Pre-Shabbos Treats

In my house growing up, we had something called "pre-Shabbos treats." I am not sure if this was something done in other households, or just a ploy by my parents to get us to clean our rooms before Shabbat, but what it meant was that in the midst of the wild rush to get everything ready before Shabbat, my four older siblings and I were allowed one special treat that we didn't normally get during the week. This was so tied in with my childhood Shabbat experience, that I am fairly certain I believed it was an actual law of observing Shabbat. As time-honored and sacred a tradition as lighting the candles or saying the kiddush, was having a fudgsicle before inviting the Shabbos Queen into our home.

From my perspective many years later, what a brilliant strategy on my parents part to give us a positive association with Shabbat! Who doesn't love a pre-Shabbos treat??

All traditions start somewhere...and I am bringing "pre-Shabbos treats" straight to Kitah Alef Bet! (But with a healthier twist ;-)

We blended DELICIOUS fruit smoothies, sang spirited Shabbat tunes, and welcomed in Shabbat with smiles on our faces.

(Recipe after the pics!)

Watching the fruits get blended

 Kitah Alef Bet's Totally Awesome Smoothies

2 cups apple juice
1 cup frozen bananas
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen blueberries

Blend until smooth, enjoy!