Shavuot, the Kosher Feast of Weeks
Saturday evening marks the start of the two-day holiday of Shavuot, the “Feast of Weeks” that marks 50 days since the start of Passover and commemorates Moses’ delivering the Ten Commandments to the Hebrews.
Shavuot also marks the summer grain harvest (not yet the time here in Toronto!) and initially began as a pilgrimage festival to Jerusalem.
Celebrate Shavuot with a Kosher Feast
A few weeks ago, I suggested catering a Shavuot picnic, an outdoor kosher feast that gives Mom a break from doing everything. Or almost everything. I don’t want to hear that Mother’s Day has already passed and neither does your mother.
Shavuot is a feast that began in ancient times as a harvest festival. Today it’s often celebrated around a dairy theme, particularly in the Ashkenazic community which settled in cold weather places like Canada. Right now, dairy is a good choice for any kosher feast in Toronto, where we’re just emerging from a tough winter. Harvest is still a a couple of months away from us. According to OntarioFarmFresh, we’re just starting to harvest a few items in May. The harvest picks up quite a bit in June, and boom, July is a veritable harvest of nearly everything we plant.
Dairy, as the site notes, is available year-round. May is about the time we start to think (maybe scream) for ice cream and cold treats like blintzes, cheesecake, and noodle puddings. Contact Mitzuyan Kosher Catering and we’ll see what we can whip up for your Shavuot dessert.
If you’re lucky enough to travel south for Shavuot, consider the Sephardic tradition this year such as the seven-layer bread called siete cielos, or seven heavens. Check out this gorgeous Seven Heavens Challah on KosherHomeCooking.com.
Springtime Kosher Catering Ideas
Is there an event coming up in your family that you’d like to cater? Spring is the time for graduations, engagement parties, weddings, and for those who time it well, babies.
If you’re like me, you might be ready for a lighter, springtime menu like our kosher Mediterranean menu, which features kebabs, fresh and delicious salads, and basmati rice. A dessert table laden with pastries inspired by Moroccan bakers gives a lighter end to the meal so you can stay awake longer with the sun.
We also offer Simcha catering for smaller events. This is where our our mobile kitchen is so handy–it can travel to your home, office, or wherever you plan to hold an event. We can also recommend Toronto kosher venues if you’re unsure.
If you’re catering an event with at least 100 people during the week (for some, this is a small event!) take a look at our midweek (Monday to Thursday) Simcha catering specials for first-time customers. It features a three-course menu with guest’s choice for a chicken or fish entree, unlimited soft drinks and juices, and our gelato trio dessert.
We provide the venue and all the accoutrements you need, from the hall where the event is held, a chuppah or mechitza wall if you need it, and of course tables with linens, silverware, centerpieces, etc. Really, all you have to do is show up!
Are you feeling adventurous in the kitchen for Shavuot? Try this recipe from HealthyJewishCooking.com for horpopita, which is similar to the Greek spanikopita.
