Issue 04 | Feb 2014

celebrating jewish creativity jcreateMagazine

a glitterexplosion

Make ItEdiblE Purim Crafts

diY mEgillah mishloaCh manot

mitzvah notEs

PuPPEts

taCo hamantashEn

Purimgreat themes and printables

Blogger Purim Party

Email us: jcreatemag@gmail.com | Call us: (973) 572-0124

Contents

4 Break Your Fast

5 Megillah Manot

6 ediBle PoPcorn craFts

7 Mitzvah notes

8 resPect

9 Fun haMantashen reciPes

11 roYal horse gragger

13 glitter exPlosion Blogger PartY

15 Pretzeltinis

20 BlogsPiration

22 cover craFt: glitter Wine Bottle centerPieces

24 chocolate Bark

25 Peanut Butter stuFFed chocolate cookies

26 Fudge clusters

28 kids' PuriM activitY Pages

33 great Products

34 PuriM characters

38 readers' suBMissions

39 PuriM craFting

42 costuMe Madness

46 PuriM shoPPing Picks

48 suBscriBe!

LETTER FROMthe eDItORTo our incredible readers:

PURIM.

Candy, costumes, happy faces, sticky hands... those are the words that come to mind when I think of Purim. As a mom, it's one of those whirlwind days that hap-pens in the blink of an eye. Before we know it, all those months of planning that perfect family theme is upon us.

In anticipation, the children wake up an hour early on Purim morning with a giggly excitement, cheering in tandem to get dressed in their festive costumes. Then starts the Purim relay race, run to hear the Megillah then come home and hand off the Mishloach Manot packages to your husband while your kids rush to their friends' and teachers' homes. Then it's a mad dash to the Sueda, the Purim meal. As the day closes our children, are overloaded on sugary goodness and delicious treats and our homes looks like exploded party firecrackers.

At the end of the day, our children won't remember the crazy, hectic pace and the overwhelming mess. They'll only remember the pretty colors and delicious tastes and the moment when they stepped out of their normal routine and into the magi-cal world of Purim.

I am so lucky to work with such a large group of talented women that believe in the mission of jCreate and spreading Jewish creativity as much as I do. When I sent out the email requesting Purim content last month, I was inundated by material and blown away by the talent displayed. A special thank you to our blogger community that has rallied around jCreate. I am so happy that I can share their work with you all, inspiring your own magical Purim experiences!

I truly hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I loved putting it together!

Abbey

Abbey Wolin Chief Creative OfficerAbbey is the Chief Creative Officer for jCreate Magazine. As a serial crafter and educator Abbey realized the need for Jewish crafting content for moms and teachers alike. She is the mother of 5 children and when she is not painting her Not 2 Shabbey pieces you can find her crafting with her kids or students. Abbey is always armed with painters’ tape and hates glitter with a passion.

Mirel Goldwasser Creative DirectorMirel's company Oomph creative successfully helps brands, both big and small, with creative marketing solu-tions and a full line of graphic design services on a budget. Her tireless efforts have made jCreate a reality -- with artistic flair and a bit of snark!

Estee Lavitt Managing EditorEstee manages and edits jCreate because she is passionate about spreading Jewish creative content with professionalism. As a mom, she tries to stay on top of simple craft trends with a Jewish twist to educate and entertain her young children. Estee makes things happen by being attached to her Android, iPad and other ping-ing, tweeting devices.

Gittie Atlas Web DesignerArmed with a computer and a mouse, Gittie enjoys using her artistic talents and technological expertise to create a pleasant online environment where Jewish artists and the crafters can easily share their passions and ideas.

EGGpLAnt pArMEsAn

IngRedIenTS:

2 packages breaded eggplant slices

1 large can tomato sauce

Salt, pepper, spices to taste

1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese

1 container parmesan cheese

dIReCTIOnS:

Preheat oven to 350º.On a well greased cookie sheet place single layer of breaded eggplant and bake until mostly cooked through.Mix large can of tomato sauce with about ¼ can of water and salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, hot pepper flakes, oregano and really any spices you like and as much as you like!Place a single layer of breaded eggplant in a greased 9x13. Top with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used up. Bake uncovered until the top is slightly browned and it is cooked through.Approx 45 min.

OniOn sOupIngRedIenTS:

4 tablespoons oil

6-8 onions in thin slices

3 heaping tablespoons onion soup mix

1/3 cup coffee creamer

Salt, pepper to taste

dIReCTIOnS:

In a large pot heat 4 T oil and sauté 6-8 onions slices until browned.Fill pot about ¾ full of water and add 3 T onion soup mix, 1/3 c creamer and salt and pepper to taste.Let it all boil up together and then leave simmering for about an hour.Optional; Place shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of bowl or bread bowl and spoon boiling soup on top of it.

PReORdeR YOUR COPY TOdAY BY CALLIng DB eLeCtRonICs 732-901-1280

BrEAk YOur FAst With rEcipEs FrOM A MOnth OF MEnus

BY BrAchA BAck

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By esther Ottensoser

There's nothing like going back to the basics - with an original twist!Take a look what my good friend and neighbor Mrs. Leah Trenk created last year to give out to her grandchildren for Mishloach Manot. She purchased two inexpensive plastic containers at Amazing Savings, filled them with treats, then taped them together to form a "scroll." She designed a wrapper to go around the jars which said "Megillat esther."

Step 1Fill the jars with treats.

Step 2Use clear Scotch Tape to tape the jars together.

Step 3Wrap the Megilla with printed paper.

DIYmegIllamIShlOachmanOt

esther Ottensoser lives in new Jersey with her family. She enjoys creating and reinventing the things around her by styling, designing and crafting for over 15 years. esther is a regular contributor to Mishpacha Maga-zine and the Jewish Press, and other publications and blogs. Visit her blog at www.estherOdesign.com.

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PoPPIn’ CoLoRfuL PoPCoRn1. Lay your popcorn out on a baking sheet in one layer.2. Melt your favorite colored chocolate in the microwave and stir well. You can use any color that matches your theme, costumes or home decor.3. Drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn until well coated. Combine and serve or send to your friends!thank you Breezy’s for the idea!

MoCk PoPCoRn CuPCake1. Bake your favorite cupcake and allow to cool.2. top with icing and then mini marshmallows, cutting the corners so that they stick to one another. Pile them up well!3. spray the marshmallows with yellow icing spray to finish off your look!

With appreciation to Melissa kay, Lil’ Miss Cakes, who shared these with us.

edible craftsCreative Popcorn for your Mishloach Manottwo of our crafty bloggers brought popcorn themed Mishloach Manot to the blogger party

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PuRIM MItzvah notesKIdS LOVe BRIngIng

MITzVAh nOTeS TO

MORAh. PRInT FOR

exCITIng MITzVAh nOTe

TeMPLATeS.

By dena ackerman

www.denaackerman.com

CLICK HERE TO PRINT

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We often hear parents lamenting that “kids are so disrespectful these days!” It might be true, but it doesn’t help to complain. And telling kids that they are disrespectful actually reinforces the negative behavior.

We just read the Aseret hadibrot, the 10 commandments, and we see that Kibud Av Ve’em (honoring one’s father and mother) is one of the most important mitzvot (commandments).

Traditionally, the first five commandments represents mitzvoth between g-d and man, and the last five are mitzvoth between man and others. g-d felt that honoring parents was so important that he placed this commandment in the category of those between g-d and man despite the fact that this mitzvah is obviously between man and his parents. One reason is that by teaching children to honor us, their parents, we are ultimately teaching them to honor g-d. If we have a warm loving relationship based on respect with our children, it is likely that they will have warm, loving and respectful relationship with g-d.\There is more. Children need to show respect for their parents–not for the parents’ honor, but because it helps kids feel secure and creates a sense of stability for them. They need us to be larger than life for their own emotional health.

We live in a time where we do not see so much respectful behavior around us. So teaching kids to be respectful to us is that much harder. It’s not only about the challenge of getting them to comply; it’s also living in a culture that makes us reluctant to seek that respect. But we need to persevere, remembering that we’re doing it for our children’s benefit. We need to spend time teaching our kids respect. We need to teach them to show us derech eretz, proper manners as well as Kibud Av Ve’em, respect for one’s parents.

how can we do that? One simple way is to use the phrases, Kibud Av Ve’em, derech eretz and just the word “respect” liberally and often. And the best time to use these words is when are children are actually exhibiting that behavior.

That is, instead of focusing on the times our children are disrespectful, we need to be on the lookout for any little act of respect on their part. Then we can point it out to them and praise them. When we only focus on their positive behavior we reinforce it. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true.here are some examples of positive reinforcement:

“You got into bed right when I told you to; that showed proper behavior, derech eretz”

“I asked you to move to the chair so that I could sit on the couch and you did. That was Kibud Av Ve’em.“

“You didn’t complain when I asked you to get off the computer–that was respectful behavior” (even if he got up slowly and is visibly annoyed).

Focusing on and emphasizing our children’s positive and respectful behavior changes our perspective and generates a tremendous feeling of peace in our home. It truly teaches kids what respect is all about. Aside from the actual message, it sends a strong silent message: You are really modeling to your children (without lecturing) how to focus on people’s positive behavior, which is respect and derech eretz at its best. This is a powerful skill, one that they can use successfully in all of life’s situations.

Adina Soclof is Founder and Owner of www.parentingsimply.com, a certified speech pathologist and Parent educator.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.By Adina Soclof

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hamanTaShEnChOCOLATe BAnAnA hAMAnTAShenChocolate Banana Coconut hamantashenThese are a fave of mine! I don’t even like bananas but with the melted chocolate and crispy coconut flakes they are delicious. 

IngRedIenTS 1 sheet of puff pastry 1 banana, sliced into thin rounds Chocolate spreadCoconut flakes

1 cup of chocolate chipsdirections Cut out circles of puff pastry using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. Wet the dough with some water, then place 1 tsp. of chocolate spread in the center of each circle. Place 1 banana round on top of chocolate then top with coconut flakes. Pinch the edges of the dough together, forming a triangle. If you have trouble getting it to stick, wet it with more water. Bake in oven on 375° for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over hamantashen.

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These came about by accident, as I had leftover taco meat from dinner and decided to use it so and some ravioli dough that I had in the freezer. I have used both ravioli dough as well as wonton dough for this recipe and both came out great. The dough gets nice and crispy in the oven which makes these taste like real tacos!

IngRedIenTS:1/2 pound ground beef 1 package of taco seasoning 1 package of frozen ravioli dough OR wonton wrappers pre-cut into circles and defrosted 

directions:

Brown beef, then add taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 10-15. While the meat cooks, place pre-cut dough on a slightly greased baking sheet. Wet the dough with some water then place 1 tsp. of taco meat filling in the center of each circle. Pinch the sides together, forming a triangle. If it won’t stick together, wet it again. Bake in oven on 350° for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Serve them with all of your favorite taco toppings such as guacamole, salsa & shredded cabbage.

TACOhamanTaShEn:

MedITeRRAneAnhamanTaShEn:Caramelized onions, tomato, basil and goat cheese make these the perfect appetizer to serve this holiday. I had to resist eating all of them long enough to take the photo!

IngRedIenTS:1 sheet of puff pastry 2 tomatoes diced 1/2 onion diced 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese 1/4 cup of fresh basil diced

directions:Cut out circles of puff pastry using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. Sauté the onions until tender. Add the tomatoes and cook for several minutes. Wet the circles of dough with an egg wash, which is 1 egg + 1 tablespoon of water. Place 1 tsp of tomato onion filling in the center of each circle. Top with some goat cheese and basil. Pinch the sides together, forming a triangle. You might need to wet the dough with some of the egg wash to get it to stick. I had to fold the edges over slightly, to keep them from opening up. Bake in oven on 375° for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.

By nina Safar

I AdORe PURIM. AnY hOLIdAY ThAT enCOURAgeS dReSSIng UP And eATIng LARge AMOUnTS OF CAndY geTS A ThUMBS UP FROM Me. I dOn’T LIKe TO eAT hAMAnTAShen ThOUgh. The ThRee CORneRed PASTRY IS A hOLIdAY TReAT And IS TRAdITIOnALLY FILLed WITh POPPY SeedS And VARIOUS JAMS. deVOURIng IT IS SYMBOLIC OF OVeRCOMIng eVIL. I dO LIKe TO engAge In ALL The FeSTIVITIeS And SInCe I RUn A FOOd BLOg, I FeLT IT WAS neCeSSARY FOR Me TO BAKe SOMe. I LIKe ChOCOLATe And SAVORY FOOdS, SO I CAMe UP WITh The FOLLOWIng ThRee VeRSIOnS ThAT WeRe In The SPIRIT OF The hOLIdAY BUT TASTIeR ThAn The USUAL SeLeCTIOn.  I AM nOT A BAKeR And The IdeA OF MAKIng MY OWn dOUgh SeeMS TIReSOMe. I USe ReAdY-MAde dOUgh SUCh AS PUFF PASTRY And WOnTOn WRAPPeRS, CReATIng eASY And TASTY hAMAnTAShen.

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Purim means plenty of cute kids in esther and Mordechai costumes, but one character from the Megillah is often overlooked-- the royal horse, which ended up carrying Mordechai instead of haman! Your kids will love making-- and shaking-- this adorable gragger, with its fluffy mane and candy-stick handle.

Materials:FoaM sheets in coordinating colors

(one 9x12 inch sheet is enough to Make one horse)

scissors

tacky glue

ribbon or rickrack

rhinestones or buttons

sMall Feather boa

googly eyes

Miniature bells (6 MM work well)

or a handFul oF sMall beans/barley

candy sticks

step 1:

Outline a horse-head pattern on a piece of cardboard. Cut out your stencil and trace twice onto foam sheet. Cut out your two foam horse heads.

step 2:

draw a thin line of glue around the inside edge of one horse head, leaving the bottom edge un-glued. Cut a piece of feather boa to the length of your horse's neck, and press a few of the feathers into the glue at the top, middle, and bottom, to hold the mane in place.

step 3:

Place the second horse head on top, pressing well around the edges, and allow to dry. Trim any uneven edges.

step 4:

decorate the horse: glue a short piece of ribbon or rickrack across the muzzle of the horse, and a longer piece running across the head, up the neck. glue a rhine-stone or button where the two pieces of ribbon meet. glue on a googly eye, and allow all glue to dry completely.

puriM craFtingroyal stick-horse graggerBy Leah epshteyn

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step 5:

Place a few miniature bells inside the opening at the bottom of the horse's head (for young children, use beans or barley as an edible, safer alternative).

step 6:

Carefully insert the candy stick. Use two thin lines of glue to attach the foam heads on either side of the stick.

step 7:

Cut out a 1.5" circle from a foam sheet-- this piece will hold the contents and candy stick in place. Use scissors to poke a small hole in the center, then carefully slide the circle onto the candy stick. Use glue to secure the circle to the bottom edge of the horse's neck.

Leah epshteyn is a writer and crafty mom who loves making cute stuff out of everyday materials. She recently started Ready, Set, Alphabet! (www.readysetalphabet.etsy.com), an online store specializing in colorful, per-sonalized button art in english, hebrew, and Russian. Contact her at ready.set.alphabet@gmail.com.

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Photos by: Chana Blumes Photography www.chanablumesphoto.comTablescape design by: devorah deutschwww.papayaevents.com

Blogger Party

A Glitterexplosion

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BReezy’S pRetzeltInIS1 cup of frosting*

1 cup of pretzels, crushed up2 parts Salted Caramel Vodka1 part hazelnut Liqueur

1. Put the frosting on a plate and the crushed up pretzels on another.2. Take a martini glass and run the rim around in the frosting to coat. Once the glass is rimmed with frosting, dip it into the pretzel plate, making sure the pretzels adhere to the glass.3. In a separate glass or pitcher mix the Vodka and liqueur. If you don't want such a strong drink, shake it over ice then strain the ice.4. Pour into the pretzel rimmed martini glass!

When you say 2 parts or 1 part, it may sound tricky but it's really easy. Swap the word "part" for 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup or 1 cup and double accord-ingly, depending on the number of drinks you need! * available at Breezy's

By Breezy Schwartz

Brielle “Breezy” Schwartz Beckerman , created Ketzy’s over 8 years ago as a premier gift destination for high end and unique items. In 2011, she rein-vented her store as “Breezy’s” (www.breezysny.com) expanding from gifts to hard to find baking items. In the past year, she has written a cookbook entitled ”Breezy’s Mix & Match” to help bring her philosophy of easily ac-cessible, elegant creations into everyone’s homes. She also offers classes in her store that range from cupcake baking to salad and dip recipe design. This past year, Breezy spearheaded the First Annual Cupcake Wars. her proudest achievement is being mother to 2 wonderful children, Spencer and Aurora, who love to taste all of her creations.

17 lIl’ mISS cakeS

Sweet lIfe chOcOlate

pRetzeltInIS

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nOt2ShaBBey

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Sweet lIfe chOcOlatekItchen teSteD

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BlOG-SPirAtiONthe idea for the blogger party came about from a conversation i had back when we were shooting our Hanukkah tablescape with Devorah of Papaya Events. in every issue, Devorah creates the most incredible tablescapes, using her magical talents. For this Purim photoshoot we thought it would be wonderful to gather together our past contributors and blogger friends. How fun would it be to hang out with our friends, chatting, eating, and crafting while at the same time designing the most beautiful Purim spread for all of you?!?

WHy BrEEzy’S?We went to Breezy’s for the location of our photo-shoot. Creative, imaginative and extraordinary, Breezy’s on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, Ny offers you a one of a kind shopping experience. A reinvention of Ketzy’s, Brielle “Breezy” Schwartz opened Breezy’s to share a love of gift giving, decorating, baking, and entertaining with the world. the party room at the back of the store is large enough to house all of us bloggers, the buffet, table seating, craft area, and photo booth.

cafÉchOcOlat

Purim Party Blog-sPirationBy Abbey Wolin

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the moment Devorah saw that the Breezy’s party room was decked out in pink, black and white, she went into action mode. Spray painting her props gold and even some of her flowers, Devorah of Papaya Events truly outdid herself for this shoot. the harmonizing pinks of the flowers along with the leopard print tablecloths really made this tabl-escape stand out.

SO WHO CAME tO PArty WitH uS??Besides Devorah, me - Abbey of Not 2 Shabbey, and Estee lavitt, our executive director and writer of her own blog “Is anyone interested?,” we had the talented Chanie Apfelbaum of Busy in Brooklyn, the creative Melinda Strauss of Kitchen Tested, uber “sweet” Melissa Kay of Lil’ Miss Cakes, chocolatier Sarah Klinkowitz of Food, Words, & Photos, the fash-ionistas Mimi and Mushky of Mimu Maxi, the tal-ented face painter and balloon designer Shelley Wapniak of Shelley Belly Body, Naomi Nachman, The Aussie Gourmet and JM in the AM radio host of “table for two,” and last but not least, Chana Blumes, Chana Blumes Photography, our extraordi-nary photographer.Aside from the delicious food that our bloggers brought to share with us, some even brought a creative Mishloach Manot. We had to guess who brought each package!

GlAM AND GlitzShelley rocked her face painting skills on our bloggers’ faces, adding glitter and gems to her designs. She also created balloon jewelry; rings and bracelets for everyone to model! Glitter tat-toos were a must that night, and after playing with the tulip Body Glitter tattoo Kits, each of our bloggers got to take home her very own kit. Another take away gift was a personalized mug that i designed for each of the bloggers with her very own logo!No glitter party is complete without a glitter craft! We chose to use wine bottles (which are a favor-ite on Purim, NO?) and glitter them up to create vase centerpieces. i think the fun and enjoyment we had crafting these glittery creations matched the huge mess we made! Please see the side bar for instructions.thank goodness the photoshoot and party was amazing! We thank Breezy’s for welcoming us into her store, Chana Blumes for taking the most amazing photographs, Devorah Deutsch for designing the perfect Purim tablescape, the Paper

Place for donating our paper goods, Café Chocolat for donating scrumptious dairy desserts and all the bloggers who came and made the night the success it truly was!

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GliTTER WinE BoTTlE CEnTERPiECESSUPPLIeSMod PodgeBrushglitter directions:Working with small areas, spread the Mod Podge over the glass and immediately pour the glitter over it. Mix it up and get creative with color and design!Set the glass aside for 6 hours until it is dry.

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Don'T WanT To GET mESSy WiTh all ThaT GliTTER???Why not use duck Tape instead? Just wrap it around the bottle! They have so many patterns to choose from! We chose metallic colors to keep with our glittery theme.

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Chocolate BarkBy Sarah Klinkowitz

Tempered Chocolate (for both recipes)

5 bars of Alprose baking chocolate (10.5 oz per bar)Pot and bowl for a double boiler2 disposable half trays2 sheets of parchment paper that are longer and wider than the pan (I use the parchment paper that comes on a roll).

Make sure your bowl fits snugly over the top of the pot - no steam should be able to escape. Fill the pot one third of the way with water and fit the bowl on top. Break up the bars of chocolate, put into the bowl and melt two- thirds of the way on mid-high heat. Remove from heat and stir continually until the remaining chocolate is melted - it will be thick, shiny and glossy. Spread half of the chocolate on each sheet pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.

Cherry Walnut Mixture12 oz roughly chopped raw walnut pieces (buy walnut halves and give a quick chop until they are as small as you like)

3 caps full best quality vanilla extract

8 oz dried cherries

2 3-finger pinches of fine dead Sea Salt

Lay walnuts on a baking sheet, drizzle with extract and mix well. Toast in the oven at 350° for about 15 mins or until you start to smell them toasting. Turn off the oven and let walnuts cool to room temp, then mix with dried cherries and salt.

Blueberry Pecan Mixture12 oz chopped pecans (buy whole pecans and give a quick chop until they are as small as you like)

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

8 oz dried blueberries

2 3-finger pinches of fine dead Sea Salt

Lay pecans on a baking sheet, add cinnamon and mix well. Toast in the oven at 350° for about 10 mins or until you start to smell them toasting. Turn off the oven and let pecans cool to room temp, then mix with dried blueberries and salt.

To assemble:Sprinkle nut mixture over tempered chocolate very generously - you should not be able to see the chocolate under-neath. Very gently, press down with your hands to make sure it adheres to the chocolate. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure that the chocolate sets completely. Use your hands to break the chocolate into desired size pieces.To order these and other chocolate barks, truffles, clusters, or fancy chocolates please visit www.facebook.com/sweetlifechocolate and leave a message or call 917-325-1034.Sweet Life Chocolate creates homemade, small-batch artisan chocolates using the finest ingredients available. Strictly kosher, Pareve or dairy Cholov Yisrael.Sweet Life Chocolate - because life tastes better dipped in chocolate!

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ChoColate dough

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1/4 cup peanut butter

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

Peanut butter filling

3/4 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup confectioners sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling

direCtionS

Preheat oven to 375° F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat brown sugar, shortening, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, and mix until the dough comes together.

Using a tablespoon or medium cookie scoop, divide the dough into 30 balls and set aside.

In another bowl, mix the peanut butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Using a teaspoon or small scoop, divide the peanut butter filling into 30 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.

Working one cookie at a time, flatten each piece of chocolate dough. Place one peanut butter ball in the center and wrap chocolate dough around the peanut butter. Make sure the peanut butter is completely covered, roll the cookie into a ball and roll in granulated sugar. Arrange the cookies on the parchment lined cookie sheet, flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand, the bottom of a glass, or a flat measuring cup.

Bake for 7-9 minutes. Cookies may crack slightly. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container for a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

PEANUT BUTTER STUFFEDchOcOlate cOOkIeS

By Melissa Kayewww.lilmisscakes.comwww.facebook.com/lilmisscakes

Macadamia Nut Fudge ClustersMAKeS 3-4 dOzen

3 cups chocolate chunks1 cup coconut milk1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped1/2 cup dried cranberries2 Tbsp honey1 Tbsp orange zest1 tsp almond extract (or disaronno)

I filled two mini cupcake tins with mini liners and set them aside. I melted the chocolate and coconut milk in the microwave (in a microwave-safe bowl) for 30 seconds, stirred then melted for another 30 seconds. I stirred the chocolate again and melted it one more time in the microwave for 30 seconds then it was smooth and ready.

By: Melinda Strauss www.kitchen-tested.com

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Shelley Belly Party Art www.shelleybelly.com

516 330 7875info@shelleybelly.com

CharicaturesBody/Face Painting

Glitter Tattoo's Airbrush Tattoo's

ClothsHenna

Hair TinselFeather Extensions

Balloon Twisting Clowning

MusicGames & Dancing

MagicPrincesses & Costumes

Cotton Candy

Bring fun party entertainment to you your friends and family

Bring fun party entertainment to you your friends and family

By: Melinda Strauss www.kitchen-tested.com

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www.junees.com | 732.415.8755 | Located in the Grebow Plaza | Hours: S-Th 10-6 Friday 10-2:30 Motzai Shabbos 7:30-10:30

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Clowning AroundKIdS ACTIVITIeSCLICK heRe TO PRInT

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8x7=

8x5= 6x3=

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Math Madness

WordFindM A C h A S T z e d A K A h

Y M M e g I L L A P C e I W

d e e S Y d n R Q U h e S I

n S S T L R Q h O R A g R g

A T R h M I R U P I S I e R

C A O e A M T O e A h F P A

P h h R P M V C Y h V T K g

B S h U S h A n T C e h I g

A n e e U Q S n R e R A n e

L W I n e g h A W d O d V R

S U h S n U T M A R S U A P

S T F I g P I A P O h e S h

T I K A C O S T U M e S R g

Achashverosh Gifts King Persia Shushan

Candy Gragger Megilla Purim Tzedakah

Costumes Haman Mordechai Queen Vashti

Esther Horse Party Seudah Wine

WordFindWordFindWordFind

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ProduCTsgreat

Make your shabbos more enjoyable with parshapacks! it's the bag that keeps notes neat until you need them. beautiful leatherette material, two zippered pockets and easily attaches to your dining room chairs. never lose your child's parsha sheets again! www.not2shabbey.com

$34

oak challah board with unique stayfresh domewww.challaboards.com

$69

$55

this matzah box will come per-sonalized with your family name. has the playful MiniFlowers design on the cover, and ridges on the side. it's sure to add beau-ty to your table

neW!gReAT gIFT!

FroM

$16

$34

hebrew button monograms are a unique, meaningful baby gift or wedding pres-ent.

Add color and fun to any space with a one-of-a-kind button monogram!To Order Click here

To order click here.

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TEll ThE SToRy!Color these illustrations and mount them onto felt. Bring the Purim story to life on a felt storyboard! Great prop for teachers and homeschoolers.

makE PuPPETS!Children can color each character and secure to a popsicle stick. Your children will be so proud to share what they learned with you!

SEnD PuRim CaRDS!Download each photo and paste into your favorite graphics program (Microsoft Word or Publisher work too). Position each picture on the right hand side of a landscape (horizontal) page. Print your character out, leaving the left side blank to form a card. Fold your paper and cut along the outline of the character and color him/her in. Open the card and write your personal message inside.

DESiGn miShloaCh manoT TaGS!

Print your favorite character and color him/her in. Cut along the outline of the character. Punch a hole at the very top and use ribbon or string to tie the tag onto your mishloach manot packages. Don’t forget to sign your family’s name!

PuRim PlaCE CaRDS!Color and cut out your favorite characters, leaving room at the bottom to write your guests’ names. Just be careful about where you seat Haman!

WE ABsOLutELY LOvE thEsE

puriM chArActErs BY DEnA

AckErMAn! hErE ArE sOME

crEAtivE AnD EDucAtiOnAL

WAYs tO usE thEM:

Purim characters

35

PRInT heRe

By: Dena ackermanart by Dena

36

By: Dena ackermanart by Dena

37

www.5townspaperplace.com550 WILLOW AVe

CedARhURST, nY. 11516 PhOne (516) 791-1600 FAx (516) 791-1605

By: Dena ackermanart by Dena

By Charlotte Orrin

We dressed up as:My 3 older kids were chefs and my

baby was a lobster in a pot.

We sent:A bottle of water with a lobster

cookie that said happy Purim from

the Orrin Lobster Shack!!!

By danielle Besser

We dressed up as:A Rainbow, a leprechaun and an adorable unicorn.

We sent:Many pots of gold!

By esty and Yishai Black

We dressed up as:Apple Store employees

We sent:2 green apples + green apple Smirnoff

with a note that said “Wishing you a

hAPPy Purim!”

By ella Shollar

We dressed up as:Baristas which was such a simple costume!

I bought the aprons on eBay for $15 and

other than that we just wore black clothes

with them.

We sent:Coffee, hot cocoa packet, muffins, chocolate

bars and chocolate drizzled biscotti served in

Starbucks cups and multi cup trays.

38

REaDERS' SuBmiSSionS

fave themeSour

39

fave themeS

grand gragger

Reproduced from Crafting Jewish by Rivky Koenig with permission from the copyright holders ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications, LTd.

dROWnIng OUT hAMAn’S nAMe dURIng The ReCITATIOn OF The MegILLAh IS dOne WITh ReLISh BY BOTh KIdS And AdULTS. We USe A COLORFUL gRAggeR (nOISeMAKeR) ThAT dOeS The JOB PeRFeCTLY.

WhAT YOU WILL need:

• self-adhesive or regular felt in assorted bright colors

and/or patterns

• 1 small empty mixed-nuts container with lid (or

similar-sized empty container with lid)

• pencil

• ruler or tape measure

• scissors

• craft glue

• jumbo or regular craft stick

• ½”-wide masking tape

• dry beans

• decorative-edge scissors

• assorted lengths of ribbons

• small jingle bells

• optional: sequins, pompoms, glitter

eSTIMATed TIMe: 30 MInUTeS

hOWTO dO IT:

1. Wrap a piece of felt around the container. Use a pencil to mark the length and width of the container on the back of the piece of felt. Cut out. Trace the lid twice onto the back of the felt and cut out the felt circles.

2. Remove paper backing from the felt and press onto the can or glue non-adhesive felt to the outside of the can. Adhere a felt circle to the outside of the lid and to the bottom of the can.

3. With scissors, cut a small slit through the center of the lid and its felt cover. Push the craft stick through the slit so that half of the stick forms the

handle. If it’s loose, use masking tape to tape the top part of the craft stick to the inside of the lid.

4. Fill the can half-full with the dry beans. Cover the can with the lid. Be sure the stick is in securely. If it’s still a bit wobbly, take off the lid and tape the stick more firmly to the inside of the lid and then replace the lid.

5. Use regular and decorative-edge scissors to cut strips of felt that fit around the can’s circumference. Stick onto the gragger, taking care to cover the edge of the lid with felt.

6. Cut ribbons into 10” lengths and tie around the top of the handle. Tie bells to the ends of several ribbons.

Optional: decorate the can by gluing on sequins, pompoms, glitter, and shapes cut from leftover felt.

WhAT YOU WILL need:

• 2 red 6” disposable plastic plates

• jumbo or regular craft stick

• treats

• stapler

• cellophane bag or cellophane paper

• curling ribbon

hOW TO dO IT:

1. Staple the craft stick to the rim of one plate, leaving most of it to extend out of the plate.

2. Fill the plate with treats. Cover the filled plate with the second plate and staple around the rim to close.

3. Wrap the “lollipop” in cellophane and fasten it by tying curl-ing ribbon around the stick. Fluff the cellophane out on the bottom, below the curling ribbon.

dandy candyWhAT YOU WILL need:

• scissors

• paper towel roll tube

• tissue paper

• clear cellophane paper

• scotch tape

• 2 small rubber bands

• candy

• curling ribbon

hOW TO dO IT:

1. With scissors, cut the tube in half horizontally. (Save the other tube half to make another “candy.”)

2. Cut tissue paper and cellophane paper, making sheets 6 inches longer and a little bit wider than the tube.

3. Place the tissue paper onto the cellophane and place the tube at the edge, on top of the tissue. Tape the edge of the papers to the tube; roll the papers around the tube and tape the edge.

4. Knot a rubber band around one end to close one end of the tube. Fill the tube with candies and use a rubber band to close the other end.

5. Tie curling ribbon around the rubber bands.

sweet treat TheSe COnTAIneRS LOOK SWeeT enOUgh TO eAT!

eSTIMATed TIMe: 10 MInUTeS

Reproduced from Crafting Jewish by Rivky Koenig with permission from the copyright holders ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications, LTd.

eSTIMATed TIMe: 5 MInUTeS

TheSe COnTAIneRS LOOK SWeeT enOUgh TO eAT!

eSTIMATed TIMe: 10 MInUTeS

eSTIMATed TIMe: 5 MInUTeS

puriM puppetsPut on a puppet show to entertain your family and friends during the festive Purim meal. You can get as creative as you want when decorating your basic puppets. Make as many of the Megillah’s characters as you need for your puppet show.

eSTIMATed TIMe: 45 MInUTeS

WhAT YOU WILL need:

• pencil

• scissors

• 2 large (9”x12”) felt rectangles for each puppet

• cream or white felt

• craft glue, or glue gun and glue sticks

• decorative elements, including: yarn, buttons, lace,

beads, pompoms, fabric scraps, pipe cleaners, googly

eyes, fun fur, ribbons

hOW TO dO IT:

1. Photocopy the puppet template (page 260) and cut out. Trace the template onto the back of two pieces of felt and cut out.

2. The second piece of felt that you cut out will be for the back of your puppet. Use your glue gun to carefully place a thin line of glue around the outer edge of the sides and top of the pup-pet. Press together to adhere front and back of puppet.

3. Cut a large circle from the cream-colored felt for the face and cut two small rounded triangles for the hands.

4. Use craft glue or glue gun and glue sticks to adhere the large round circle to the front of one puppet for the face. glue the two triangles onto the hand area. Let dry.

5. Plan how you want to decorate your puppet: place the pompoms, googly eyes, yarn, and other materials on the pup-pet. When you are pleased with how it looks, glue the pieces to your

puppet with craft glue or a glue gun and glue sticks. We used steps 1-3 of the crown craft on page 154 to make the puppets’ crowns.

6. glue decorative trim all along the front and back lower edge of the puppet.

LeARn MORe ABOUT CRafting Jewish BY CLICKIng heRe.

Buy your own copy ofCRaftIng JeWIsh

by Rivky koenigheRe:

www.artscroll.com

Reproduced from Crafting Jewish by Rivky Koenig with permission from the copyright holders ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications, LTd.

costume madness!

Superhero Theme:Costume ideas:Find your favorite character’s costume or cape!SupergirlSpidermanSupermanBatman

Container:Use character plates like these

What's inside:Super snacks, nutrition bars, gummy vitamins, gatorade, super-sized bags of chips or candy bars.

Your Poem:We are the best of all the supermen,At your duty, helping now and again.We are proud to say we can save the day,With our cape and powers hidden away.Purim is the time of true salvation,Mordechai and esther saved our nation!

Cowboy Theme:Costume idea:Cowboy hat (also available in pink)RopeBandana

Container:Straw hat!

What's Inside:Chips and salsa, milk (with the picture of a cow on it), marsh-mallows, tex mex style food.

Your Poem:We cowboys on the range are working hard,giddy-up we call to the horses in the yard.We round up our cattle with a strong lasso,Roast marshmallows and hotdogs down in el Paso.We proudly practice swinging the rope,As haman was hanged before Jews lost hope.howdy Purim!

happy purim!

PRInT TAg heRe

PRInT TAg heRe

Have a Super Purim!

We took the top 5 Purim costume themes, planned your costume and your mishloach manot gift packages, wrote your poems, and designed your package tags.

Asian ThemeCostume ideas:Kimonosgeishasninjas Sumo WrestlersAsian straw sun hats

Containter:Sushi TrayChinese Takeout Box with Chopsticks

What's inside:Sushi, sesame noodles, rice noodles, hamantashen, fortune cookies, sushi candy pops

Your Poem:Haman tried to destroy the Jews so long ago,today we celebrate dressed in a kimono.We tie our hair atop our heads in a tight bun,Dressing up and sending gifts with hamantashen!Sushi and pasta, to be eaten with chopsticks,Of course your good fortune we made sure to affix!

hAppY puriM

Costume Ideas:Fireman Costume Police Costume

Container:Fireman's Hat (50 cents) Police CapAlternatively, just stick with your colors – blue and gold for police, red and white for firemen.

What's Inside:Jelly beans (red/white or blue/gold) in a clear treat bag like thesemini donuts, beer, coffee, red hots,fire-roasted snacks like these crackers or barbeque or chipotle potato chips.

Your Poem:Our public servants are out every day,to make sure that you’re safe in every way.A Fireman or policeman always tries,to respond to an emergency that may arise.Our human heroes keep us safe, you know,But G-d is the One who saved us long ago!

hAppY puriM

hAppY puriM

HA

PP

Y P

URI

M

PRInT TAg heRe

PRInT TAg heRe

PRInT TAg heRe

43

costume madness!Fairytale Theme:Costume:dress your kids as princes and princesses adorned with wands, crowns and jewels! Container:Seal a plain box or bag with a signet ring or family logo and attach dena Ackerman’s King Achashverosh tag What's inside:Sugar necklaces and bracelets, ring pops, king-sized candy bars, grapes on a miniature silver platter, cupcake topped with a crown topper (found at party stores). your poem:We are princes and princesses,Wearing royal, beautiful dresses!Purim is our fairy tale,Where g-d caused haman’s plan to fail.he saved the Jews on 15 Adar,esther the Queen was the true star!

have a grand and Majestic Purim!

Happy Purim

TAg InSTRUCTIOnSPersonalizeCut tag, as shown, leaving a little bit of color on the edges.alternate: cut off edges to create a tag shape.Punch hole.Thread ribbon through hole and hang from mishloach manot.

From Morris, Sherryl & Princess Dina

Serour

From Morris, Sherryl & Princess Dina

Serour

Happy Purim

Happy Purim

PRInT TAg heRe

44

45www.not2shabbey.com

46

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