Hello again my friend!

I'm popping quickly into your inbox this week to wish you a Chag Shavuot Sameach - a very happy Shavuot! Now is the time to celebrate with family and friends as we recall the ancient spring harvest festival, and our ancestors standing at Mt Sinai to receive the Torah.

May the next few days be a joyful, festive reminder of our rich history and beautiful traditions. Chag Sameach!

Last minute recipe ideas!

I'm sure you have all your YomTov menus planned and your cooking well under control, but just in case, below are some favourite 'quick and easy' recipes. So if you suddenly find you're missing an ingredient, have an unexpected guest, or just want to add a little something extra to the table, I hope you'll find what you're after.

Alternatively, you can find all my Shavuot recipes here, and my guide to a plant-based Shavuot here.

Quick and Easy Shavuot recipes

Looking for a last minute addition to your menu? Look no further. These recipes are fast, simple, and delicious!

• ​Tenderstem broccoli with garlic almond sauce​
  The creamy garlic almond sauce is nutritious and delicious and a delightful complement to these fresh and flavoursome greens.
• ​Cheat's cheese kreplach​
  Buttery, garlicky, crispy cheese-filled pasta dumplings, ready in under 15 minutes! Serve with sour cream for the full dairy experience.
• ​Easy feta cheese dip​
  ​Ready in 5 minutes, this makes a delicious starter with challah for scooping. Or push the boat out and serve some sliced vegetables or crunchy crackers alongside.
• ​Arbes - Ashkenazi seasoned chickpeas​
  Another super fast, super simple dish. These drained tinned chickpeas, gently seasoned, are surprisingly delicious.
• ​Classic carrot salad​
  A fresh and tasty salad that comes together quickly from basic veg and pantry standbys. The vibrant colour looks great on the table, too!
• ​10-minute halva ice-cream pie​
  Just 3 ingredients are needed to make this impressive halva ice-cream pie! Then pop it in the freezer till you're ready to serve.
• ​Biscoff cheesecake dip​
  Another 5-minute wonder! Simply mix 3 basic ingredients, then serve with sliced fruit, biscuits, pretzels, or whatever you fancy for dipping and scooping.

Shabbat recipe of the week!

Since this week Shabbat is also Shavuot, here's a delicious recipe that works for both. In keeping with the general theme of this email, it's also quick and easy!

​Fruit and nut yogurt parfaits are delicious little pots of fresh berries, creamy nut butter and yogurt, in beautiful layers, topped off with crunchy flaked almonds. They're healthy enough for breakfast but also make a gorgeous light dessert - perfect for a multi-day YomTov!

Just 15 minutes assembly time, then pop them in the fridge till you're ready to enjoy them!

Shabbat Shalom

A busy few days ahead! Shavuot starts this evening, and merges seamlessly with Shabbat, so we get two days of celebration and relaxation - and delicious desserts!

Fortunately the following week is the half term break (at least where I am) so we get a few days to recover from the excitement, and for my daughter Kipper to prepare for the next round of GCSE exams...

So, here's wishing you a Chag Shavuot Sameach and a heartfelt Shabbat Shalom - Good YomTov and Good Shabbos! May the coming days provide a joyful and uplifting time for us all.

With love, Helen x.

PS Wondering what Shavuot's all about? I've compiled a guide to the festival and its many customs, celebrations and traditional foods, here.

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