Hagsameach (Pesach/Passover greeting)!  The week long celebration of Pesach is almost over.  Soon the "leavened" areas in the food shops will be uncovered, making grocery shopping much easier.

It is said that there is no original Israeli cuisine. With more than 100 nationalities represented in Israel, it'll be awhile before we run out of meal ideas.  There is never a shortage of vegetables, olives, figs and nuts.  Nor of hot dogs!  Our favorite foods remain to be falafel, humus, eggplant and the best ever tasting tomatoes.

Grocery shopping is becoming less intimidating but I'm still feeling very mistrusting because I am not able to read labels.  Assuming that all labeling is in Hebrew, Rick missed seeing English lettering on the coffee jar he had selected.  It stated it to be decaffeinated and "Kosher Parve under the supervision of Safed Rabbinate"......not Ethiopian roast, but.......

I am experimenting with a new spice; Za'atar is a combination of sumac, thyme, sesame seeds, marjoram, oregano and salt.  It goes well with labaneh (thin, flat bread) with oil, plain yogurt and Za'atar spread on or as a dip.  It also goes well with lentils and tabbouleh.

Recently, for brunch, I made Ashkenazi Potato Latkes.  I think you'd enjoy them too.
          5 potatoes, grated
          2 onions
          1 carrot
          3 eggs
          3 tbsp. bread crumbs
          4 garlic cloves
          Salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg & Za'atar

     Drain liquids collecting from grated veggies.
     Oil pan.  With tbsp. form into pancakes & fry
     on both sides.
                NOT KOSHER
                    ENJOY!