Favorites for the Fourth!

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

To celebrate the Fourth of July properly you need a few essential things; friends, family, fireworks, food and, of course, the right décor. We can’t quite help on the firework front but here are our “Favorites for the Fourth!”, a few fun ideas for food and décor.

Be sure to add some spark to your Fourth of July festivities with this Firecracker Popcorn. It’s got just the right amount of sweet, salty and fizz it’ll have you coming back for more. A fun and easy snack for everyone to enjoy this holiday.

Favorites for the Fourth!

Patriotic Pops anyone? And no, not just any pops, but Oreo Pops. These treats are incredibly easy to make, so easy that your kids can even help out. Perfect for any Fourth of July gathering.

A heavenly mixed berry trifle made with summer fresh blueberries, strawberries, white chocolate pudding, angel food cake and cream. A beautiful guiltless dessert that would make your July 4th table proud.

You simply can’t have enough red white and blue desserts when it comes to the Fourth. This Firecracker Bundt cake is not just fun but easy to make, plus it’ll have all your guests wondering just how you did it.

Welcome your guests with the unique Fourth of July wreath. It’s a festive, easy, inexpensive and fun craft to get you ready for the festivities!

Light the way to your party with this simple DIY project. Super cute yet super easy.

The Fourth of July is traditionally a time for family and friend get-togethers. Entertain in style with these fun and easy Mason Jar utensil holders.

Now it’s time for the fun stuff, drinks. We are big fans of sangria, especially in the summer. Plus the fruit makes the drink seem so festive. Here is a beautiful option full of strawberries, blueberries and pineapple – perfect for The Fourth of July!.

This Fourth of July don’t just offer your guests water, offer them water with a festive twist. Freeze blueberries, blackberries and strawberries or raspberries with water in an ice cube tray. Cute and tasty Fourth of July drinks for everyone. Also great with Seven-Up or Sprite.

And of course your Papa Ben’s Kitchen Mandelbroyt is a must this Fourth of July. We recommend our Lemon Blueberry with Poppyseed for the occasion as it’s loaded with blueberries which are not just perfect for the the Fourth but also for July which is National Blueberry Month. Thank you for reading about our Favorites for the Fourth!

Happy Father’s Day Dad’s

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

With Father’s Day just around the corner we thought we’d take a minute and wish all you Dad’s out there a wonderful day and year! And to our very own Papa Ben, we thank you for all you have done for your wife, children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. We could not be more thankful! and We love you very much!

Looking for some fun ideas for the dads in your life? Look no further! Show your special dad just how much he means this Father’s Day with these great gift ideas. We’ve got something for everyone.

Happy Father’s Day Dad’s

This all-in-one shoe shine kit is the perfect gift for the dapper dad in your life!

We all know how much men love their tools. So this year get him the right tool for any job with this home-improvement workhorse. The modular cordless drill morphs into a saw, a sander and even more just by swapping the appropriate attachment. What’s even better is it can be found directly on Amazon!

If the man in your life is a golf enthusiast, this is the perfect gift for him! Transport him to the lush landscapes of the Emerald Isle with this gorgeous volume fore! golf enthusiasts. Limited edition. This book will transport him to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, and he will sure to be forever thankful.

Does the dad in your life know how to pull it together? Well here is a great gift to add to his already dapper wardrobe. Preppy meets sporty in this handsome time-piece with it’s sleek minimal and elegant design.

Hands down this is the coolest kite we have ever seen! And yes, this handmade kite really does fly! It comes in a sturdy kraft envelope with easy-to-assemble instructions and kite twine. Dad and the kids will be sure to get some fun out of this gift!

Is your Dad in search of a sharp new look for the links? This Father’s Day gift of spiffy golf shoes, not only have strong grip cleats. but also a waterproof warranty!

If your dad is a frequent traveler, he will truly appreciate this upscale tie-case. Made of Italian Titan Brown leather this zip-around case holds up to four ties, wrinkle-free!

A snappy tote of leather and cotton canvas is a perfect carry-all Father’s Day gift. It is great to hold files for work or even hammers, bolts, screws and more for home-improvement work.

For the outdoor adventurer dad this is a must-have accordion lantern that collapses into a flashlight. Illuminate your campsite or even your backyard with two brightness settings. Charge the lantern by hand crank or via USB cable. Includes the USB cable and a handle for hanging!

Get dad to throw out those frayed and faded trunks this year by replacing them with this irresistible pair! Beachside, poolside or barside these Bonobos are the obvious solution and a great gift for Father’s Day.

Summer is here and we all know a Dad who has been glued to the BBQ since Memorial Day Weekend. Go ahead, splurge . . . get that grill master this savory Father’s Day gift of eleven marinades, rubs and more in a hip and functional tote!

You can’t go wrong with this comfy classic cotton slim pajama set from JCrew, perfect for every Dad to lounge in on this Father’s Day.

And don’t think we forgot our very own Papa Ben’s Kitchen Mandelbroyt. In addition to what you get Dad this year make sure to stash his pantry and belly with some of our delicious cookies! At only 80 calories each, he’s bound to keep his boyish figurel!

Happy Mother’s Day To All The Wonderful Moms Out There

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there! Being a women owned family company, we are very thankful to the two incredible mom’s that own and run Papa Ben’s Kitchen, Jean Lesser and her daughter Gail Lesser-Gerber.

Need some creative ideas for gifts for your special mom? You’re in luck! We’ve got ideas for breakfast in bed, homemade Sunday brunch, an unexpected flower delivery, and some great you-won’t-find-this-just-anywhere gift picks.

A soft pair of cotton pajama pants are just another reason (ahem, other than breakfast in bed) she’ll be staying in bed a bit longer this Sunday morning.

A pair of earrings that will serve her well this season. These hand cut aqua drops will work well with just about any sundress or a black shift dress. For a bolder option check out the jade drops.

These Bhangra Bangles are the perfect vibrant accessory for a woman with a typical silver-or-gold rotation. A great balance of historical opulence and yet modern feminism make a beautiful Mother’s Day gift.

This old-fashion style milk jug from Anthropologie is a great Mother’s Day find. It even breaks apart for precise measuring amounts. Both adorable and practical and a great staple for any mother’s kitchen.

A delicate white flower adds the perfect finishing touch to an unfinished bottle of wine or even an empty vintage bottle.

The perfect gift for Mother’s Day (or Father’s Day come to think of it). Have your favorite family recipe laser engraved on a Bamboo Cutting Board.

Need a great Mother’s Day gift for the mom who loves to throw dinner parties? This amazing cheese curler is fantastic for foodies and cheese fiends alike. Creating a remarkable look for appetizers or the buffet table. Made of solid beech wood with a built in stainless steel revolving curler, your mom will be ready to entertain in style.

Treat mom to a batch of delectable iced sugar cookies you can even personalize them to make your Mother’s Day extra special with the included edible ink markers. Great idea for a gift that the little ones can get creative with.

How about the gift of luxury relaxation this Mother’s Day? After a long hard day in the garden her green thumb will appreciate a restorative lather with this gentle, all-natural soap exclusively from William-Sonoma.

For those of you looking for a DIY Mother’s Day project check out these Pressed Pansy Coasters. She may not have time for a full remodel but these coasters will ensure her table is fit for entertaining.

And don’t think we forgot our very own Papa Ben’s Kitchen Mandelbroyt. In addition to what you get Mom this year make sure to stash her pantry with some of our delicious cookies! At only 80 calories each, she’s bound to be thankful!

To each and every wonderful mom out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

6 Spring Projects for the Kids

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

Spur your kids creativity this spring with some seasonally inspired do-it-yourself projects. Explore some of our favorite projects below and don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us too!
Add music to your garden this spring and summer with a DIY wind chime. Here are 20 inspiring wind chime ideas that will have you and your little ones raring to go.

One your little tots are bound to love. This Dots wreath is not only festive but the leftovers are delicious!
Let your kiddos create a buzz this Spring with easy-to-make flower baskets

Turn a plain white shirt into the perfect spring outfit by decorating it with painted potato stamps made from flower-shaped cookie cutters. Here’s how!

This spring have your little gardeners use eggshells as pots to start seeds and coffee-stirrer tags to foretell what will pop up where. Plant seeds and nestle planters in an egg carton on a sunny windowsill, and don’t forget to water!

Cut decorative paper into a right triangle, with the bottom shorter than the vertical edge. Punch three holes along vertical edge. Weave a drinking straw through the holes. Lodge the end of the straw into a ball of Play-Doh, and affix the sail to the top side of a coffee-can lid. Enjoy these Spring Projects for the kids and have fun all Spring long!

Recipes We Love for Spring | Recipes for Spring

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

Winter has come and gone and in just a couple of days we will usher in Spring with its longer days and warmer nights. But seasons aren’t just about the weather! So get fresh with some recipes for Spring using asparagus, artichoke, rhubarb, and other seasonal favorites. From drinks to desserts here are some spring-time favorites.

Cool and refreshing this Home-made Ginger Ale is pretty simple to make and is great for guests of all ages.

And now, if you are looking for just the right adult spring concoction . . . here it is. This strawberry rhubarb sangria is crisp and delicious and most definitely has a kick to it. One of many great recipes for Spring!

Fresh fava beans, baby spinach, frisee and mint, accented with rich goat cheese makes for the perfect spring salad.

This Italian flatbread is a keeper. The thin crust topped with fresh vegetables and mozzarella cheese is just light enough yet still bursting with flavor. Great for any gathering.

Usher in Spring with a crowd pleasing Artichoke Pasta that celebrates the season. Plus they offer two different phenomenal versions of this vernal meal here.

Braised chicken beside a bed of seasonal vegetables is not only delicious but easy enough to handle for any week-night dinner! Can you ask for more?

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with cheesy spinach is not only mouth-watering pasta dish but also a great way to sneak in those good-for-you veggies and make your vegetarian friends happy all at once!

These coconut-topped cupcakes make eating dessert feel like a tropical vacation.

Last but not least Papa Ben’s delicious Lemon Blueberry Mandelbroyt! The citrus flavor fused with the sweetness of the blueberry is perfect for Spring. So good you’ll have to try not to eat the whole box at once!

Preparing for Purim

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

Purim is a joyous occasion that celebrates the salvation of the Jews. It is common during this time to exchange gifts of food and drink with family and friends, give to charity or those less fortunate than you and of course, drink wine and feast. Here are some traditions, purim recipe ideas and new discoveries we’d love to share with you for the holiday this weekend.

Hamantaschen is a traditional Jewish recipe made by generations past and in homes today, including ours! These fruit-filled cookies are traditional for Purim, plus you can put them in gift baskets to give to all your friends!

It’s always fun to have your children learn more about a holiday through hands on experience. So here are a couple DIY projects for you and the kiddos!

Homemade Woven Baskets – Mishloach Manot for Purim

Purim Noise-Maker (a classic prop used during the reading of the Book of Esther)

Printable Purim Masks from the Book of Esther

If you find yourself stuck searching for a creative mishloach manot idea this year here are a few original ideas that won’t break the bank.

S’mores Kits

The Artists Pallete

Springtime Purim Plants

Chocolate Hand Dipped Hamantashen

Papa Ben’s Kitchen Mandelbroyt always makes a great gift for any occasion, but this traditional Jewish cookie is especially meaningful during this great holiday. In a day filled with sweets, Papa Ben’s Mandelbread gives just the right amount of sweetness but with wholesome all natural ingredients, low sugar, low salt, and low calorie, so it is low guilt! Enjoy the above activities and purim recipe ideas this year!

And of course, there is never a holiday too small for a themed cocktail. This delicious Pomegranate Margarita is not just pretty but absolutely delicious. Make several batches ahead of time and have plenty of garnish pre-cut. So easy!

Lastly don’t forget to give! Purim is a holiday teeming with opportunities to give and to share. So take this opportunity and touch someones life, you’ll be surprised to see what it can do for you and them.

Designing The Perfect Cheese Platter

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

Love cheese? Who doesn’t. Putting together just the right cheese plate can be a little more difficult than it sounds but the other night Papa Ben’s got so close to perfect we just had to share. Here are a few quick and easy tips for all you cheese lovers out there.

When entertaining make sure to have about one ounce per person per cheese – and stick to about 5 to 6 cheeses total.
Choose a VARIETY: different textures, countries and milk types (the 3 milk types are goat, sheep and cow).
The cheeses we choose above are: 1) Mt Tam, Cowgirl Creamery’s insanely creamy brie 2) La Tur, you will see will disappear first 3) Pyrenees Brebis, with a great nutty flavor and pairs well with fig jam 4) Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, loaded with earthy flavors 5) Gruyere, nothing if not a gracious wine pairing partner and 6) Cambozola Black Label a delicate and under-stated blue cheese
Serve all the cheeses on one big board. You typically want your guests to start with the mildest and work up to the strongest, so place the cheeses in “clock order” from mildest to strongest.
To experience the full flavor and texture cheese should be at room temperature. So take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving.
Make sure you have different cheese knives for the different textures.
Oh and don’t forget your adornments! In addition to the usual baguette and/or crackers be sure to add nuts, charcuterie, olives, honey and dried fruits.
Wine and cheese – a natural pair. Enjoying a good wine and a good cheese can enhance the flavors of both. It’s counterintuitive but surprisingly white and lighter red wines are the way to go when pairing with cheese. The lack of tannins in white and light red wine, which are particularly tough on creamy cheeses help bring out the complexities of the cheese. If you are dead set on a bold red wine, drink Cabernet and drink it with harder cheeses (such as cheddar or jack). Lastly always remember sweet wine loves blue cheese!
Leftovers? Don’t store the leftover cheese in Saran Wrap, it will only make it sweat. Cheese needs to breathe – so wrap it in parchment or wax paper and keep it in the most humid part of the fridge (aka the vegetable drawer).

Ultimately have fun and don’t be afraid. Try new things and let the flavors be your guide, trust your taste buds and get started designing the perfect cheese platter of your own today!

Last Minute Valentines Day Ideas from Papa Ben’s Kitchen

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

The holiday may have snuck up on you this year but don’t worry! There is still plenty of time to get working on some great crafts, favors and desserts. Here are a few of our favorite ideas for this years Valentine’s Day!

It’s still not too late for these little favors for party, school, family and friends. Simply fill your bags with some Valentine’s Day treats and secure them with a festive clothespin.

Conversation hearts make a great addition to any Valentines Day floral decor. They are amazingly sentimental and could not be more festive.

A Shirley Temple-inspired cherry bomb is not only festive but will also take you back to your childhood with just one sip.

Its not a proper holiday without something sweet. We found this brown sugar blondie recipe and could not say enough about it!

Heat things up this Valentine’s Day with some of our very own Papa Ben’s Kitchen Mandelbroyt! Our Spicy Chipotle Flavor with Ginger and Dark Chocolate doesn’t just look luscious, they are incomparable to anything you’ve ever tasted. Take the slight kick of Chipotle chili; sprinkle the fresh and tangy flavor of ginger root and swirl in ribbons of dark chocolate to create an unsurpassable scrumptiousness that will linger in your palate. These Mandelbroyt are dairy free and kosher and sure to spice up your Valentine’s Day!

For that final touch to your Valentine’s Day treats check out these printable tags on Etsy. Simply print, trim and use as gift tags, valentines, cupcake toppers, candle medallions, gift embellishments, holiday art and more!

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Papa Ben’s Kitchen!

A Festive Espresso Eggnog Martini Recipe

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

There is nothing like a festive cocktail to make your spirits brighter! So be sure to greet your guests with this delicious Papa Ben’s Kitchen Eggnog Martini. Watch as Papa Ben’s Kitchen President Gail Lesser-Gerber, shares with you this wonderful (and super easy) cocktail recipe using, Eggnog, Kaluha and Southern Comfort – featuring Papa Ben’s Kitchen Chocolate Espresso Bean Mandelbroyt! Go on take a look and help spread good cheer this holiday season!

For more information about Papa Ben’s Kitchen or for additional delicious recipe ideas using our mandelbread, visit us online at www.papabenskitchen.com.

It’s MoreThan Thanksgiving! Small Business Saturday

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Papa Ben's Kitchen

Black Friday for many is synonymous with Thanksgiving. It is far and away the biggest shopping day of the year. But what some of you may not know is that the Saturday following Black Friday is Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a day where people can show their support of and shop at local, independently owned business. In previous years this day has resulted in day-long increased sales for local mom and pop shops, many of which offer special discounts. Papa Ben’s Kitchen would appreciate your support of our small family business this Small Business Saturday November 30th, and to show our thanks we are offering an 18% discount on your order, simply enter promo code PUMPKIN.

Now that you’ve done your shopping for the holiday season it’s time to give back. Following Small Business Saturday is Giving Tuesday. It is a day set aside, as of two years ago, to remind us to give back, be generous and volunteer our time and/or money to a charity or local cause. Even though it is just a single day, our impact as whole could reverberate throughout the nation. So join us in this movement and help make a difference as small as it may be. Papa Ben’s Kitchen gives back everyday by giving a portion of its profits to the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation. Help us keep the memory alive this Giving Tuesday by simply buying some of our delicious Mandelbroyt or by making a donation directly to this great cause. Visit their website for more information. www.ZachorFoundation.org

Papa Ben's Kitchen Mandelbread Blog

Crispy. Crunchy. Delicious. What's Not To Love?

Category Archives: FAMILY

Favorites for the Fourth!

Favorites for the Fourth!

Happy Father’s Day Dad’s

Happy Father’s Day Dad’s

Happy Mother’s Day To All The Wonderful Moms Out There

6 Spring Projects for the Kids

Recipes We Love for Spring | Recipes for Spring

Preparing for Purim

Designing The Perfect Cheese Platter

Last Minute Valentines Day Ideas from Papa Ben’s Kitchen

A Festive Espresso Eggnog Martini Recipe

It’s MoreThan Thanksgiving! Small Business Saturday