Last week, Donna and I got together to sample the next box in my Universal Yums gift subscription (thanks again, Kenn and Jonathan!). I had meant to post this earlier but – as I explained to Donna – feeling sorry for myself for injuring my IT bands in both knees was taking up all of my time, doncha know?๐. I’ve seen my nurse practitioner and my chiropractor already, and I am seeing a physiotherapist tomorrow with hopes to resolve the problem as fast as possible. I am mightily miffed that I have had to curtail my exercise program for the time being, lest I make things worse. All those hard-won meagre gains will be lost! ARGH! OK, Pity Party over…
Donna decided to make us a delicious chicken shawarma lunch to accompany our sampling of Israeli snacks, and I decided to make an Israeli drink to go with our lunch (recipe included in the box) so we were all set for another fun morning.
Box contents
First up: Falafel sticks
These really captured the flavour of falafel, nicely although they did not contain any chickpeas whatsoever. I guess it’s all about the spices.The only issue I had with them is that they reminded me of something I have fed to a pet in the past (I think it was my hamster). ๐
This was followed by another savoury snack.
Lemon flavoured corn snacks? Sounds good!These were a hit with the both of us as well. Not spicy at all, despite the chili pepper depicted on the bag.
Next up – a sweet candy bar.
The name of this bar means “Time Out”.White chocolate, milk chocolate, caramel wafers and milk cream. Very rich and very sweet.
Back to savoury (and sweet) with some pretzel bites.
These tasted and looked exactly like what you can get in North America. Nothing unusual about these.
The next sampling was also nothing new – marshmallows.
Your basic marshmallows…Israelis apparently eat more marshmallows per capita than Americans. And the package proclaims they are made with fish gelatin. Maybe to keep kosher? Although there is no dairy listed in the ingredients…hmmmm, a mystery.
Another sweet offering was next on our agenda – grape toffee sticks (found in the Yum bag).
This was interesting. Nice grapey flavour I remembered from grape candies in my childhood.
Our last Yum from the box (and the Yum bag) was the Strawberry Banana Swirl soft candy.
Neither of us like these types of candies. Flavour was good though, and candy interior was pretty.
Another delightful box. Our scoring:
No surprises here…
Now on to the Israeli drink – Limonana!
IngredientsAssembling the LimonanaThis drink was absolutely delicious and refreshing, as promised. We couldn’t be bothered to separate out all the membranes from the lemons so our drink was cloudier than in the recipe (bonus fiber!๐). I will be making it again this summer – you can count on it! I bet it would go great with gin or vodka.
We capped off our tasting session with a delicious lunch prepared by Donna. Thank you again, my friend!
Wow! What a beautiful spread.Slow cooked shawarma-spiced chicken with veggies and a liberal helping of baba ganoush, in a pita. Amazing flavours!We didn’t try to dress like Israelis because a) we didn’t know how and b) we had to skedaddle immediately after lunch to an outdoor class on trees (where we were rained upon, per usual ๐คฃ).
I wonder where the Universal Yums box will take us next month…Any guesses?
44 thoughts on “Because You Asked: A Snack Trip to Israel”
Hi Deb – it’s certainly an interesting experiment … and opens the doors to different countries – though personally I’d go for Donna’s lunch – looks positively delicious. I guess I’d give the marshmallows to some kids, or grab a wooden skewer and roast them. But fascinating present to be sent – cheers Hilary
Looks like fun! I’m so happy that you didn’t bother with the pith and membrane removal before making the drink. That’s the ONLY way I’d try it… and, based on your recommendation, I just might. Tell Donna that we want her chicken shawarma recipe ๐
โAinโt nobody got time for that!โ, some wise woman once said. I will pass on the recipe request to DonnaโฆI should have asked her earlierโฆtrying to make my own chicken shawarma today from a recipe I found on the InterwebsโฆI donโt know if it will give me the same flavour as her fabulous chicken, but ๐ค. Thanks, Janis ๐
Lemon and mint is a wonderful comboโฆI know Iโve have drinks with that before, but never thought of making it myself. I agree, snacking is universal as are human tastebuds. Thanks, Rivergirl ๐
Not being a sweets fan, I’d ditch those and probably the sugar in the drink, too. (But I’m used to those sweet Meyer lemons you can eat right off the tree… if said tree hasn’t been sprayed. ๐ However, Donna’s lunch looks enticing. Take care of those legs, lady!
You can eat Meyer lemons right off the tree?! Wow. I have seen them in the store from time to time but didnโt realize what they were all about. Going to have to try some next time I see a bag. Thanks, Del ๐ I came home from physio today with a bunch of exercises to do to help heal and strengthen my knees.
Glad to hear you’re doing better. Yes, do try the Meyer variety… make sure they feel plump & juicy. Sometimes they’re picked too soon & are hard as rocks. Them’s the ones to avoid – very bitter. ๐
Probably those are the ones we would find in the grocery stores up here, unfortunately. Thanks for the advice, Del. Maybe I will get lucky with these lemons!๐
Hi, Deb – These snack boxes have been such a fun adventure! I should send a thank you note to Kenn and Jonathan myself! I’m already looking forward to our next snacking adventure. For that photo, please remind me to remove my socks when wearing capri yoga pants! ๐
I would like very much to be a guest Yummer some day. While you and Donna fight over the savoury, salty treats, I will happily indulge in the sweet and sticky versions that the two of you seem to always reject. I predict a win-win-win ๐
What fun and you’ve inspired me to buy a mint plant so I can make that drink all summer too. I like how you drew emoji for on your rating card with different degrees of smiles.
Yes, it is frustrating but I suppose to be expected no matter how careful I thought I was being. I guess this is an argument for working with a trainer instead of following a video at home. Not that I am going to be doing that any time soonโฆThanks, Tracey ๐
The snacks sound good, didn’t know about the Israel marshmallow connection. Limonana sounds delicious, as does Donna’s lunch. Looking forward to seeing where your snacks take us next.
If we had a pity party together is it still a pity party? I am almost back to square one again. As to the IT issues– consider massage with cupping. It’s the thing that worked the best with mine. I guess it’s an age thing that we need to accept and learn to go slower. I did a Seniors cardio video — I’m not that old!! As to the snacks I was surprised you didn’t costume up. It would have been easy to pull on long sleeves and a tichel. But maybe no socks with the capris! I did note that๐
I vote yummy to the falafel & lemon corn snacks, but it’s the drink that’s the absolute winner for me. It sounds much like what we drank in India on hot days as children. Donna’s lunch also sounds excellent, and has inspired me to suggest Himself adds it to his summer repetoire ๐ Me, I’d better get squeezing the lemons.
Hi Deb – it’s certainly an interesting experiment … and opens the doors to different countries – though personally I’d go for Donna’s lunch – looks positively delicious. I guess I’d give the marshmallows to some kids, or grab a wooden skewer and roast them. But fascinating present to be sent – cheers Hilary
Youโd always make the correct choice by choosing Donnaโs lunch! ๐ Thanks, Hilary ๐
I laughed out loud at the comparison to hamster food.
It was the first thing that came to mind when the pieces came spilling out of the bag! Thanks, Kari ๐
You always come up with the most fun projects Deb.
Leslie xoxo
Thank you, Leslie ๐ Anything goes as blog fodder, I figure ๐
๐
Interesting but some seemed very familiar. It’s a fun project though.
It sure is. Thanks, Kate ๐
Looks like fun! I’m so happy that you didn’t bother with the pith and membrane removal before making the drink. That’s the ONLY way I’d try it… and, based on your recommendation, I just might. Tell Donna that we want her chicken shawarma recipe ๐
โAinโt nobody got time for that!โ, some wise woman once said. I will pass on the recipe request to DonnaโฆI should have asked her earlierโฆtrying to make my own chicken shawarma today from a recipe I found on the InterwebsโฆI donโt know if it will give me the same flavour as her fabulous chicken, but ๐ค. Thanks, Janis ๐
Hi, Janis – This is the recipe that I used. https://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe/chicken-shawarma-slow-cooker-instant-pot-or-grill. It was easy-peasy, health-conscious and delcious. Win-win-win!
Itโs funny how many of these international delights are similar to ours. I guess snacking is universal. Lemon and mint lemonade sounds lovely.
Lemon and mint is a wonderful comboโฆI know Iโve have drinks with that before, but never thought of making it myself. I agree, snacking is universal as are human tastebuds. Thanks, Rivergirl ๐
Not being a sweets fan, I’d ditch those and probably the sugar in the drink, too. (But I’m used to those sweet Meyer lemons you can eat right off the tree… if said tree hasn’t been sprayed. ๐ However, Donna’s lunch looks enticing. Take care of those legs, lady!
You can eat Meyer lemons right off the tree?! Wow. I have seen them in the store from time to time but didnโt realize what they were all about. Going to have to try some next time I see a bag. Thanks, Del ๐ I came home from physio today with a bunch of exercises to do to help heal and strengthen my knees.
Glad to hear you’re doing better. Yes, do try the Meyer variety… make sure they feel plump & juicy. Sometimes they’re picked too soon & are hard as rocks. Them’s the ones to avoid – very bitter. ๐
Probably those are the ones we would find in the grocery stores up here, unfortunately. Thanks for the advice, Del. Maybe I will get lucky with these lemons!๐
๐ค๐ค
I love reading about your snack boxes. All the fun and none of the calories ( on me! )
Even though you didn’t even try ๐ … I tag you for today’s Friendly Friday Challenge: Unique Treats
Thanks, Sandy ๐
I’m always entertained by these snack reviews! ๐๐
Thank you, Hot Goddess ๐
Hi, Deb – These snack boxes have been such a fun adventure! I should send a thank you note to Kenn and Jonathan myself! I’m already looking forward to our next snacking adventure. For that photo, please remind me to remove my socks when wearing capri yoga pants! ๐
Only if you remind me to stand up straight! ๐คฃ Thanks, Donna ๐
Deal!
I would like very much to be a guest Yummer some day. While you and Donna fight over the savoury, salty treats, I will happily indulge in the sweet and sticky versions that the two of you seem to always reject. I predict a win-win-win ๐
I predict a guest spot for you in the future! For sure. In fact Donna and I were speaking of that very thing a while back ๐. Thanks, Joanne ๐
Alright! I hope it’s a good box … or a really bad one. We could have fun with that ๐
Very nice looking snacks but I really want Donnaโs lunch offering. That looks so amazing.
It was amazing! I have the recipe now and Iโll make it for you next time you are here. Thanks, Sis ๐
What fun and you’ve inspired me to buy a mint plant so I can make that drink all summer too. I like how you drew emoji for on your rating card with different degrees of smiles.
I predict youโll love it, Jean! Thank you ๐
These are so fun to read! And yes, I’m going to add mint to my lemonade this summer.
You wonโt regret it! Thanks, Pat ๐
I bet that drink would be good with vodka! I hope you recover soon. Very frustrating to be injured while trying to be healthy!
Yes, it is frustrating but I suppose to be expected no matter how careful I thought I was being. I guess this is an argument for working with a trainer instead of following a video at home. Not that I am going to be doing that any time soonโฆThanks, Tracey ๐
The snacks sound good, didn’t know about the Israel marshmallow connection. Limonana sounds delicious, as does Donna’s lunch. Looking forward to seeing where your snacks take us next.
Limonana is very refreshing and delicious, I learned. And Donnaโs lunch was spectacular. Thank you, Ally ๐
If we had a pity party together is it still a pity party? I am almost back to square one again. As to the IT issues– consider massage with cupping. It’s the thing that worked the best with mine. I guess it’s an age thing that we need to accept and learn to go slower. I did a Seniors cardio video — I’m not that old!! As to the snacks I was surprised you didn’t costume up. It would have been easy to pull on long sleeves and a tichel. But maybe no socks with the capris! I did note that๐
๐คฃ
I vote yummy to the falafel & lemon corn snacks, but it’s the drink that’s the absolute winner for me. It sounds much like what we drank in India on hot days as children. Donna’s lunch also sounds excellent, and has inspired me to suggest Himself adds it to his summer repetoire ๐ Me, I’d better get squeezing the lemons.
Yes, youโd better! ๐ When life gives you lemons, make limonana I say! Thanks, Debs๐
Pingback: What’s On Your Plate Blog Challenge – Donna Is Away Edition – THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG