In a Nutshell:

Doctored ramen

(I like the rice and millet version from Lotus Foods):

Prepare according to package directions and add soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil.

—Michal Frischman

FT, help me!!

Heavy cream always separates when I rewarm a dairy pasta! How do you avoid that?

The best way to reheat is to bring the dish to room temperature. High heat will always make the heavy cream separate even more. So if rewarming is necessary, use the lowest heat possible.

—Rivky Kleiman

Must try

Sometimes it’s the small details that make the big difference. My friend shared the best way to serve watermelon. It’s game changing. Sprinkle the watermelon with lime zest and just a touch of Himalayan pink salt. Serve cold.

—Estee Kafra

Reader Feedback

Kudos to you for providing recipes for beans — a food that is beneficial for health as well as for the wallet.

A study that followed 785 individuals aged 70 and over for 7 years found that in different countries — Japan, Sweden, Greece, and Australia — the one food associated with a longer lifespan was consumption of different kinds of beans; Swedes with brown beans and peas, Japanese with soy, and in the Mediterranean — lentils, chickpeas, and white beans.

It’s a brachah that such a healthy food is also cheap and easily available — about $1–2 per pound, as compared to some “superfoods” that cost $40–50 per pound! (Regarding concerns with stomach issues, there are various suggestions, such as pre-soaking, but the simplest advice is to start with small amounts and increase gradually.)

Thanks for your magazine, which we always enjoy!

—P.K.

Just Sayin’

What’s one thing you recently threw away from your vast collection of kitchen gadgets?

This apple peeler/slicer was fun to take out as an activity when my children were younger, but it’s not very easy to clean, so I decided to toss it.

—Esther Ottensoser

Ok, Quick:

Sparkling or still water?

Still water; I try to drink 10–12 cups of water a day. During the summer months, I like to add some fruits (cherries, peaches, and herbs, lemon and lime, etc.) to my cup for a nice subtle flavor.

—Chaya Suri Leitner

Calling all Cooks!

Please send in your Apple Crisp recipes to usproduction@mishpacha.com for our upcoming Cooks Compete. Please send it in by August 15, 2022, for your chance to win a $100 gift card! Previous winners may not enter a second time.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 804)