[Sca-cooks] RE: Matzoh flavors

[morgancain at earthlink.net]

Random comments and responses to postings from Digest #1590:

>>> For the record - strict Jewish law says anything except
>>> PLAIN matzoh (spreads don't count, I mean plain-flour-
>>> and-water) is not allowed unless you are very young,
>>> very old, or infirm.  And don't forget potato starch,
>>> which is permitted.

1)  I'm Reform.

2)  Not if you are Sephardic.  (They can eat rice and beans
    and other items that the Ashkenazic cannot.)

3)  If it's KfP, I figure the Rabbis think it's acceptable.
    Who am I to argue with a Rabbi?  <G>


>>> I'm not entirely sure of the significance of 18 minutes...

The same as 18 is ever significant in Jewish life - it is "chai."  Brighid pegged it.

For those unfamiliar with the Jewish alphabet and lettering (and by the way, the first two characters in the Jewish alphabet are "aleph" and "bet"), the Jewish system uses the same symbols for letters and numbers, and some are words in their own right.  The figure for the number eighteen (18) is "chai," wich is also the word for "life."  Therefore, it is good to do things in "chai" - charitable donations often come in multiples of 18, such as 18, 36, or 90.

>>> By the by, on a previous topic, wine is permitted
>>> because the prohibition is against fermented GRAIN
>>> products, not fermented products in general.

Yup - no beer.  One of my friends says that is the hardest thing for her.  (As I said, my hard one to give up is peanut butter.)

>>> So, what do strict interpretations say about WW matzoh?

I would guess that since it is just flour and water, it should be fine.

>>> I've never noticed KfP matzoh in flavors like onion
>>> or egg, presumably for the reason you stated.

I have, otherwise I would not have bought it.  But I know that different stores, and  maybe even different chains, tend to stock differently.  Last year my local Tom Thumb had very little, but I could go to a differed one (not close to home, but on the way from work) and it had TONS of stuff.  Their after-Passover sale (which started during Pesach, thank goodness) was the source of several items I served at the North Regional Warlord feast last year.  This year, I can find a lot at the one near my house.

Here are some pages from the Manichewitz online product listing:

   http://www.manischewitz.com/manischewitz/Mani.nsf/ProductCategories/YMATZO!OpenDocument
   http://www.manischewitz.com/manischewitz/Mani.nsf/ProductCategories/YTAMS+&+CRACKERS!OpenDocument

Their almond maccaroons are THE BEST - I try to get a couple extra containers to nibble on through the year.

>>> I have seen chocolate coated ones, though.

Speaking of which, this recipe from our local paper's food section this week:

   http://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/food/stories/032002dntasmatzo.703750.html

                              --= Morgan

==============================================================
Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep.
                        ---= Fran Lebowitz


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