THE KOSHER NEXUS

FROM THE EDITORS

With this issue we wish you and yours a joyous Purim. The Kosher Nexus continues to excite and delight us, especially with all of the wonderful feedback we get from you - our special friends - our readers. The Kosher Nexus, available in print and via the Internet, has a readership that has grown beyond our wildest dreams for a new publication. It is our hope and desire to continue bringing you information on the world of kashrut, in an enlightening and entertaining way. To reach us with your comments, please contact us at the addresses in the box on Page 4. Our next issue will be our “Complete How to for Passover," including how to prepare your home for Pesah, what foods are available, and special holiday recipes. Don’t miss it! From your editors a hearty Simhat Purim to you and yours.

Mmmm...GOTTA HAVE THOSE SNACKS !

Dunk-aroos Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chocolate Flavored Frosting is O-U kosher even when no O-U appears on the label. Rollo Candy is kosher only when the O-U appears on the label. European Rollos are not kosher.

Many people have asked if Sun Valley, Richford, and Econ cookies are really dairy. The OU-D appears on the label, but there appear to be no diary ingredients listed on the label. The company, however, informs us that there really is a dairy component in the product even though it doesn’t show on the label. (Once again, we take this opportunity to say to you... don’t rely on label reading for your guide to kashrut.)

Nestle’s Buncha Crunch is O-U certified and is Dairy.

Look for Pepperidge Farm brand Apple Dumplings; they are O-U Pareve.

More Burns and Ricker stuff! Fat Free Party Mix is certified by Kof-K.

Trix Brand Fudge N’ Fruity Ice Cream Fudge Pops come in many flavors and are certified by the O-U. (Dairy)

Well, it had to happen sooner or later. The little elves finally saw the light! Keebler is finally coming out with a line of kosher cookies. We fool you not! Under the O-K, the cookies will be low fat. Watch for them! This info is so hot, we don’t even have the name of the cookies yet!

Yoplait now offers a frozen yogurt bar called Cookies and Creme. It is O-U Dairy.

All ACT II Microwave Popcorn is certified O-K Dairy.

Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mixes now carry an O-U Dairy on the label. This is because the mix is run on the same equipment as a dairy product without any intermediate cleaning. Therefore, dairy ingredients do get into the mix.

Also from Betty Crocker: Fruit by the Foot strawberry flavor is O-U Dairy, but the D is not on the label. The other flavors are pareve.

Butterfingers BB’s are O-U Dairy.

WET YOUR THIRST...

The Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Collection is O-U Dairy, and very delicious, too!

Ocean Spray CranRaspberry and CranGrape contain hecheshered grape juice, and are under the supervision of the Triangle K.

Daily’s Harvest Best drinks and punches carry the Parallelogram K (Rabbi Baruch Poupko of Pittsburgh.) Not all of their drinks are kosher, so check each label. In addition, the label is in Spanish on one side, English on the other. As you scan the shelf, don’t automatically skip the Spanish labeled drinks -- it could be this one! Try the Ponche A Sabor De Parche. (For the record: Passion Fruit flavored punch). Oh, by the way, the drinks are dairy due to the presence of sodium caseinate in the mix.

For those of you who enjoy alcoholic beverages, we have the following for you: In an earlier issue of the Kosher Nexus, we told you to beware of Kahlua made outside of Mexico. But, we need to mention that Kahlua made in California is also acceptable.

We are indebted to K’hal Adath Jeshurun for sending us the following list of liquors which are NOT approved by them:

Jameson 1780, Bushmills, Black Bush, Tia Maria, Grand Marnier, Frangelico, Don Quixote Rum, Dekuyper liqueurs and brandies, Baily’s Irish Cream, Canadian Club Classic, Cointreau, Seagrams 7 Crown, Southern Comfort, Amaretto Di Sarono, Benedictine, Smirnoff, Lord Calvert and Sloe Gin (any brand).

Warning: Blended whiskey is a problem. In order to be acceptable, the label must state blended whiskeys (plural). When it is singular, it usually means that there is grape product in it.

All Tequila (real tequila) is kosher, unless it has a larvae (usually referred to as a worm) in the bottle. Some rabbis have questioned the source of the brown in the brown tequila, but it is not a problem -- it is not from grape. By law, tequila must be a pure product made from only one source, in only one state of Mexico.

CONSUMER ALERT!!

Schlotsky’s Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips are really Kof-K Dairy, but the dairy designation is missing from the label. Beware!

Best Brands All Purpose Shortening sports an unauthorized OK.

Be Alert! American Choice Vegetarian Beans are not kosher. Even though there is an O-U on the label, the product is not kosher.

Pringles Rippled Mesquite Barbecue Chips are NOT certified by the O-U.

OK Labs informs us that three products under their supervision were mislabeled. Arrowhead Mills Whole Wheat Bread Mix, Multigrain Bread Mix and Mills Rye Bread Mix are all kosher, but Dairy. Unfortunately, no D appears on the label. Consumers should be aware of this. Arrowhead Mills produces over 100 natural and organic food products which are all kosher.

Another OOPS! Charles’ Chips brand Sourcream and Onion Chips are labeled pareve. They are actually Dairy!

Alert! Only those McCormicks Salad Toppings that have the O-U on the label are under the O-U. In other words, not all of them are kosher. Check those labels.

Don’t be fooled: Mrs. Dash Chicken Coating is not kosher.

Hershey Brand Candy Bar Sprinkles Candy Coated Milk Chocolates contain carmine and are not kosher. Beware! (Carmine comes from insect shells)

Lady Lee marshmallows mistakenly carry an O-U on the label. The product is not certified by the O-U.

Weight Watcher’s Low-Fat Cottage Cheese contains unhechshered gelatin.Tangy Taffy is now O-U Dairy.

BREADS AND CEREALS

Even when there is no O-U on the label, Quaker Life Cereal is still certified by the O-U.

Nabisco Brand Instant Cream of Wheat Mix-ins are O-U Dairy when the O-U appears on the label. For you trendies out there, try the apple granola crunch!

100% Natural Wholegrain Lowfat Cereal is not certified kosher. Unlike other products by the same company, this product is not under the O-U.

Similarly, Nature Valley Lowfat Chewy Granola is not certified kosher. Both contain gelatin.

Pillsbury Brand Pumpkin Bread Mix is certified by the O-U and is dairy.

OPERATION PESAH IS COMING!

On April 10, 1995, from 9:00 A.M until 7:00 P.M EST, you, your family and your community can call the U.T.J. with your Passover preparation questions. Rabbinic and lay volunteers will be standing by at 1-800-843-8825

NEW PRODUCTS

Dannon Pure Indulgence frozen yogurt joins the list of O-U supervised Dannon products. We have tasted it, and the name sure is accurate!

Philly’s Finest Kosher has introduced new products. They are all under the supervision of the Star-K. New products include: Breaded Chicken Nuggets, Breaded Chicken Cutlets, Flakey Dough, Nine Inch Cheese Pizza, Nine Inch Cheese Pizza - Thick Crust and Pizza Bagels.

Manischewitz Kosher Foods, as we told you in the last issue, has embarked on an ambitious new merchandising campaign. As we all know from the movie “Spaceballs”, merchandising is the key to success. Look for these new Manischewitz products; Cheddar Snacks Original, Zesty and Pizza. French Onion Soup, Cool Dots Cereal, Tri Color Noodles, Rocky Road Macaroons, Savory Garlic Matzo and Matzo Chips-Garlic.

In the “new for Passover” category look for: Gold Bagel Mix, Gold Snack Bits, Gold Donut Mix, Mallo Cups Candy, Rocky Road Macaroons, Cherry Chocolate Macaroons, Roll Mix and lots of luscious cake mixes!

Golden Fluff now has on the market Kosher Gelatin Deserts (Yum, tried them at the Kosher Food Show!). We asked the president why we have such a hard time finding the product, and he said that production is in the growing stage. In the meantime, feel free to call the company and order it. And be sure to say that you read about it in the Kosher Nexus. Remember, they also carry a complete line of kosher snacks, too. They can be reached at : (908) 367-5448.

IT’S A GRAB BAG....

Hold on, it’s coming!! Many of our readers are familiar with Sorrento O-U Ricotta Cheese. Mr.Frank Spina of Sorrento Cheeses assures us that Sorrento still intends to introduce other hechshered cheeses (as we said in our last KN.). There have been, however, numerous delays during the building of a new, kosher facility. Mr. Spina has been besieged with calls from anxious KN. readers. He will let us know as soon as production begins. Stay tuned!

Casba Organic Microwave Soups with a K on the label are supervised by Rabbi Schick.

For you Sushi aficionados, Eden Brand Wasabi Powder is certified by the O-K.

Bumble Bee Lemon Herb Tuna Toppings: Look for the O-U D on the wrapper. Lives there a kosher person who hasn’t at one time or another “lived” on tuna fish? This product should change the picture that the words “tuna fish” conjure up! Note: Not all of the toppings are kosher - check the label for the O-U.

And you thought they only bag veggies: Bodek, the company that first brought you bug free, kosher veggies now offers Broccoli Slaw (broccoli, red cabbage and carrots), Low Fat Kugels (spinach, broccoli and cauliflower), and Puff Pastries (broccoli cheese, spinach {pareve}, potato {pareve} and pizza.)

Oh No! It had to happen sooner or later, or - When California takes over Hommus: New on the market, this month is Mikdash Hommus. This product is shelf stable, all natural, is low in sodium and comes in a variety of sizes and flavors: Sesame Tahini, Spicy Mid East, Great Garlic and Italian Garden. All are O-K pareve.

Look for Kineret brand “Homestyle” Apple Pie. They also now make potato kugel and noodle kugel.

Smart Beat Fat Free Cheese is once again kosher. Certified by Rabbi A. Zeilingold of the UMK, the product must be dated OCT 8 95W or later.

Look for Jack Daniels Brand Honey Dijon Mustard. It is Kof-K pareve.

NON-FOODS COUNT TOO!

Once again, Kosher Makes News! According to Bernard Rogan of Shaw’s Supermarket in Mass., “Kosher Certification is equivalent to the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. As a result, our kosher food sales are growing.” Bob Costello, of D’Agostino Supermarket, says, “Kosher items offer good margins.” Hughes Supermarket carries kosher food in all of its 52 stores. Also, your very own editor, Andrea Herrera, has had a number of conversations this past month with kosher food suppliers. They all have said that their kosher product sales are soaring! So, buoys and gulls, once again, the rest of the world is discovering what we have long known: Keep-Kosher-- it’s not only a mitzvah, it’s trendy, too!

Sad News... Orville Kent marinated Artichoke Salad is no longer certified by the Triangle-CRC.

Chef Mate Sweet N’ Sour Sauce has an unauthorized O-K on the gigundo 53 ounce size.

Good News... Trix Fudge N’ Fruity Pops are O-UD.

Starkist Solid White Tuna now comes in both O-UP and O-UD. The hydrolyzed protein used in the dairy can is actually a dairy product.

Hawaiian Punch Fruit Juicy Red is now Triangle-K certified.

Tropicana Season’s Best Vitamins Orange Juice is certified by the O-K.

AND--Here’s a product whose name you can’t forget: Uncle Noname Cookies, are certified by the O-U. (Maybe the marketers should be certified too!)

From those fine folks at Instant Dip, manufacturers of every balehbustah’s favorite pre-Pesach time saver -- Magic Silver Cleaner -- comes more good news! Yes, you can now buy their Fine Jewelry Cleaner and their Costume Jewelry Cleaner. All are Kof-K endorsed. Around the shul, we love their stuff-- our Torah crowns never looked so good!

PLACES, PLACES AND MORE

Good news for our friends out on the Left Coast, as well as those who visit them. The Grill at the Beverly Carlton is now kosher certified by the RCC. Now you can hit Rodeo Drive and still have a kosher place to eat. For info call (312) 272-0945. Shabbat meals are by reservation only. The Beverly Carlton is located at 9400 W. Olympic Blvd.

This just in....Dr. I Margolis of Buffalo informs us that the Bakermans Bakery is no longer certified by the Vaad there.

If you work or shop in Midtown Manhattan, a new kosher restaurant moves into town. Le Tayavon is a dairy restaurant under the O-K. Located at 141 West 35 Street, the phone number is (212) 947-3394. Fax your order to (212) 239-2767.

WATCHING YOUR WEIGHT

The following Weight Watcher’s products are all certified Kosher. There are a number of different hechshers, so please check the container for the certifying agency:

Smart Snackers Cookies - Apple Raisin Bars Smart Snackers Snacks: Apple Fruit Snacks, Cinnamon Fruit Snacks, Strawberry Fruit Snacks, Butter Flavor Popcorn, and White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn. Salad Celebrations Dressings: Fat Free Creamy Italian, Fat Free French Style, Fat Free Honey Dijon, Fat Free Italian, Fat Free Ranch, Russian, Thousand Island and 3 Cheese Caesar.Condiments and Dairy Products: Chocolate Fudge Shake Mix, Buttery Spray, Cooking Spray, Sweetener Sugar Substitute, Fat Free Mayonnaise, Fat Free Whipped Dressing, Light Mayonnaise, Low Sodium Light Mayonnaise, Light Margarine,Sodium Free Light Margarine, reduced Fat Margarine, and the following flavors of Ultimate 90 Yogurt: Blueberries ‘n Creme, Cappuccino, Cherries Jubilee, Cranberry Raspberry, Lemon Chiffon, Peach, Plain, Raspberries ‘n Creme, Strawberry, Strawberry/Banana and Vanilla.

EDITORIAL

By Rabbi Jeffrey Rappoport

I began the Kosher Nexus as a small newsletter mailed to just a few friends. At that time, I had no idea of just what was in store for all of us! Barukh HaShem, we have grown beyond our wildest dreams. As we have grown, the amount of time needed to produce this magnificent journal dedicated to the gustatory delights has also grown! This little note, then, is just a small thank you from me to my Ballei Batim. My shul has been singularly wonderful in allowing me to pursue this dream of mine. Ours is a little shul, but it has a huge heart! I can think of no finer way to say Todah Rabbah to them than to say it in an arena of ten thousand readers! A hearty Yashar Koach, then, to my friends and congregants at Bnai Israel. Tizku L’Mitvot!

And on another note: We are pleased to remind our readers that there are many magazines dedicated to Kashruth. Each is unique in its own way. We are pleased to have a good working relationship with Rabbi Wikler of KASHRUS Magazine. We look forward to many long years of cooperation with them, as together, we serve the Kosher world. We urge our readers to subscribe to KASHRUS Magazine, too.

FROM THE REAL GROANER’S DEPT:

We just couldn’t resist throwing in a few real “groaner” jokes into this issue. The Answer is: Guns and Moses. What is the question? What did Charelton Heston call his autobiography?

This oldie but goodie from ten years ago keeps on coming back: If your son had Rubik’s Cube tefillin, would he keep them on longer? (I was told this was a twisted joke!)

If Kosher style means Trefe meat cut like a “Jewish” cut of meat and cooked that way too, does Trefe style mean that it is really Kosher??

How many Jewish mothers does it take to change a light bulb? None -- “It’s okay, I’ll sit in the dark”!

How many Jewish psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but the bulb has to really want to change!

HERE COMES PURIM

Here are some facts about Purim, to help guide you and your loved ones through the holiday. The lesson of Purim is clear-through a closer relationship to our heritage we can ensure our own survival, and influence all the nations of the world to lead a just and righteous way of life.

On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity, continuity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends. This practice is called “Mishloach Manot”. Make a basket and fill it with ready-to-eat foods, such as Hamantaschen, fruit and nuts. Children get a special joy from helping to prepare and deliver these baskets.

On Purim, it is also a special Mitzvah to remember the needy. It is traditional to give charity to at least two needy individuals. Check with your local Synagogue to see if there are special T’zedakah projects you can help with. It is also traditional to give 3 half-dollar coins to charity to commemorate the half-shekel given by each Jew in the time of the Holy Temple. On the day before Purim we fast to commemorate the day of prayer and fasting which the Jews held before their victory. This year, the Fast of Esther is March 15th.

Andrea’s Favorite Hamantaschen Recipe:

(4 doz cookies)

1 Cup sugar 3 tsp baking powder

1/3 Cup oil 1 tsp salt

1/3 Cup shortening 1 egg - beaten

3 eggs 2 lbs mohn filling or

1/2 Cup orange juice your favorite filling.

4 Cups Flour

Cream sugar, oil and shortening. Add eggs and juice-mix well. Blend w/dry ingredients and roll into a ball. Divide into 4 parts. Roll out each piece very thin on a floured board. With the rim of a cup cut the dough into circles. Place 1/2 tsp filling in the middle of each circle. To shape into triangle, lift up right and left sides, bring to meet at the center, above the filing. Lift bottom side up to center to meet the other two sides.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush dough with beaten egg before baking. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

(Recipe can be doubled easily, and they also freeze well.)

Hagahelet & The Kosher Nexus are publications of the Union for Traditional Judaism.

Burton G. Greenblatt, President

Rabbi Ronald D. Price, Executive Vice President

K N Editor in Chief: Jeffrey Rappoport

Editor: Andrea Herrera

Editor: Debra Wenger

Hagahelet Editors: Rabbi Ronald D. Price

Andrea Herrera & Debra Wenger

For information on membership to the Union for Traditional

Judaism, please contact the Union office.