Hello again my friend!

Next Friday (16 May) is Lag B'Omer - the 33rd day of the seven week period known as the Omer, which we count between Pesach and Shavuot.

The Omer is a sombre time, and we typically avoid parties, music, and other celebrations. In addition, some people avoid cutting their hair, and generally the period is considered a time of semi-mourning. Lag B'Omer provides either a break, or an end to these restrictions, depending on your tradition. It is a popular day for weddings and other joyful celebrations!

​You can read more about the history and traditions of Lag B'Omer (and get a delicious cupcake recipe!) here. ​

One of the activities most associated with Lag B'Omer is lighting bonfires! So naturally, foods cooked over fire, or on a barbecue, have become popular on this day. Falling as it does in late Spring/early Summer, I always think that Lag B'Omer heralds the beginning of 'barbecue season' here in the UK!

Below I've gathered some of my favourite Lag B'Omer foods and recipes to share with you. Here's hoping for barbecue weather!

Delicious recipes for a Lag B'Omer celebration

Here are some of my favourite things to eat and enjoy on Lag B'Omer, plus my guide to the Ultimate Meat-free Barbecue. Why should meat-eaters have all the fun!?

• ​Stuffed eggs with olives​
  Hard-boiled eggs, sometimes dyed in bright colours, are a traditional Lag B'Omer food. Here they're stuffed with olives and served with bright pink beetroot and peppery cress. Yum!
• ​Ultimate Meat-free Barbecue​
  With over 60 recipes for everything from starters, mains, salads, sauces and desserts, you certainly won't miss the meat.
• ​Citrus-herb salmon skewers​
  Zesty and delicious, these tasty skewers are a delicious way to cook fish on the barbecue. Or just pop them under the grill!
• ​Smokey barbecue potatoes in foil​
  If you want a change from bread or potato salad at the BBQ, these deliciously fragrant, soft and savoury foil packet potatoes are the answer.
• ​Halloumi and watermelon kebabs​
  These sweet-and-salty kebabs combine sweet, caramelised watermelon with crispy savoury halloumi cheese. So good!
• ​Grilled pineapple with coconut rum​
  This is our favourite barbecue dessert! Fresh pineapple caramelises to rich, gorgeous sweetness on the grill. Then add a splash of coconut rum for a simple, tropical treat.
• ​Moist and delicious carob cupcakes​
  Carob is associated with Lag B'Omer thanks to the legend of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. These yummy cupcakes highlight its unique sweet, floral and nutty flavour.

Shabbat Shalom

After a few cold days, it seems like we're due some more lovely sunny and warm weather this weekend. So hopefully Shabbat will be an opportunity to get out for a gentle walk, and top up the vitamin D!

Whatever you get up to, here's wishing you and yours a Good Shabbos - Shabbat Shalom - and a great week ahead. May it bring us health, happiness, peace and many blessings to everyone.

With love, Helen x.

TEA FUND!

All my cooking, recipe-writing, photography, research - even this newsletter! - is fuelled by TEA! So every cuppa you provide is very much appreciated! 🙏

​You can buy me a cuppa here ☕️ Thank you!