click here to purchase Triumph of Survival

Click here for all books by Rabbi Berel Wein

Don’t forget: ArtScroll’s Chanukah sale is still running – so you can get any of these great books for 20% off – through 12/29!

If you like this download, your friends will too! Please share it using any of the social sharing options below. 

FLASH SALE on Kosher Lamps

It’s the sale you’ve been waiting for – the must-have lamp for every room in the house: Kosher Lamps!

flash sale on kosher lamps

Hurry and stock up on Kosher Lamps at this super-low price of $36.40 before the sale ends at midnight on Monday, December 15th.

Don’t forget: Kosher Lamps make an amazing Chanukah Gift! 

Click here for big savings on the Kosher Lamp!

Click to shop our entire selection of Chanukah books,  gifts and Judaica.

You Asked – We Answered: Expanded Free Shipping!

If you’re one of the readers who took part in our reader survey a couple of months back, you probably remember that we asked what we can do to improve ArtScroll.com.

And there’s a good chance that you mentioned something about our free shipping threshold.

You asked and we listened! free shipping

While in the past we offered free shipping on all orders over $79, we’re happy to announce that we’ve lowered the free shipping threshold, and now offer free shipping on all US orders over $49! 

Click here to shop out complete selection of books, seforim and Judaica.

If you need to order anything for Rosh Hashanah, now is the time! Order today for free standard shipping with enough time for it to arrive before the holidays.

Click here for shipping times and details.

Readers Write: Maran Harav Ovadia

Review by Chedva Haber of Jewish Joy Reading:

When I first saw that the biography of Maran HaRav Ovadia had been published, I thought, “Nah, this book isn’t relevant to me. He was Sephardi, I’m Ashkenzi. Nothing doing.” But I decided to give it a chance anyway and, whoa, am I happy I did! You can read my full review of Maran HaRav Ovadia on my blog.

Rabbi Heimowitz did an amazing job gathering information on many aspects of HaRav Ovadia’s life. The quotes from friends and family throughout the book gave me a feeling of closeness to HaRav Ovadia. I especially enjoyed reading how HaRav Ovadia related to his grandchildren. Although he was involved in the klal and constantly learning on his own, HaRav Ovadia still made time to sign his grandchildren’s report cards and make sure they were advancing properly. In one case, a grandson was behind in his studies, and HaRav Ovadia arranged for a tutor and also reviewed the material himself with the child.

To get back to the personal relevance, I was awed by the stories of hasmada, highlighting how much a person can push himself and be able to accomplish. HaRav Ovadia lived through many hard times, going from living without plumbing in Egypt to living in Israel during wartime. HaRav Ovadia served as a Rav to many, becoming a dayan and then the Rishon L’Tzion, Chief Rabbi of the Sephardic community in Israel. After that, he became involved in the political party Shas. Being involved, the book explains, meant that he accomplished everything required in only 10 minutes a day, devoting the rest of his time to Torah study.

Sometimes the book read like a thriller, as one very exciting story began in Egypt, but then followed the Ovadias to Eretz Yisrael. It started when HaRav Ovadia was delving into the shechita (or, rather, lack of it) situation in Egypt. To avoid financial loss, many butchers had been taking shortcuts, which is 100 percent forbidden by Torah law. HaRav Ovadia made it very clear that proper shechita is not something the Jewish nation compromises on. Well, not everyone took that so easily, to say the least. One such shochet would not leave his profession, no matter how many warnings he was given. On several occasions, he even tried to have HaRav Ovadia killed so that the shochet could continue to selling non-kosher meat In the 1950’s, when the Ovadias were already living in Petach Tikva, this same man’s name came up as being a practicing shochet in Mevaseret Yerushalayim. It didn’t take long before this evil man learned that HaRav Ovadia was once again foiling his plans, and he threatened HaRav Ovadia, who was compelled to call the police to investigate. Much later, Rav Yaakov Ovadia, HaRav’s oldest son, read that the man had been murdered by a fellow criminal. The part of the story that most impressed me was HaRav’s determination and dedication to the Torah even when his very life was at stake.

Maran HaRav Ovadia is well over 500 pages, but by the end, it is clear that the life of a gadol can hardly be described in such a short piece. This is a book that I highly recommend for each Jewish household. It’s something that can be read a chapter or so at a time and enjoyed at each reading.

Click here to purchase a copy of Maran Harav Ovadia

We love to hear from our readers! If you have an opinion or review to share on one of our books, please email blog@artscroll.com, and you could be featured here. 

 

9 Days Recipes from Dairy Made Easy

Stumped by dairy menu planning for the 9 days? Dairy Made Easy is here to help.

During the nine days of mourning prior to the fast day of Tishah B’Av, it is traditional to abstain from eating meat and chicken. It can be a challenge to cook vegetarian for over a week, but with Dairy Made Easy, this task is easier than you think!

Dairy Made Easy by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek showcases over 60 dairy recipes, from breakfast favorites like cheese pancakes to suppertime classics like pizza and pasta. Here’s an easy and family friendly recipe to put on your menu: Creamy Cajun Penne. Click here for more dairy recipes from the Made Easy cookbook series.

 

Cajun Creamy Penne

Recipe from Dairy Made Easy by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek. Reproduced with permission from the copyright holders: ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications LTD.

4 servings creamy-cajun-penne

Ingredients:

¾ lb   penne

2 Tbsp   butter

2   plum tomatoes, diced

¼ tsp   paprika

¼ tsp   chili powder

½ tsp   cayenne pepper

½ tsp   garlic powder

2   scallions, diced

1¾ cups   heavy cream

½ tsp   kosher salt

¼ tsp   coarse black pepper

 Instructions: 

  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add tomatoes and sauté over high heat for 4-5 minutes. Add paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Add scallions and heavy cream; cook an additional 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add pasta to cream, a little at a time, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Click here to purchase Dairy Made Easy

Click here for the Made Easy Series

Enjoyed this post? Please share it using any of the sharing options below!

 

Free Download: Learn the Laws of The Three Weeks and Tishah B’av

Practical. Comprehensive. Vitally important.

With the 9 days starting at the beginning of next week, and Tishha B’av following, it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with the practical laws and halachahs associated with this mournful time of year.

Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, author of Laws of Daily Living: The Three Weeks and Tishah B’av told ArtScroll that the shailos that he commonly gets around this time of year are practical questions that we all encounter. For example:

My favorite store is running a sale, am I allowed to shop now?

I ran out of clean towels. Can I wash some?

Can I have my contractor continue the renovations on my bungalow, or should we wait until after Tishah B’av?

My children are constantly getting their clothes dirty. Can I wash their clothes during the nine days?

What should I do about taking showers during the nine days?

May I water my garden plants to keep them healthy?

In Laws of Daily Living: The Three Weeks and Tishah B’avRabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen answers these questions, along with all of the halachic queries you might have, from the simple to the most complex, This week’s download offers a selection from the laws pertaining to the 9 days preceding Tishah B’av.

We all hope that this Tishah B’av won’t be a day of mourning. But in case it is, it’s important to be prepared by learning the laws:

Click here to view, print and Download – Laws of Daily Living: Three Weeks and Tishah B’av

Click here to purchase Laws of Daily Living: The Three Weeks and Tishah B’av

Click here for all books related to Tishah B’av.

Make sure to come back to The Official ArtScroll Blog every Thursday for a free download on the parashah or other timely topics!

Free Download: Pirkei Avos Teachings for Our Times

wavlThere’s something special about shabbos in the summer. The long afternoons afford us all time to nap, socialize, and we still have time to learn. Custom has us learning a chapter of Pirkei Avos, Ethics of our Fathers, every week. Over the course of our many years of publishing, ArtScroll has put forth a large number of seforim on Pirkei Avos.

Pirkei Avos: Teachings for Our Time by Rabbi Berel Wein is a masterpiece. Its large size makes it an excellent and impressive gift, but it’s the masterful content that really makes this book stand out. With a focus on the text of Pirkei Avos (which is printed on the top of each page for your learning convenience), noted lecturer and author Rabbi Berel Wein provides a unique learning experience through innovative commentary and insightful stories. This week’s chapter is Perek Vav, chapter 6, and we’re giving you a chance to experience this sefer with our free weekly download.

 

Click here to view, print or download a sample chapter of Pirkei Avos: Teachings for Our Times

Choose Your Own Giveaway!


Here at ArtScroll, we have so many exciting new releases. Too many, in fact, to choose just one title for our next giveaway! So instead…we’ll let you pick!

giveaway-image

Which new title from ArtScroll would you like to win?

1) GPS: By Yaakov Shain and Avi Fishoff – Fun and authentic Torah, GPS takes the thought provoking and brilliant concepts of the Nesivos Shalom and “translates” them intocontemporary terms.

2) 48: By Rabbi Nachman Seltzer – People are following our Sages 48 ways to incorporate Torah into our lives. These are their stories.

3) Maran Harav Ovadia: By Rabbi Yehuda Heimowitz – An authoritative biography detailing the life of one of the great Torah leaders of our times.

4) Look What My Parents Give Me: By Sara Ginsburg – Teach your children the importance of respecting what their parents do through fun rhymes and cute illustrations.

5) Positive Word Power for Teens: By Chana Nestlebaum – Set up for daily study, this latest project from the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation teaches teens the power of their words.

6) Imagine If: by Rabbi Zeegel – Imagine if Hashem hadn’t made the world so perfect. Imagine if you could teach your children important lessons through hilarious rhymes and adorable illustrations.

Giveaway is over.

To enter the giveaway:

Comment on this post letting us know which of these new titles you would like to win.

Want another chance to win? Enter the contest on Facebook too!

**Giveaway ends on Monday, June 16th at 11:59 pm eastern time. Prize can be shipped within the USA. Winner will be notified via email. Valid email address must be provided to claim prize. Limit one entry per person on the blog and an additional entry per person is available on Facebook.