Kosher foods are prepared according to Jewish law.
Traditional Jewish law defines which foods can be eaten and how those foods are to be prepared and eaten. Jews observe these laws because the Torah says so even though the Torah does not specify the reason for most of the laws.
Choosing Cheese
Rennet, an enzyme from a cow's stomach, is often used in the making of cheese. To be kosher, cheese must be made with a form of rennet derived from mold. Some kosher cheeses include mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, muenster and ricotta.
Choosing Meat
Only the meat of an animal that chews its cud and has cloven hooves, such as a cow, deer, sheep or goat, can be kosher. These animals must be slaughtered under strict guidelines.
Labeling
Products labeled with a K inside a circle are kosher; as are those labeled with a U inside a circle. The U is certification from the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations.
Cooking
Cheese and meat can not be cooked together or served on the same plate. This separation also extends to pans, cooking utensils, plates and silverware.
Eating
You must wait between three to six hours between eating meat and dairy products. From dairy to meat, however, you only need to rinse out your mouth and eat a neutral solid like bread.
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