Hello my friend!

Purim is tonight - woohoo! 🎉

I'm sure by now your mishloach manot are packed and ready to go, your menus for Purim and Shabbat are organised, and all that remains is to have a great time!

Purim is such a fun festival, and it comes right when we need it - as the days are getting longer but there's still a nip in the air, Purim gives us a boost and reminds us that proper Spring is just around the corner.

Purim Sameach! Happy Purim to everyone!

Matanot L'Evyonim - gifts to the poor

In the midst of our celebration of Jewish survival and continuity, we are also required to ensure that even the poorest among us have the means to enjoy the festival. Leket Israel is an Israeli organisation that rescues nutritious surplus food and delivers it to those in need, providing millions of meals to needy families and individuals, and you can give matanot l'evyonim via their website here. They also have some very cute Purim ecards available, which come with the opportunity to donate and support their excellent work.

If you're looking to donate to needy recipients in the UK, you can do so via the United Synagogue website until 5pm this evening.

Last minute Purim & Shabbat Recipes

Just in case you're not 100% on top of everything (because I know I'm not), here are some super quick and easy recipes so you can still have plenty of delicious food, even if you don't have much time or energy.

• ​Arbes - Ashkenazi seasoned chickpeas​
  Traditionally eaten on both Purim and Shabbat, these delicious morsels take mere moments to make.
• ​Cheat's cheese kreplach​
  Low effort for big results! Kreplach are often served on Purim, and these super-easy cheesy ones are always a hit.
• ​Eccles cake hamantaschen​
  Delicious British/Jewish Purim treats! Use ready-rolled puff pastry for speed and ease.
• ​Italian tuna and white bean salad​
  A protein packed, flavoursome dish that's easy to make. Scoop into lettuce cups for a sophisticated presentation that's perfect for Shabbat.
• ​Swedish beetroot salad​
  One of our quick Shabbat favourites, it's made with pre-cooked (vacuum pack) beets and a creamy, herby dressing.
• ​Roasted scalloped sweet potatoes​
  Simple to make, but impressive enough for company. A lovely side-dish for a special occasion.
• ​10-minute halva ice-cream pie​
  OK, I'll admit that this isn't the healthiest option out there, but it is quick, delicious and impressive! So enjoy it occasionally, and remind yourself that halva is a great source of calcium and dietary fibre!

You can browse all of my Purim recipes and ideas here.​

Purim Sameach & Shabbat Shalom

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Purim, and a great Shabbat.

May our enemies be consumed as completely as Haman! Here's wishing peace, health, happiness and all good things to us all.

Purim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom - a Happy Purim and a Good Shabbos! - to everyone.

With love, Helen x.

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