Steven Genack

Steven Genack has worked at OU Kosher for more than 10 years with a focus on ingredients. He is an attorney and former editor of a newspaper. He has a wide array of interests including playing tennis, golf and basketball and reading biographies and memoirs.

Aldi Products

Price points for private-label products found in brick-and-mortar stores often come in at a discount. Because manufacturers can produce private-label products in bulk, negotiate with established suppliers and streamline operations, these products enjoy reduced costs. Through niche brand creation, consumer trust and easy accessibility, store brands are growing in popularity. Aldi leads the North American […]

The Nomenclature of the Turkey

Is there a possible connection between Christopher Columbus and the Hebrew term for Turkey? From a linguistic and historical point of view, a connection can be drawn. In the Megillah, we know that Achashverosh ruled from Hodu until Kush. Hodu was India. When Christopher Columbus reached the shores, he thought he discovered India. Therefore, turkey […]

The Savory Mushroom 

Umami, the “fifth” taste with a savory disposition and meaty-like texture, gives mushrooms their flavor. Discovered in Japan in 1908 and classified as an original taste in 1985, it’s also found in vegetables like tomatoes, as well as in other foods such as parmesan cheese and meat. Since umami foods have such a pronounced and […]

A 7-Eleven Shopping Extravaganza

  I had the great fortune to engage in a 7-Eleven journey with my family to enjoy Slurpees and take advantage of select OU kosher-certified 7-Eleven products. The OU Slurpee list gives all the details necessary to know what is permissible to drink. The varied selection of products was invigorating to see. Whether you’re staying […]

Food and Fertility

Challah bakes and the blessing of children are highlights of the Jewish High Holidays but exist year-round. As Gila Block, a chocolate lover and executive director of Yesh Tikva (“There is Hope”), an organization that supports and comforts those going through the infertility struggle, explained to me: food is all about G-d’s creation process, and […]

The Pistachio Chocolate Bar

Known as the Dubai bar, this pistachio-creamed milk chocolate bar is gripping the country. Easy to make, this shredded phyllo dough mixed with pistachio paste encased in milk chocolate, achieves a marked taste. Israeli-based, 7th Heaven, certified kosher by the OU, produces a dairy-free option. In terms of health, both chocolate and pistachios are filled […]

Crispy Rice Sushi Squares

Crispy rice is trending and can give your made-at-home sushi a new taste and crunch. Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, the OU fish expert, explains the kosher parameters of buying salmon in this video, and for other fish, here. In this way, you can spice up your favorite fish to be enjoyed on a crispy fried rice square. […]

Back-to-School Snack Bars

As children return to school, parents are seeking wholesome snacks to serve. Snack bars for children are a convenient option as they are manageable in size. Two OU kosher-certified companies, Kind and MadeGood, offer flavorful, nutritious and allergen-free snack bars. Their names speak to their respective values, to create a “kinder” society and “make good” […]

Grounded Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice, or pumpkin spice, was introduced to the general public by McCormick in 1934; however, its true origin dates back 3,500 years to the Spice Islands. The spice is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves and only received its name due to the fact that these spices were a good […]

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast, also known as “nooch,” is laden with breakthrough properties, especially a delectable pareve cheese aroma. It’s a deactivated yeast that’s “nutritionally” packed with protein, fiber and vitamins. OU kosher-certified Harmony House Foods offers various sizes. Popcorn, pasta and lamb will never taste the same once this enchanted yeast is mixed together with them. […]