Ikar and Tafel: Difference between revisions

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==General Guidelines of Ikar and Tofel==
==General Guidelines of Ikar and Tofel==
# The Bracha that one makes on the ikar (primary food) covers the Bracha on the Tofel (secondary food). This rule applies to Bracha Rishona and Bracha Achrona. <Ref> S”A 212:1 </ref>
# The Bracha that one makes on the ikar (primary food) covers the Bracha on the Tofel (secondary food). This rule applies to [[Bracha Rishona]] and [[Bracha Achrona]]. <Ref> S”A 212:1 </ref>
# In certain cases, the two foods are not considered a mixture and two brochot are required. If so, one should separate the one which has the more important Bracha (see [[Order of Brochos]] and make the Bracha, then make the other Bracha and eat that food. <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# In certain cases, the two foods are not considered a mixture and two [[brochot]] are required. If so, one should separate the one which has the more important Bracha (see [[Order of Brochos]] and make the Bracha, then make the other Bracha and eat that food. <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# Once the initial situation of the food was a mixture and the two were eaten together, even if some Tofel remains without the Ikar, no need Bracha is needed. <ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 95, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 59-60) </ref> However, if one added more Tofel after the Ikar was finished a new Bracha is needed. <ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 59-60) </ref>
# Once the initial situation of the food was a mixture and the two were eaten together, even if some Tofel remains without the Ikar, no need Bracha is needed. <ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 95, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 59-60) </ref> However, if one added more Tofel after the Ikar was finished a new Bracha is needed. <ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 59-60) </ref>
# If one eats the secondary item before eating the primary item some say that one should make a Bracha on the secondary item as usual, however, some say that since nonetheless it is only secondary in purpose the bracha is automatically Shehakol, therefore, one should avoid such a situation and make sure to eat the primary food before the secondary one. <ref>
# If one eats the secondary item before eating the primary item some say that one should make a Bracha on the secondary item as usual, however, some say that since nonetheless it is only secondary in purpose the bracha is automatically [[Shehakol]], therefore, one should avoid such a situation and make sure to eat the primary food before the secondary one. <ref>
* Sh”t Maharach Or Zaruha 38 writes that if one eats fruit seeds as regular food for sustenance the Bracha is HaEtz, however, if it is eaten only in order to sweeten a drink which one has afterwards the Bracha is Shehakol. The proof is that bread which is kneaded with spices (Pas HaBah Bekisnin) which is normally eaten as a sweet (snack) is [[Mezonot]] and even that it’s not clear and perhaps one should make Shehakol.  
* Sh”t Maharach Or Zaruha 38 writes that if one eats fruit seeds as regular food for sustenance the Bracha is HaEtz, however, if it is eaten only in order to sweeten a drink which one has afterwards the Bracha is [[Shehakol]]. The proof is that bread which is kneaded with spices ([[Pas HaBah Bekisnin]]) which is normally eaten as a sweet (snack) is [[Mezonot]] and even that it’s not clear and perhaps one should make [[Shehakol]].  
* Sh”t Trumat HaDeshen 1:31 writes that if one eats a food in order that one will be able to drink wine not on an empty stomach even though it’s secondary it requires a Bracha because the food is eaten before the wine. He then quotes the Or Zaruha who said that if one is eating the seeds before the drink one makes a Shehakol on the seeds and infers that if a secondary item is eaten before the primary food the Bracha would be Shehakol.  
* Sh”t Trumat HaDeshen 1:31 writes that if one eats a food in order that one will be able to drink wine not on an empty stomach even though it’s secondary it requires a Bracha because the food is eaten before the wine. He then quotes the Or Zaruha who said that if one is eating the seeds before the drink one makes a [[Shehakol]] on the seeds and infers that if a secondary item is eaten before the primary food the Bracha would be [[Shehakol]].  
* However, the Bet Yosef 212:1 argued on the Trumat saying that just because it is coming for the purpose of sweetening the drink the Bracha shouldn’t change draws proof from the Rosh who says that if one ate less than a [[Kezayit]] of shivat haminim one shouldn’t make boreh nefashot because the appropriate Bracha doesn’t change is one just eats less than a [[Kezayit]]. The Darkei Moshe 212:2 rejects the Bet Yosef explaining that having the secondary food first requires a Bracha because one may not enjoy this world without a Bracha but it doesn’t deserve it’s appropriate Bracha since the purpose is secondary, however, if one eats less than the requisite amount the Bracha doesn’t change because one’s purpose was normal eating. The Rama 212:1 rules like the Trumat HaDeshen who says that if one ate the secondary item first one should only make a Shehakol on it.  
* However, the Bet Yosef 212:1 argued on the Trumat saying that just because it is coming for the purpose of sweetening the drink the Bracha shouldn’t change draws proof from the Rosh who says that if one ate less than a [[Kezayit]] of shivat haminim one shouldn’t make boreh nefashot because the appropriate Bracha doesn’t change is one just eats less than a [[Kezayit]]. The Darkei Moshe 212:2 rejects the Bet Yosef explaining that having the secondary food first requires a Bracha because one may not enjoy this world without a Bracha but it doesn’t deserve it’s appropriate Bracha since the purpose is secondary, however, if one eats less than the requisite amount the Bracha doesn’t change because one’s purpose was normal eating. The Rama 212:1 rules like the Trumat HaDeshen who says that if one ate the secondary item first one should only make a [[Shehakol]] on it.  
* Mishna Brurah 212:10 and Beiur Halacha s.v. VeAyno quotes many achronim who disagree with the Rama. Mishna Brurah concludes that one should avoid this situation by eating the primary food first. </ref>
* Mishna Brurah 212:10 and Beiur Halacha s.v. VeAyno quotes many achronim who disagree with the Rama. Mishna Brurah concludes that one should avoid this situation by eating the primary food first. </ref>


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===Rules===
===Rules===
# Even if the two food aren’t eaten together still the Ikar covers the Tofel. <Ref> Shaat HaTziyun 212:21, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11) </ref>
# Even if the two food aren’t eaten together still the Ikar covers the Tofel. <Ref> Shaat HaTziyun 212:21, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11) </ref>
# However, if also has intent to eat the Tofel because of it’s taste, then 2 Brachot are needed. <ref> Mishna Brurah 212:5, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11) </ref>
# However, if also has intent to eat the Tofel because of it’s taste, then 2 [[Brachot]] are needed. <ref> Mishna Brurah 212:5, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11) </ref>
# If mezonot is used as an absolute tofel, the mezonot is covered by the Ikar. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61) </ref>
# If [[mezonot]] is used as an absolute tofel, the [[mezonot]] is covered by the Ikar. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61) </ref>
===Examples===
===Examples===
# For example, one who drank bitter liquor and wants to remove the bad taste with bread should make a Bracha on the liquor and no Bracha is needed for the bread. <Ref> S”A 212:1, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11) </ref> However, since it’s difficult to determine whether one is eating the bread just in order to remove the bitter taste or also for the satiation in brings independently, one should avoid having bread or mezonot just to remove a bitter taste. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 212:5 in name of the Shlah, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11), Halachos of Brochos (pg 57, chapter 11) </ref>
# For example, one who drank bitter liquor and wants to remove the bad taste with bread should make a Bracha on the liquor and no Bracha is needed for the bread. <Ref> S”A 212:1, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11) </ref> However, since it’s difficult to determine whether one is eating the bread just in order to remove the bitter taste or also for the satiation in brings independently, one should avoid having bread or [[mezonot]] just to remove a bitter taste. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 212:5 in name of the Shlah, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11), Halachos of Brochos (pg 57, chapter 11) </ref>
# If a person has bread with olive oil and the olive oil is considered ancillary the Bracha on the bread covers the olive oil. However, if one has a little bread with a lot of olive oil (which one is having in order to soothe one’s throat) which is one’s primary interest the Bracha on the olive oil (HaEtz) and it exempts the Bracha on the bread. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 202:28 </ref>
# If a person has bread with olive oil and the olive oil is considered ancillary the Bracha on the bread covers the olive oil. However, if one has a little bread with a lot of olive oil (which one is having in order to soothe one’s throat) which is one’s primary interest the Bracha on the olive oil (HaEtz) and it exempts the Bracha on the bread. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 202:28 </ref>
# If one eats pickles or olives in order to whet one’s apittite for a meal (that’s one is not having bread), the main food such as meat is Ikar and the olive and pickles are Tofel. To avoid a dispute, one should eat a little of the meat first in order that it cover the pickles or olives. <Ref> Halachos of Brachos (Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 56) </ref>
# If one eats pickles or olives in order to whet one’s apittite for a meal (that’s one is not having bread), the main food such as meat is Ikar and the olive and pickles are Tofel. To avoid a dispute, one should eat a little of the meat first in order that it cover the pickles or olives. <Ref> Halachos of [[Brachos]] (Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 56) </ref>
# One of the ingredients of licorice is flour, however, since the whole purpose of the flour is to make the ingredients stick, the Bracha is Shehakol. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12) </ref>
# One of the ingredients of licorice is flour, however, since the whole purpose of the flour is to make the ingredients stick, the Bracha is [[Shehakol]]. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12) </ref>
# If one of the ingredients of chopped-meat is flour or bread crumbs, however, since the whole purpose of the flour is to make the ingredients stick or to increase the volume of the meat, the Bracha is Shehakol. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 67) </ref>
# If one of the ingredients of chopped-meat is flour or bread crumbs, however, since the whole purpose of the flour is to make the ingredients stick or to increase the volume of the meat, the Bracha is [[Shehakol]]. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 67) </ref>
# If one eats an ice-cream in a cone and one’s intent is only to eat the ice-cream and the cone is only used to hold the ice-cream, one should only make a Shehakol. However, in the usual case where one eats the cone also for a taste, two Brachot are required. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61), Vezot HaBracha (pg 390), Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 4:43 </ref>
# If one eats an ice-cream in a cone and one’s intent is only to eat the ice-cream and the cone is only used to hold the ice-cream, one should only make a [[Shehakol]]. However, in the usual case where one eats the cone also for a taste, two [[Brachot]] are required. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61), Vezot HaBracha (pg 390), Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 4:43 </ref>


==Secondary ingredient enhances the primary ingredient==
==Secondary ingredient enhances the primary ingredient==
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===Rules===
===Rules===
# The Ikar only covers the Tofel if the two are eaten together (in one spoonful, forkful, or handful). <Ref> Shaar HaTziyun 212:21, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11) </ref>  
# The Ikar only covers the Tofel if the two are eaten together (in one spoonful, forkful, or handful). <Ref> Shaar HaTziyun 212:21, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11) </ref>  
# If also has intent to eat the Tofel because of it’s taste and it’s especially dear or important to oneself, then 2 Brachot are needed. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11) </ref>
# If also has intent to eat the Tofel because of it’s taste and it’s especially dear or important to oneself, then 2 [[Brachot]] are needed. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11) </ref>
# If mezonot is used as an enhancer and the foods weren’t cooked together, then two Brachot are required. This only applies for mezonot of the five grains and not rice. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 60, 74) </ref>  
# If [[mezonot]] is used as an enhancer and the foods weren’t cooked together, then two [[Brachot]] are required. This only applies for [[mezonot]] of the five grains and not rice. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 60, 74) </ref>  
===Examples===
===Examples===
# For crackers with cheese, if one’s primary intent is to eat the cracker, the Bracha is mezonot. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 74) </ref>
# For crackers with cheese, if one’s primary intent is to eat the cracker, the Bracha is [[mezonot]]. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 74) </ref>
# For crackers with fish, if one is eating the fish to enhance the cracker, then the Bracha is [[Mezonot]], however, if one desires both, then two Brachot are required (mezonot and shehakol). <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 74) and Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11) write that usually the fish is used to enhance the cracker and so only [[Mezonot]] is needed. However, they conclude, if one specifically desires the fish, then 2 Brachot (Mezonot and Shehakol) are required. Peni HaShulchan (pg 338; Rabbi Pinchas Vitman) writes that the usual case is where one primarily wants the fish and one should make 2 Brachot. </ref>
# For crackers with fish, if one is eating the fish to enhance the cracker, then the Bracha is [[Mezonot]], however, if one desires both, then two [[Brachot]] are required ([[mezonot]] and [[shehakol]]). <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 74) and Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11) write that usually the fish is used to enhance the cracker and so only [[Mezonot]] is needed. However, they conclude, if one specifically desires the fish, then 2 [[Brachot]] ([[Mezonot]] and [[Shehakol]]) are required. Peni HaShulchan (pg 338; Rabbi Pinchas Vitman) writes that the usual case is where one primarily wants the fish and one should make 2 [[Brachot]]. </ref>
# For noodle Kugel and pickles eaten together, only mezonot is necessary. <Ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), Peni HaShulchan (pg 339; Rabbi Pinchas Vitman) </ref>
# For noodle Kugel and pickles eaten together, only [[mezonot]] is necessary. <Ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), Peni HaShulchan (pg 339; Rabbi Pinchas Vitman) </ref>
# Latka with apple sauce, the only Bracha needed is for the latka (either HaAdama or Shehakol depending on it’s consistency). <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# Latka with apple sauce, the only Bracha needed is for the latka (either HaAdama or [[Shehakol]] depending on it’s consistency). <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# For blintzes with sour cream, the only Bracha needed is for the blintzes. <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# For blintzes with sour cream, the only Bracha needed is for the blintzes. <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# For rice cakes with a peanut butter spread, the only Bracha needed is for the rice cakes (which is HaAdama). <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# For rice cakes with a peanut butter spread, the only Bracha needed is for the rice cakes (which is HaAdama). <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# In the usual case where one eats the cone also for a taste, two Brachot (mezonot and Shehakol) are required. However, if one eats an ice-cream in a cone and one’s intent is only to eat the ice-cream and the cone is only used to hold the ice-cream, one should only make a Shehakol. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61), Vezot HaBracha (pg 390) </ref>
# In the usual case where one eats the cone also for a taste, two [[Brachot]] ([[mezonot]] and [[Shehakol]]) are required. However, if one eats an ice-cream in a cone and one’s intent is only to eat the ice-cream and the cone is only used to hold the ice-cream, one should only make a [[Shehakol]]. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61), Vezot HaBracha (pg 390) </ref>
# Many authorities hold that cheese cake is [[Mezonot]] in the usual case where the cheese and crust are baked together. However, some say that the bracha is Shehakol unless there’s a thick crust in which case the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. <ref>
# Many authorities hold that cheese cake is [[Mezonot]] in the usual case where the cheese and crust are baked together. However, some say that the bracha is [[Shehakol]] unless there’s a thick crust in which case the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. <ref>
* In Gemara Brachot 36b, Rav and Shmuel say that anything which has (flour from) the five grains is mezonot. (This is known the rule of Kol SheYesh Bo.) This is quoted by the Rif (Brachot 26a), Rosh (Brachot 6:7), and Rambam (Brachot 3:4) and codified by Tur and S"A 208:2.  
* In Gemara [[Brachot]] 36b, Rav and Shmuel say that anything which has (flour from) the five grains is [[mezonot]]. (This is known the rule of Kol SheYesh Bo.) This is quoted by the Rif ([[Brachot]] 26a), Rosh ([[Brachot]] 6:7), and Rambam ([[Brachot]] 3:4) and codified by Tur and S"A 208:2.  
* Tosfot 36b s.v. Kol writes that if the flour is added in order to fill one up then the food is [[Mezonot]], whereas if it’s added as a binding agent it’s not mezonot. Moreover, the Rashba (Brachot 36b s.v. Duvsha) writes that if the flour is added in order to give a taste or make the food more fit for consumption the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. This is quoted by the Bet Yosef 208:2 and codified as halacha by the Mishna Brurah 208:7. The Rambam (Brachot 3:6) writes that if the flour was added as a binding agent or only in order to impart a color or smell the food isn’t mezonot because of the flour.
* Tosfot 36b s.v. Kol writes that if the flour is added in order to fill one up then the food is [[Mezonot]], whereas if it’s added as a binding agent it’s not [[mezonot]]. Moreover, the Rashba ([[Brachot]] 36b s.v. Duvsha) writes that if the flour is added in order to give a taste or make the food more fit for consumption the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. This is quoted by the Bet Yosef 208:2 and codified as halacha by the Mishna Brurah 208:7. The Rambam ([[Brachot]] 3:6) writes that if the flour was added as a binding agent or only in order to impart a color or smell the food isn’t [[mezonot]] because of the flour.
* Vezot HaBracha (chap 11, pg 92) writes that if the cheese layer is baked together with the crust layer the Bracha is [[Mezonot]] based on Kol SheYesh Bo.  
* Vezot HaBracha (chap 11, pg 92) writes that if the cheese layer is baked together with the crust layer the Bracha is [[Mezonot]] based on Kol SheYesh Bo.  
* Laws of Brachos (Rabbi Forst, chap 7, pg 219) writes in general the crust is used to add flavor and if so the Bracha is [[Mezonot]], however if the crust is only meant to hold the cheese the Bracha is Shehakol. The [http://www.ou.org/publications/brachot/default.htm OU] agrees.  
* Laws of [[Brachos]] (Rabbi Forst, chap 7, pg 219) writes in general the crust is used to add flavor and if so the Bracha is [[Mezonot]], however if the crust is only meant to hold the cheese the Bracha is [[Shehakol]]. The [http://www.ou.org/publications/brachot/default.htm OU] agrees.  
** The second clause is based on the following: S”A 168:8 and 212:2 rules that if one eats jam/marmalade on a cracker one should only make a Bracha on the marmalade and it exempts the cracker. Mishna Brurah 168:45 explains that in the case of S”A one was only eating the jam on the cracker so as not to dirty one’s hands. Then, he quotes the Magan Avraham 212:5 who writes that nowadays the crackers have a good taste and one should make [[Mezonot]] and exempt the jam. Mishna Brurah concludes by saying that it’s only one Bracha when it is baked together, however, if they’re baked separately it would require two Brachot.  
** The second clause is based on the following: S”A 168:8 and 212:2 rules that if one eats jam/marmalade on a cracker one should only make a Bracha on the marmalade and it exempts the cracker. Mishna Brurah 168:45 explains that in the case of S”A one was only eating the jam on the cracker so as not to dirty one’s hands. Then, he quotes the Magan Avraham 212:5 who writes that nowadays the crackers have a good taste and one should make [[Mezonot]] and exempt the jam. Mishna Brurah concludes by saying that it’s only one Bracha when it is baked together, however, if they’re baked separately it would require two [[Brachot]].  
* Laws of Brachos (chap 7, pg 219, note 48) writes his ruling that if the thin crust is added for it’s taste even if wouldn’t be eaten on it’s own, the Bracha should be mezonot is based on the Mishna Brurah 168:45 but feels that Rav Moshe in Igrot Moshe 4:43 would disagree and hold that if one wouldn’t want to eat the crust on its own the Bracha is only Shehakol.
* Laws of [[Brachos]] (chap 7, pg 219, note 48) writes his ruling that if the thin crust is added for it’s taste even if wouldn’t be eaten on it’s own, the Bracha should be [[mezonot]] is based on the Mishna Brurah 168:45 but feels that Rav Moshe in Igrot Moshe 4:43 would disagree and hold that if one wouldn’t want to eat the crust on its own the Bracha is only [[Shehakol]].
** Igrot Moshe 4:43 writes that for an ice cream sandwich one should make two Brachot, mezonot on the wafer and Shehakol on the ice cream and if one only wants the ice cream but only eats the wafer simply because it’s there the Bracha is Shehakol and it exempts the wafer. However, Laws of Brachos (chap 7, pg 217, note 40) argues that even if the crust is negligible the Bracha should be mezonot as long as it adds a taste.  
** Igrot Moshe 4:43 writes that for an ice cream sandwich one should make two [[Brachot]], [[mezonot]] on the wafer and [[Shehakol]] on the ice cream and if one only wants the ice cream but only eats the wafer simply because it’s there the Bracha is [[Shehakol]] and it exempts the wafer. However, Laws of [[Brachos]] (chap 7, pg 217, note 40) argues that even if the crust is negligible the Bracha should be [[mezonot]] as long as it adds a taste.  
* Halachos of Brachos (chap 4, pg 79) writes that in many cases the crust is only used to enhance the appearance of the cake and so the Bracha is Shehakol, however, if there is a thick layer he quotes Rav Moshe who says that the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. </ref>
* Halachos of [[Brachos]] (chap 4, pg 79) writes that in many cases the crust is only used to enhance the appearance of the cake and so the Bracha is [[Shehakol]], however, if there is a thick layer he quotes Rav Moshe who says that the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. </ref>
# If a doughnut was dipped in coffee, the Bracha on the solid covers the absorbed liquids. There’s a minority opinion that the mezonot also covers the coffee in the cup and so it’s preferable to cover the coffee with another Shehakol, however, if it’s difficult one may make Shehakol on the coffee in the cup. <Ref> Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 69) </ref>
# If a doughnut was dipped in coffee, the Bracha on the solid covers the absorbed liquids. There’s a minority opinion that the [[mezonot]] also covers the coffee in the cup and so it’s preferable to cover the coffee with another [[Shehakol]], however, if it’s difficult one may make [[Shehakol]] on the coffee in the cup. <Ref> Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 69) </ref>
# <span id="Shnitzel"></span> Fried chicken or fish (Shnetizel) with a thin batter coating is Shehakol, but if there’s a thick coating the Bracha is [[Mezonot]], yet it's preferable to separate off a piece of coating and a piece of chicken and make [[Mezonot]] on the coating and Shehakol on the chicken. However, the Sephardic minhag is to make Shehakol in all cases. <Ref> <br>* Halachos of Brachos (Rabbi Bodner, chap 4, pg 79) quotes Rav Elyashiv that the Bracha would be [[Mezonot]] in all cases in opposition to Rav Moshe, Rav Yacov Kamenetsky, and Rav Sheinburg who said Shehakol if it was a thin crust. He also quotes Rav Moshe and Rav Sheinburg that if there's a thick coating that one should make [[Mezonot]]. In the Halachos of Brachos Handbook (pg 13 and 43) he rules like the second opinion that if there's a thin coating the bracha is Shehakol and if there's a thick coating the bracha is [[Mezonot]]. <br>* VeZot HaBracha (chap 12, pg 109) agrees that if there's a thin crust one should make Shehakol, however, he argues that if there's a thick coating one should separate a piece of the coating and a piece of the meat and make [[Mezonot]] on the coating and Shehakol on the meat. [See Vezot HaBracha (Birur 19(1), pg 261) where he seems to agree that if there's a thick coating the bracha would be [[Mezonot]] but because of controversy he suggests separating the coating and making two brachot.] <br>* However, Laws of Brachos (Rabbi Forst, chap 218, pg 218) writes that it seems that the opinion who says that breaded cutlets are mezonot is correct, but one who wants to satisfy all opinions should make mezonot on a piece of crust and Shehakol on another food. <br>* Lastly, Yalkut Yosef (Brachot (vol 3), pg 426) writes that the bracha is Shehakol whether it is home made chicken cutlets or restaurant cutlets (where the coating is thicker). </ref>
# <span id="Shnitzel"></span> Fried chicken or fish (Shnetizel) with a thin batter coating is [[Shehakol]], but if there’s a thick coating the Bracha is [[Mezonot]], yet it's preferable to separate off a piece of coating and a piece of chicken and make [[Mezonot]] on the coating and [[Shehakol]] on the chicken. However, the Sephardic minhag is to make [[Shehakol]] in all cases. <Ref> <br>* Halachos of [[Brachos]] (Rabbi Bodner, chap 4, pg 79) quotes Rav Elyashiv that the Bracha would be [[Mezonot]] in all cases in opposition to Rav Moshe, Rav Yacov Kamenetsky, and Rav Sheinburg who said [[Shehakol]] if it was a thin crust. He also quotes Rav Moshe and Rav Sheinburg that if there's a thick coating that one should make [[Mezonot]]. In the Halachos of [[Brachos]] Handbook (pg 13 and 43) he rules like the second opinion that if there's a thin coating the bracha is [[Shehakol]] and if there's a thick coating the bracha is [[Mezonot]]. <br>* VeZot HaBracha (chap 12, pg 109) agrees that if there's a thin crust one should make [[Shehakol]], however, he argues that if there's a thick coating one should separate a piece of the coating and a piece of the meat and make [[Mezonot]] on the coating and [[Shehakol]] on the meat. [See Vezot HaBracha (Birur 19(1), pg 261) where he seems to agree that if there's a thick coating the bracha would be [[Mezonot]] but because of controversy he suggests separating the coating and making two [[brachot]].] <br>* However, Laws of [[Brachos]] (Rabbi Forst, chap 218, pg 218) writes that it seems that the opinion who says that breaded cutlets are [[mezonot]] is correct, but one who wants to satisfy all opinions should make [[mezonot]] on a piece of crust and [[Shehakol]] on another food. <br>* Lastly, Yalkut Yosef ([[Brachot]] (vol 3), pg 426) writes that the bracha is [[Shehakol]] whether it is home made chicken cutlets or restaurant cutlets (where the coating is thicker). </ref>
# For onion rings in the usual case where the coating is substantial, the Bracha is mezonot. <Ref> Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 79) </ref>
# For onion rings in the usual case where the coating is substantial, the Bracha is [[mezonot]]. <Ref> Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 79) </ref>
# For knishes in the usual case where the dough is substantial, the Bracha is mezonot. <Ref> Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 79) </ref>
# For knishes in the usual case where the dough is substantial, the Bracha is [[mezonot]]. <Ref> Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 79) </ref>
# For the bracha on Boston cream pies, if one has the filling as an enhancer of the cake then the bracha is [[Mezonot]], however, if the filling is considered a thick layer for which one has intent to eat (not merely as an enhancer), then make two brachot, mezonot on the cake, and Shehakol on the filling. <ref>
# For the bracha on Boston cream pies, if one has the filling as an enhancer of the cake then the bracha is [[Mezonot]], however, if the filling is considered a thick layer for which one has intent to eat (not merely as an enhancer), then make two [[brachot]], [[mezonot]] on the cake, and [[Shehakol]] on the filling. <ref>
* S”A 168:8 and 212:2 rules that if one eats jam/marmalade on a cracker one should only make a Bracha on the marmalade and it exempts the cracker. Magan Avraham 212:5 writes that one honey crackers are primary and one only makes a Bracha on that and it covers the marmalade.  
* S”A 168:8 and 212:2 rules that if one eats jam/marmalade on a cracker one should only make a Bracha on the marmalade and it exempts the cracker. Magan Avraham 212:5 writes that one honey crackers are primary and one only makes a Bracha on that and it covers the marmalade.  
* Mishna Brurah 168:45 rules like the Magan Avraham but adds that it’s only one Bracha when it is baked together, however, if they’re baked separately it would require two Brachot, one for the cracker, one for the marmalade because one is not eaten as an enhancer of the other but rather one is eating it for both of the cracker and the jam. However, Mishna Brurah 212:6 rules that if one eats cheese on a cracker one only makes a Bracha on the cracker even if one likes the cheese because one is eating the cheese as a spread.  
* Mishna Brurah 168:45 rules like the Magan Avraham but adds that it’s only one Bracha when it is baked together, however, if they’re baked separately it would require two [[Brachot]], one for the cracker, one for the marmalade because one is not eaten as an enhancer of the other but rather one is eating it for both of the cracker and the jam. However, Mishna Brurah 212:6 rules that if one eats cheese on a cracker one only makes a Bracha on the cracker even if one likes the cheese because one is eating the cheese as a spread.  
**[It’s clear that the Mishna Brurah 212:6 is discussing where one didn’t bake it together, because if so, the Shaar HaTziyun 212:21 should have answered that the difference in cases between in 212:5 and 212:6 was that in 212:5 it wasn’t baked together and in 212:6 it was.] Similarly, Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 7:27(6) explains that Mishna Brurah 168:45 only meant to make two Brachot when there’s a thick layer of jam but if there’s a thin layer one should only make one Bracha.  
**[It’s clear that the Mishna Brurah 212:6 is discussing where one didn’t bake it together, because if so, the Shaar HaTziyun 212:21 should have answered that the difference in cases between in 212:5 and 212:6 was that in 212:5 it wasn’t baked together and in 212:6 it was.] Similarly, Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 7:27(6) explains that Mishna Brurah 168:45 only meant to make two [[Brachot]] when there’s a thick layer of jam but if there’s a thin layer one should only make one Bracha.  
* To clarify this distinction: Vezot HaBracha (chap 11, pg 99) rules that if there’s a cake with a thick layer of whipped cream, cheese, or ice cream and the two were not baked together one should make two Brachot (similar to the case of Mishna Brurah 168:45). However, if one eats the cream or topping of fruit, chocolate, or nuts in order to enhance the cake one should only make a Bracha on the cake. [See Vezot HaBracha (Birur 42) where he explains the distinction at length.]
* To clarify this distinction: Vezot HaBracha (chap 11, pg 99) rules that if there’s a cake with a thick layer of whipped cream, cheese, or ice cream and the two were not baked together one should make two [[Brachot]] (similar to the case of Mishna Brurah 168:45). However, if one eats the cream or topping of fruit, chocolate, or nuts in order to enhance the cake one should only make a Bracha on the cake. [See Vezot HaBracha (Birur 42) where he explains the distinction at length.]
* Boston crème pie is a cake and not a pie (like the name implies). It is made with two layers of sponge cake and is filled with a thick layer of custard or cream. Laws of Brachos (Rabbi Forst, pg 360, pg 385, note 9) explains that one should make two Brachot on Boston crème pie because the filling is not merely an enhancer of the cake (and is similar to Mishna Brurah 168:45). However, Halachos of Brachos Handbook (Rabbi Bodner, pg 15) explains that Boston crème pie is simply a cake and the filling only enhances the cake and so the Bracha should be [[Mezonot]] (similar to Mishna Brurah 212:6). [http://www.ou.org/publications/brachot/default.htm OU] also writes [[Mezonot]].</ref>
* Boston crème pie is a cake and not a pie (like the name implies). It is made with two layers of sponge cake and is filled with a thick layer of custard or cream. Laws of [[Brachos]] (Rabbi Forst, pg 360, pg 385, note 9) explains that one should make two [[Brachot]] on Boston crème pie because the filling is not merely an enhancer of the cake (and is similar to Mishna Brurah 168:45). However, Halachos of [[Brachos]] Handbook (Rabbi Bodner, pg 15) explains that Boston crème pie is simply a cake and the filling only enhances the cake and so the Bracha should be [[Mezonot]] (similar to Mishna Brurah 212:6). [http://www.ou.org/publications/brachot/default.htm OU] also writes [[Mezonot]].</ref>


==Both ingredients are equally important==
==Both ingredients are equally important==
===Definition===
===Definition===
# The third category is where the Tofel is just as important as the Ikar in the eyes of the one who is eating it. In this case, the Ikar is judged by whichever is the majority unless one of them is [[Mezonot]] (five grains) in which case the [[Mezonot]] is automatically the Ikar. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 64-5) </ref>
# The third category is where the Tofel is just as important as the Ikar in the eyes of the one who is eating it. In this case, the Ikar is judged by whichever is the majority unless one of them is [[Mezonot]] (five grains) in which case the [[Mezonot]] is automatically the Ikar. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 64-5) </ref>
# If the two items weren’t cooked together and one’s primary intent is for both items, each food requires a separate Bracha. For example, for an ice cream sandwich, two brochot are required. <Ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 92-3, chapter 11), Halachos of Brochos (pg 70, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
# If the two items weren’t cooked together and one’s primary intent is for both items, each food requires a separate Bracha. For example, for an ice cream sandwich, two [[brochot]] are required. <Ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 92-3, chapter 11), Halachos of Brochos (pg 70, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) </ref>
===Rules===
===Rules===
# The Ikar only covers the Tofel if the two are eaten together (in one spoonful, or forkful). However, once the initial situation of the food was a mixture and the two were eaten together, even if some Tofel remains without the Ikar, no need Bracha is needed. <ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 91, chapter 11) </ref>
# The Ikar only covers the Tofel if the two are eaten together (in one spoonful, or forkful). However, once the initial situation of the food was a mixture and the two were eaten together, even if some Tofel remains without the Ikar, no need Bracha is needed. <ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 91, chapter 11) </ref>
# Even if one has intent to eat the Tofel because it’s especially dear or important to oneself, still the Bracha on the Ikar covers the Tofel. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 90-1, chapter 11) </ref>
# Even if one has intent to eat the Tofel because it’s especially dear or important to oneself, still the Bracha on the Ikar covers the Tofel. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 90-1, chapter 11) </ref>
===Examples===
===Examples===
# For, pie or strudel with fruit filling which was baked together, one should only make [[Mezonot]]. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 504, Handbook pg 70) writes that since the filling was baked together with the crust, they form one entity and deserves only one Bracha. This is also the opinion of Vezot HaBracha (Luach Brachot pg 394) </ref>
# For, pie or strudel with fruit filling which was baked together, one should only make [[Mezonot]]. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 504, Handbook pg 70) writes that since the filling was baked together with the crust, they form one entity and deserves only one Bracha. This is also the opinion of Vezot HaBracha (Luach [[Brachot]] pg 394) </ref>
# For chulent (barley, beans, small pieces of meat and potato) the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. If there’s no barley, and the majority is potatoes and beans, the Bracha is HaAdama, if the majority is rice, make [[Mezonot]]. If there’s no barley and the Chulent has the Bracha of HaAdama, if the kishka is eaten separately (not in the same forkful), it requires it’s own mezonot. However, if the pieces are large enough that they don’t come up together on same forkful, each component requires it’s own Bracha. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 65, 80, Handbook pg 28), Vezot HaBracha (pg 107, chapter 11, pg 392, Luach Brachot) </ref>
# For chulent (barley, beans, small pieces of meat and potato) the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. If there’s no barley, and the majority is potatoes and beans, the Bracha is HaAdama, if the majority is rice, make [[Mezonot]]. If there’s no barley and the Chulent has the Bracha of HaAdama, if the kishka is eaten separately (not in the same forkful), it requires it’s own [[mezonot]]. However, if the pieces are large enough that they don’t come up together on same forkful, each component requires it’s own Bracha. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 65, 80, Handbook pg 28), Vezot HaBracha (pg 107, chapter 11, pg 392, Luach [[Brachot]]) </ref>
# If one mixes carrot, peas, and couscous/farfel the Bracha is [[Mezonot]] since the mezonot is always considered Ikar. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 107, chapter 12) </ref>
# If one mixes carrot, peas, and couscous/farfel the Bracha is [[Mezonot]] since the [[mezonot]] is always considered Ikar. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 107, chapter 12) </ref>
# For a fruit salad where the pieces are small enough that one spoonful includes more than one piece, is judged by majority. If there’s a majority of fruit that have the Bracha of HaEtz which is the usual case, the Bracha is HaEtz. However, if there’s a majority of fruits which are HaAdama (such as pineapple or strawberry), then the Bracha is HaAdama. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 93, chapter 11) </ref> However, the pieces are large enough that only one comes on the spoon or fork at a time, then each fruit requires it’s own Bracha. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 94, chapter 11) </ref>
# For a fruit salad where the pieces are small enough that one spoonful includes more than one piece, is judged by majority. If there’s a majority of fruit that have the Bracha of HaEtz which is the usual case, the Bracha is HaEtz. However, if there’s a majority of fruits which are HaAdama (such as pineapple or strawberry), then the Bracha is HaAdama. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 93, chapter 11) </ref> However, the pieces are large enough that only one comes on the spoon or fork at a time, then each fruit requires it’s own Bracha. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 94, chapter 11) </ref>
# If there’s a mixture of multiple items where each food is recognizable and none of them are the majority independently, each requires a Bracha. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 94, chapter 11) </ref>
# For an ice cream sandwich, 2 [[brochot]] are required ([[mezonot]] and [[shehakol]]) in the usual case where one’s intent is both for the ice cream and for the cookie. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, pg 72, chapter 4), Vezot HaBracha (pg 92, chapter 11) </ref>
# For a chocolate covered nut (any nut besides peanut), one should decide whether one’s primary intent is for the nut and the chocolate is only an enhancer or the chocolate is primary and the nut is an enhancer and make the Bracha on the primary one. Meaning, if one views the nut as primary make a HaEtz or Haadama as appropriate for the nut. If the chocolate is primary, make a shehakol. <ref>Laws of Brachos (pg 215), Halachos of Brachos (pg 417), Vezot HaBracha (pg 96)</ref>
# For chocolate cream pie, if one eats it as a regular pie and the cream enhances dough, then only [[Mezonot]] is needed. However, if one is just as much for the cream as for the pie, then two [[Brachot]] ([[Mezonot]] and [[Shehakol]]) are required. <ref>Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, Handbook pg 27)  </ref>
## If one really likes both the chocolate and the nut: some say that one should make the Bracha on the majority ingredient and if one can't determine the majority make Shehakol <ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 96)</ref>, while others hold that one should say HaEtz except on chocolate covered peanuts which requires two Brachot (make Shehakol on chocolate covering and HaAdama when one reaches the nut).<Ref> Laws of Brachos (pg 215)</ref>
# For “Crembo” which is an Israeli candy that has a significant amount of cream on a biscuit and requires two [[brochot]] ([[Mezonot]] and [[Shehakol]]) in the usual case where the where the biscuit only adds some taste. In this case one should separate the biscuit make a Bracha on it, and then make a [[Shehakol]] on the cream. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 396, 93) </ref>
# For an ice cream sandwich, 2 brochot are required (mezonot and shehakol) in the usual case where one’s intent is both for the ice cream and for the cookie. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, pg 72, chapter 4), Vezot HaBracha (pg 92, chapter 11) </ref>
# For cereal and milk, the only Bracha required is for the cereal in the usual case where one has the milk to enhance the cereal. However, if one adds milk because one is thirsty and one’s primary intent is for the cereal and also for the milk, then two [[brochot]] are needed. <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner), Vezot HaBracha (pg 199, chapter 22), Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 4:43 </ref>  
# For chocolate cream pie, if one eats it as a regular pie and the cream enhances dough, then only [[Mezonot]] is needed. However, if one is just as much for the cream as for the pie, then two Brachot (Mezonot and Shehakol) are required. <ref>Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, Handbook pg 27)  </ref>
# For “Crembo” which is an Israeli candy that has a significant amount of cream on a biscuit and requires two brochot (Mezonot and Shehakol) in the usual case where the where the biscuit only adds some taste. In this case one should separate the biscuit make a Bracha on it, and then make a Shehakol on the cream. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 396, 93) </ref>
# For cereal and milk, the only Bracha required is for the cereal in the usual case where one has the milk to enhance the cereal. However, if one adds milk because one is thirsty and one’s primary intent is for the cereal and also for the milk, then two brochot are needed. <Ref> Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner), Vezot HaBracha (pg 199, chapter 22), Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 4:43 </ref>  
##If there’s left over milk, no new Bracha is needed. However, if a significant amount of leftover milk after finishing the cereal and one drinks the milk in a cup, then a new Bracha is needed. <ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 95, chapter 11) </ref>
##If there’s left over milk, no new Bracha is needed. However, if a significant amount of leftover milk after finishing the cereal and one drinks the milk in a cup, then a new Bracha is needed. <ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 95, chapter 11) </ref>
# Fruit cocktail is considered one mixture, if the majority is HaEtz fruits, then the Bracha is HaEtz, and if the majority is HaAdama fruit, the Bracha is HaAdama. <Ref> Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter4, pg 62, Handbook pg 44) </ref>
# Fruit cocktail is considered one mixture, if the majority is HaEtz fruits, then the Bracha is HaEtz, and if the majority is HaAdama fruit, the Bracha is HaAdama. <Ref> Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter4, pg 62, Handbook pg 44) </ref>
'''Chicken chow mein'''
====Chocolate Covered Nut====
# Chicken chow mein which is only made with chicken and vegetables is Shehakol if the chicken is the majority and HaAdama if the vegetables are the majority. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 212:1 writes that a mixture of two foods neither of which is mezonot and one isn’t coming to enhance the other the Bracha depends on the majority. Vezot HaBracha (pg 90), Halachos of Brachos (pg 68), and Laws of Brachos (pg 214) agree. Therefore, Laws of Brachos (pg 362) writes that if there’s no noodles (or rice) in the chicken chow mein then it depends on the majority, if there’s a majority of vegetables the Bracha is HaAdama if the majority is chicken the Bracha is Shehakol. </ref>
# If there’s a mixture of multiple items where each food is recognizable and none of them are the majority independently, each requires a Bracha. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 94, chapter 11) </ref>
# If chicken chow mein is made with chicken, vegetables, and noodles, if the noodles are mixed well with the other ingredients then the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. However, if the noodles aren’t completely combined then the Bracha is [[Mezonot]] on the noodles and either HaAdama or Shehakol on the rest depending on the majority (see previous halacha). <Ref>Laws of Brachos (pg 362) writes if there are noodles in chicken chow mein the Bracha is [[Mezonot]] on the noodles, and Shehakol on the chow mein if it’s mostly chicken or HaAdama on the chow mein if it’s mostly vegetables. However, on pg 385 note 14 he qualifies that this is only the case when the noodles aren’t totally combines however if they are mixed in well then mezonot on the noodles exempts the other ingredients. Also, the [http://www.ou.org/publications/brachot/default.htm OU] writes simply that chow mein is mezonot. (Maybe they are assuming the noodles are mixed completely.) </ref>
# Regarding chocolate covered fruit or nuts, if one primarily wants to eat the nut or fruit and the chocolate enhances it, the Bracha is that of the nut/fruit. Conversely, if one primarily one wants to eat chocolate and the nut/fruit enhances the chocolate, the Bracha is [[Shehakol]]. <ref>Mishna [[Brachot]] 44a establishes that the Bracha on the primary ingredient exempts the Bracha of the secondary one. S”A 212:1 codifies this. Mishna Brurah 212:1 writes that the secondary ingredient is the one which comes to serve or enhance the primary ingredient and if one likes both then the majority ingredient is primary. For example, Mishna Brurah 204:51 writes that sugar coated almonds are HaEtz even if the sugar is the majority because the sugar only enhances the nut. Therefore, Laws of [[Brachos]] (pg 215), Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 417), and Vezot HaBracha (pg 96) agree that if one primarily wants to eat the nut or fruit and one views the chocolate as enhancing the nut/fruit then the nut/fruit is ikar. Conversely, if one primarily one wants to eat the chocolate and the nut enhances the chocolate, then the chocolate is ikar. </ref>
# If chicken chow mein is made with chicken, vegetables, and rice then one should make the Bracha on the majority item and exempt the other ingredients; if rice is the majority, say [[Mezonot]], if vegetables are the majority say HaAdama, and if chicken is the majority say Shehakol. <ref>Aruch HaShulchan 212:2 writes that for two different foods to be considered a single mixture they must be eaten together on a single spoonful. This is quoted by Laws of Brachos (pg 208), Halachos of Brachos (pg 64), and a similar statement is found in Vezot HaBracha (pg 91). Halachos of Brachos Handbook (Rabbi Bodner, pg 24) writes that chicken chow mein which is made with rice, chicken, and vegetables because it is usually eaten on the same forkful has one Bracha which depends on what is the majority, if it’s rice, the Bracha is [[Mezonot]], if it’s chicken, Bracha is Shehakol, and if it’s vegetables the Bracha is HaAdama. [In general, Vezot HaBracha (pg 94) writes that if there’s no majority because there are three foods with different Brachot, then each food requires its own Bracha.] </ref>
# If both the nut and the chocolate are primary, then many poskim hold that one should make the Bracha on the majority ingredient, while some say to make two [[Brachot]].<ref>If one likes both the nut/fruit and chocolate: (1) Rav Shlomo Zalman (quoted by Halachos of [[Brachos]] pg 417, note 61) and Rav Elyahsiv (quoted by Vezot 96) hold that one should make the Bracha on the majority ingredient and if that can’t be determined make [[Shehakol]].
(2) Igrot Moshe 3:31 holds that one should make a Bracha on the chocolate and nut/fruit. If one has another fruit one should make HaEtz on that and [[Shehakol]] on the chocolate, otherwise make [[Shehakol]] on chocolate having in mind not to exempt the fruit and then HaEtz on the fruit. (3) Laws of [[Brachos]] (pg 215) writes that one should make HaEtz because HaEtz is really the proper Bracha on chocolate. However, on chocolate covered peanuts he agrees with Rav Moshe to make requires two [[Brachot]]. (4) See Yalkut Yosef (Klalei Sefer [[Brachot]] pg 208) who writes simply that chocolate covered nuts are the Bracha of the nut. </ref>
====Chicken chow mein====
# Chicken chow mein which is only made with chicken and vegetables is [[Shehakol]] if the chicken is the majority and HaAdama if the vegetables are the majority. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 212:1 writes that a mixture of two foods neither of which is [[mezonot]] and one isn’t coming to enhance the other the Bracha depends on the majority. Vezot HaBracha (pg 90), Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 68), and Laws of [[Brachos]] (pg 214) agree. Therefore, Laws of [[Brachos]] (pg 362) writes that if there’s no noodles (or rice) in the chicken chow mein then it depends on the majority, if there’s a majority of vegetables the Bracha is HaAdama if the majority is chicken the Bracha is [[Shehakol]]. </ref>
# If chicken chow mein is made with chicken, vegetables, and noodles, if the noodles are mixed well with the other ingredients then the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. However, if the noodles aren’t completely combined then the Bracha is [[Mezonot]] on the noodles and either HaAdama or [[Shehakol]] on the rest depending on the majority (see previous halacha). <Ref>Laws of [[Brachos]] (pg 362) writes if there are noodles in chicken chow mein the Bracha is [[Mezonot]] on the noodles, and [[Shehakol]] on the chow mein if it’s mostly chicken or HaAdama on the chow mein if it’s mostly vegetables. However, on pg 385 note 14 he qualifies that this is only the case when the noodles aren’t totally combines however if they are mixed in well then [[mezonot]] on the noodles exempts the other ingredients. Also, the [http://www.ou.org/publications/brachot/default.htm OU] writes simply that chow mein is [[mezonot]]. (Maybe they are assuming the noodles are mixed completely.) </ref>
# If chicken chow mein is made with chicken, vegetables, and rice then one should make the Bracha on the majority item and exempt the other ingredients; if rice is the majority, say [[Mezonot]], if vegetables are the majority say HaAdama, and if chicken is the majority say [[Shehakol]]. <ref>Aruch HaShulchan 212:2 writes that for two different foods to be considered a single mixture they must be eaten together on a single spoonful. This is quoted by Laws of [[Brachos]] (pg 208), Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 64), and a similar statement is found in Vezot HaBracha (pg 91). Halachos of [[Brachos]] Handbook (Rabbi Bodner, pg 24) writes that chicken chow mein which is made with rice, chicken, and vegetables because it is usually eaten on the same forkful has one Bracha which depends on what is the majority, if it’s rice, the Bracha is [[Mezonot]], if it’s chicken, Bracha is [[Shehakol]], and if it’s vegetables the Bracha is HaAdama. [In general, Vezot HaBracha (pg 94) writes that if there’s no majority because there are three foods with different [[Brachot]], then each food requires its own Bracha.] </ref>
 
<!--This is also found on the [[soups]] page so if you change it here also change it there-->


<!--This is also found on the soups page so if you change it here also change it there-->
==Soup==
==Soup==
===Noodles, dumplings, or soup nuts===
===Noodles, dumplings, or soup nuts===
# If there’s a small amount of noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts one makes two Brachot, Shehakol on the soup and [[Mezonot]] on the noodles. <Ref> Laws of Brachos (pg 363) writes if there’s a small amount of noodles, kneidlach, or soup nuts one makes two Brachot, Shehakol on the soup and [[Mezonot]] on the noodles. Similarly, Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) writes that soup nuts enhance the soup and so it requires two Brachot (Mezonot and Shehakol). Vezot HaBracha (pg 117, chapter 12) agrees and says that the same is true of noodles, or dumplings in soup. Vezot HaBracha specifies that this is usually the case when there is a small amount of noodles in the soup.  
# If there’s a small amount of noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts one makes two [[Brachot]], [[Shehakol]] on the soup and [[Mezonot]] on the noodles. <Ref> Laws of [[Brachos]] (pg 363) writes if there’s a small amount of noodles, kneidlach, or soup nuts one makes two [[Brachot]], [[Shehakol]] on the soup and [[Mezonot]] on the noodles. Similarly, Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) writes that soup nuts enhance the soup and so it requires two [[Brachot]] ([[Mezonot]] and [[Shehakol]]). Vezot HaBracha (pg 117, chapter 12) agrees and says that the same is true of noodles, or dumplings in soup. Vezot HaBracha specifies that this is usually the case when there is a small amount of noodles in the soup.  
* Vezot HaBracha (pg 117) writes that in order to avoid exempting the soup with the mezonot one should say the Shehakol before the [[Mezonot]], while the Halachos of Brachos (pg 72) disagrees saying to make the mezonot first. </ref>
* Vezot HaBracha (pg 117) writes that in order to avoid exempting the soup with the [[mezonot]] one should say the [[Shehakol]] before the [[Mezonot]], while the Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 72) disagrees saying to make the [[mezonot]] first. </ref>
# If there’s a significant amount of noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts, and one is interested just as much in the soup as one is interested in the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings one should only make [[Mezonot]] and it exempts the soup. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 118, chapter 12) writes that if there’s a significant amount of soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings, and one is interested just as much in the soup as one is interested in the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings one should only make [[Mezonot]] and it exempts the soup. Similarly, Laws of Brachos (pg 363) writes that if there’s a majority of noodles in the soup the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. </ref>
# If there’s a significant amount of noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts, and one is interested just as much in the soup as one is interested in the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings one should only make [[Mezonot]] and it exempts the soup. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 118, chapter 12) writes that if there’s a significant amount of soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings, and one is interested just as much in the soup as one is interested in the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings one should only make [[Mezonot]] and it exempts the soup. Similarly, Laws of [[Brachos]] (pg 363) writes that if there’s a majority of noodles in the soup the Bracha is [[Mezonot]]. </ref>
# If one is eating the noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts just because they’re there one only says Shehakol. <ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 117, chapter 12) writes that if one is eating the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings just because they’re there, one should only make Shehakol on the soup and that exempts the noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts. </ref>
# If one is eating the noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts just because they’re there one only says [[Shehakol]]. <ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 117, chapter 12) writes that if one is eating the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings just because they’re there, one should only make [[Shehakol]] on the soup and that exempts the noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts. </ref>
===Matzah Balls===
===Matzah Balls===
# If there are [[Matzah]] balls in the soup a [[Mezonot]] is made on the [[Matzah]] balls and Shehakol on the soup because the [[Matzah]] balls are eaten as separate from the soup. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (pg 73, chapter 4). See also Vezot HaBracha (pg 118#6, chapter 11) </ref>
# If there are [[Matzah]] balls in the soup a [[Mezonot]] is made on the [[Matzah]] balls and [[Shehakol]] on the soup because the [[Matzah]] balls are eaten as separate from the soup. <Ref> VeTen Bracha (pg 73, chapter 4). See also Vezot HaBracha (pg 118#6, chapter 11) </ref>


==Questions and Answers==
==Questions and Answers==

Revision as of 02:01, 2 March 2014

General Guidelines of Ikar and Tofel

  1. The Bracha that one makes on the ikar (primary food) covers the Bracha on the Tofel (secondary food). This rule applies to Bracha Rishona and Bracha Achrona. [1]
  2. In certain cases, the two foods are not considered a mixture and two brochot are required. If so, one should separate the one which has the more important Bracha (see Order of Brochos and make the Bracha, then make the other Bracha and eat that food. [2]
  3. Once the initial situation of the food was a mixture and the two were eaten together, even if some Tofel remains without the Ikar, no need Bracha is needed. [3] However, if one added more Tofel after the Ikar was finished a new Bracha is needed. [4]
  4. If one eats the secondary item before eating the primary item some say that one should make a Bracha on the secondary item as usual, however, some say that since nonetheless it is only secondary in purpose the bracha is automatically Shehakol, therefore, one should avoid such a situation and make sure to eat the primary food before the secondary one. [5]

Secondary ingredient serves the primary ingredient

Definition

  1. The first category is if the Tofel serves the Ikar and isn’t eaten for taste but rather it is eaten only to enable one to eat the Ikar. [6] This category includes where the Tofel is to remove a bitter taste, add color, add smell, or make the ingredients stick together. [7]

Rules

  1. Even if the two food aren’t eaten together still the Ikar covers the Tofel. [8]
  2. However, if also has intent to eat the Tofel because of it’s taste, then 2 Brachot are needed. [9]
  3. If mezonot is used as an absolute tofel, the mezonot is covered by the Ikar. [10]

Examples

  1. For example, one who drank bitter liquor and wants to remove the bad taste with bread should make a Bracha on the liquor and no Bracha is needed for the bread. [11] However, since it’s difficult to determine whether one is eating the bread just in order to remove the bitter taste or also for the satiation in brings independently, one should avoid having bread or mezonot just to remove a bitter taste. [12]
  2. If a person has bread with olive oil and the olive oil is considered ancillary the Bracha on the bread covers the olive oil. However, if one has a little bread with a lot of olive oil (which one is having in order to soothe one’s throat) which is one’s primary interest the Bracha on the olive oil (HaEtz) and it exempts the Bracha on the bread. [13]
  3. If one eats pickles or olives in order to whet one’s apittite for a meal (that’s one is not having bread), the main food such as meat is Ikar and the olive and pickles are Tofel. To avoid a dispute, one should eat a little of the meat first in order that it cover the pickles or olives. [14]
  4. One of the ingredients of licorice is flour, however, since the whole purpose of the flour is to make the ingredients stick, the Bracha is Shehakol. [15]
  5. If one of the ingredients of chopped-meat is flour or bread crumbs, however, since the whole purpose of the flour is to make the ingredients stick or to increase the volume of the meat, the Bracha is Shehakol. [16]
  6. If one eats an ice-cream in a cone and one’s intent is only to eat the ice-cream and the cone is only used to hold the ice-cream, one should only make a Shehakol. However, in the usual case where one eats the cone also for a taste, two Brachot are required. [17]

Secondary ingredient enhances the primary ingredient

Definition

  1. The second category is if the Tofel is eaten to add taste, yet, one is eating the mixture primarily to eat one of the two foods and that’s called the Ikar. [18] The primary food and the enhancer is determined according to each individual’s preference. [19]

Rules

  1. The Ikar only covers the Tofel if the two are eaten together (in one spoonful, forkful, or handful). [20]
  2. If also has intent to eat the Tofel because of it’s taste and it’s especially dear or important to oneself, then 2 Brachot are needed. [21]
  3. If mezonot is used as an enhancer and the foods weren’t cooked together, then two Brachot are required. This only applies for mezonot of the five grains and not rice. [22]

Examples

  1. For crackers with cheese, if one’s primary intent is to eat the cracker, the Bracha is mezonot. [23]
  2. For crackers with fish, if one is eating the fish to enhance the cracker, then the Bracha is Mezonot, however, if one desires both, then two Brachot are required (mezonot and shehakol). [24]
  3. For noodle Kugel and pickles eaten together, only mezonot is necessary. [25]
  4. Latka with apple sauce, the only Bracha needed is for the latka (either HaAdama or Shehakol depending on it’s consistency). [26]
  5. For blintzes with sour cream, the only Bracha needed is for the blintzes. [27]
  6. For rice cakes with a peanut butter spread, the only Bracha needed is for the rice cakes (which is HaAdama). [28]
  7. In the usual case where one eats the cone also for a taste, two Brachot (mezonot and Shehakol) are required. However, if one eats an ice-cream in a cone and one’s intent is only to eat the ice-cream and the cone is only used to hold the ice-cream, one should only make a Shehakol. [29]
  8. Many authorities hold that cheese cake is Mezonot in the usual case where the cheese and crust are baked together. However, some say that the bracha is Shehakol unless there’s a thick crust in which case the Bracha is Mezonot. [30]
  9. If a doughnut was dipped in coffee, the Bracha on the solid covers the absorbed liquids. There’s a minority opinion that the mezonot also covers the coffee in the cup and so it’s preferable to cover the coffee with another Shehakol, however, if it’s difficult one may make Shehakol on the coffee in the cup. [31]
  10. Fried chicken or fish (Shnetizel) with a thin batter coating is Shehakol, but if there’s a thick coating the Bracha is Mezonot, yet it's preferable to separate off a piece of coating and a piece of chicken and make Mezonot on the coating and Shehakol on the chicken. However, the Sephardic minhag is to make Shehakol in all cases. [32]
  11. For onion rings in the usual case where the coating is substantial, the Bracha is mezonot. [33]
  12. For knishes in the usual case where the dough is substantial, the Bracha is mezonot. [34]
  13. For the bracha on Boston cream pies, if one has the filling as an enhancer of the cake then the bracha is Mezonot, however, if the filling is considered a thick layer for which one has intent to eat (not merely as an enhancer), then make two brachot, mezonot on the cake, and Shehakol on the filling. [35]

Both ingredients are equally important

Definition

  1. The third category is where the Tofel is just as important as the Ikar in the eyes of the one who is eating it. In this case, the Ikar is judged by whichever is the majority unless one of them is Mezonot (five grains) in which case the Mezonot is automatically the Ikar. [36]
  2. If the two items weren’t cooked together and one’s primary intent is for both items, each food requires a separate Bracha. For example, for an ice cream sandwich, two brochot are required. [37]

Rules

  1. The Ikar only covers the Tofel if the two are eaten together (in one spoonful, or forkful). However, once the initial situation of the food was a mixture and the two were eaten together, even if some Tofel remains without the Ikar, no need Bracha is needed. [38]
  2. Even if one has intent to eat the Tofel because it’s especially dear or important to oneself, still the Bracha on the Ikar covers the Tofel. [39]

Examples

  1. For, pie or strudel with fruit filling which was baked together, one should only make Mezonot. [40]
  2. For chulent (barley, beans, small pieces of meat and potato) the Bracha is Mezonot. If there’s no barley, and the majority is potatoes and beans, the Bracha is HaAdama, if the majority is rice, make Mezonot. If there’s no barley and the Chulent has the Bracha of HaAdama, if the kishka is eaten separately (not in the same forkful), it requires it’s own mezonot. However, if the pieces are large enough that they don’t come up together on same forkful, each component requires it’s own Bracha. [41]
  3. If one mixes carrot, peas, and couscous/farfel the Bracha is Mezonot since the mezonot is always considered Ikar. [42]
  4. For a fruit salad where the pieces are small enough that one spoonful includes more than one piece, is judged by majority. If there’s a majority of fruit that have the Bracha of HaEtz which is the usual case, the Bracha is HaEtz. However, if there’s a majority of fruits which are HaAdama (such as pineapple or strawberry), then the Bracha is HaAdama. [43] However, the pieces are large enough that only one comes on the spoon or fork at a time, then each fruit requires it’s own Bracha. [44]
  5. For an ice cream sandwich, 2 brochot are required (mezonot and shehakol) in the usual case where one’s intent is both for the ice cream and for the cookie. [45]
  6. For chocolate cream pie, if one eats it as a regular pie and the cream enhances dough, then only Mezonot is needed. However, if one is just as much for the cream as for the pie, then two Brachot (Mezonot and Shehakol) are required. [46]
  7. For “Crembo” which is an Israeli candy that has a significant amount of cream on a biscuit and requires two brochot (Mezonot and Shehakol) in the usual case where the where the biscuit only adds some taste. In this case one should separate the biscuit make a Bracha on it, and then make a Shehakol on the cream. [47]
  8. For cereal and milk, the only Bracha required is for the cereal in the usual case where one has the milk to enhance the cereal. However, if one adds milk because one is thirsty and one’s primary intent is for the cereal and also for the milk, then two brochot are needed. [48]
    1. If there’s left over milk, no new Bracha is needed. However, if a significant amount of leftover milk after finishing the cereal and one drinks the milk in a cup, then a new Bracha is needed. [49]
  9. Fruit cocktail is considered one mixture, if the majority is HaEtz fruits, then the Bracha is HaEtz, and if the majority is HaAdama fruit, the Bracha is HaAdama. [50]

Chocolate Covered Nut

  1. If there’s a mixture of multiple items where each food is recognizable and none of them are the majority independently, each requires a Bracha. [51]
  2. Regarding chocolate covered fruit or nuts, if one primarily wants to eat the nut or fruit and the chocolate enhances it, the Bracha is that of the nut/fruit. Conversely, if one primarily one wants to eat chocolate and the nut/fruit enhances the chocolate, the Bracha is Shehakol. [52]
  3. If both the nut and the chocolate are primary, then many poskim hold that one should make the Bracha on the majority ingredient, while some say to make two Brachot.[53]

Chicken chow mein

  1. Chicken chow mein which is only made with chicken and vegetables is Shehakol if the chicken is the majority and HaAdama if the vegetables are the majority. [54]
  2. If chicken chow mein is made with chicken, vegetables, and noodles, if the noodles are mixed well with the other ingredients then the Bracha is Mezonot. However, if the noodles aren’t completely combined then the Bracha is Mezonot on the noodles and either HaAdama or Shehakol on the rest depending on the majority (see previous halacha). [55]
  3. If chicken chow mein is made with chicken, vegetables, and rice then one should make the Bracha on the majority item and exempt the other ingredients; if rice is the majority, say Mezonot, if vegetables are the majority say HaAdama, and if chicken is the majority say Shehakol. [56]


Soup

Noodles, dumplings, or soup nuts

  1. If there’s a small amount of noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts one makes two Brachot, Shehakol on the soup and Mezonot on the noodles. [57]
  2. If there’s a significant amount of noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts, and one is interested just as much in the soup as one is interested in the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings one should only make Mezonot and it exempts the soup. [58]
  3. If one is eating the noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts just because they’re there one only says Shehakol. [59]

Matzah Balls

  1. If there are Matzah balls in the soup a Mezonot is made on the Matzah balls and Shehakol on the soup because the Matzah balls are eaten as separate from the soup. [60]

Questions and Answers

  1. What's the Bracha on Shnitzel? See above

Sources

  1. S”A 212:1
  2. Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner)
  3. Vezot HaBracha (pg 95, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 59-60)
  4. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 59-60)
    • Sh”t Maharach Or Zaruha 38 writes that if one eats fruit seeds as regular food for sustenance the Bracha is HaEtz, however, if it is eaten only in order to sweeten a drink which one has afterwards the Bracha is Shehakol. The proof is that bread which is kneaded with spices (Pas HaBah Bekisnin) which is normally eaten as a sweet (snack) is Mezonot and even that it’s not clear and perhaps one should make Shehakol.
    • Sh”t Trumat HaDeshen 1:31 writes that if one eats a food in order that one will be able to drink wine not on an empty stomach even though it’s secondary it requires a Bracha because the food is eaten before the wine. He then quotes the Or Zaruha who said that if one is eating the seeds before the drink one makes a Shehakol on the seeds and infers that if a secondary item is eaten before the primary food the Bracha would be Shehakol.
    • However, the Bet Yosef 212:1 argued on the Trumat saying that just because it is coming for the purpose of sweetening the drink the Bracha shouldn’t change draws proof from the Rosh who says that if one ate less than a Kezayit of shivat haminim one shouldn’t make boreh nefashot because the appropriate Bracha doesn’t change is one just eats less than a Kezayit. The Darkei Moshe 212:2 rejects the Bet Yosef explaining that having the secondary food first requires a Bracha because one may not enjoy this world without a Bracha but it doesn’t deserve it’s appropriate Bracha since the purpose is secondary, however, if one eats less than the requisite amount the Bracha doesn’t change because one’s purpose was normal eating. The Rama 212:1 rules like the Trumat HaDeshen who says that if one ate the secondary item first one should only make a Shehakol on it.
    • Mishna Brurah 212:10 and Beiur Halacha s.v. VeAyno quotes many achronim who disagree with the Rama. Mishna Brurah concludes that one should avoid this situation by eating the primary food first.
  5. S”A 212:1, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11)
  6. S”A 204:12
  7. Shaat HaTziyun 212:21, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11)
  8. Mishna Brurah 212:5, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11)
  9. Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61)
  10. S”A 212:1, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11)
  11. Mishna Brurah 212:5 in name of the Shlah, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11), Halachos of Brochos (pg 57, chapter 11)
  12. Mishna Brurah 202:28
  13. Halachos of Brachos (Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 56)
  14. Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12)
  15. Vezot HaBracha (pg 108, chapter 12), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 67)
  16. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61), Vezot HaBracha (pg 390), Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 4:43
  17. Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11)
  18. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 59)
  19. Shaar HaTziyun 212:21, Vezot HaBracha (pg 89, chapter 11)
  20. Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11)
  21. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 60, 74)
  22. Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 74)
  23. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 74) and Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11) write that usually the fish is used to enhance the cracker and so only Mezonot is needed. However, they conclude, if one specifically desires the fish, then 2 Brachot (Mezonot and Shehakol) are required. Peni HaShulchan (pg 338; Rabbi Pinchas Vitman) writes that the usual case is where one primarily wants the fish and one should make 2 Brachot.
  24. Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), Peni HaShulchan (pg 339; Rabbi Pinchas Vitman)
  25. Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner)
  26. Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner)
  27. Halachos of Brochos (pg 58, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner)
  28. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 61), Vezot HaBracha (pg 390)
    • In Gemara Brachot 36b, Rav and Shmuel say that anything which has (flour from) the five grains is mezonot. (This is known the rule of Kol SheYesh Bo.) This is quoted by the Rif (Brachot 26a), Rosh (Brachot 6:7), and Rambam (Brachot 3:4) and codified by Tur and S"A 208:2.
    • Tosfot 36b s.v. Kol writes that if the flour is added in order to fill one up then the food is Mezonot, whereas if it’s added as a binding agent it’s not mezonot. Moreover, the Rashba (Brachot 36b s.v. Duvsha) writes that if the flour is added in order to give a taste or make the food more fit for consumption the Bracha is Mezonot. This is quoted by the Bet Yosef 208:2 and codified as halacha by the Mishna Brurah 208:7. The Rambam (Brachot 3:6) writes that if the flour was added as a binding agent or only in order to impart a color or smell the food isn’t mezonot because of the flour.
    • Vezot HaBracha (chap 11, pg 92) writes that if the cheese layer is baked together with the crust layer the Bracha is Mezonot based on Kol SheYesh Bo.
    • Laws of Brachos (Rabbi Forst, chap 7, pg 219) writes in general the crust is used to add flavor and if so the Bracha is Mezonot, however if the crust is only meant to hold the cheese the Bracha is Shehakol. The OU agrees.
      • The second clause is based on the following: S”A 168:8 and 212:2 rules that if one eats jam/marmalade on a cracker one should only make a Bracha on the marmalade and it exempts the cracker. Mishna Brurah 168:45 explains that in the case of S”A one was only eating the jam on the cracker so as not to dirty one’s hands. Then, he quotes the Magan Avraham 212:5 who writes that nowadays the crackers have a good taste and one should make Mezonot and exempt the jam. Mishna Brurah concludes by saying that it’s only one Bracha when it is baked together, however, if they’re baked separately it would require two Brachot.
    • Laws of Brachos (chap 7, pg 219, note 48) writes his ruling that if the thin crust is added for it’s taste even if wouldn’t be eaten on it’s own, the Bracha should be mezonot is based on the Mishna Brurah 168:45 but feels that Rav Moshe in Igrot Moshe 4:43 would disagree and hold that if one wouldn’t want to eat the crust on its own the Bracha is only Shehakol.
      • Igrot Moshe 4:43 writes that for an ice cream sandwich one should make two Brachot, mezonot on the wafer and Shehakol on the ice cream and if one only wants the ice cream but only eats the wafer simply because it’s there the Bracha is Shehakol and it exempts the wafer. However, Laws of Brachos (chap 7, pg 217, note 40) argues that even if the crust is negligible the Bracha should be mezonot as long as it adds a taste.
    • Halachos of Brachos (chap 4, pg 79) writes that in many cases the crust is only used to enhance the appearance of the cake and so the Bracha is Shehakol, however, if there is a thick layer he quotes Rav Moshe who says that the Bracha is Mezonot.
  29. Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 69)

  30. * Halachos of Brachos (Rabbi Bodner, chap 4, pg 79) quotes Rav Elyashiv that the Bracha would be Mezonot in all cases in opposition to Rav Moshe, Rav Yacov Kamenetsky, and Rav Sheinburg who said Shehakol if it was a thin crust. He also quotes Rav Moshe and Rav Sheinburg that if there's a thick coating that one should make Mezonot. In the Halachos of Brachos Handbook (pg 13 and 43) he rules like the second opinion that if there's a thin coating the bracha is Shehakol and if there's a thick coating the bracha is Mezonot.
    * VeZot HaBracha (chap 12, pg 109) agrees that if there's a thin crust one should make Shehakol, however, he argues that if there's a thick coating one should separate a piece of the coating and a piece of the meat and make Mezonot on the coating and Shehakol on the meat. [See Vezot HaBracha (Birur 19(1), pg 261) where he seems to agree that if there's a thick coating the bracha would be Mezonot but because of controversy he suggests separating the coating and making two brachot.]
    * However, Laws of Brachos (Rabbi Forst, chap 218, pg 218) writes that it seems that the opinion who says that breaded cutlets are mezonot is correct, but one who wants to satisfy all opinions should make mezonot on a piece of crust and Shehakol on another food.
    * Lastly, Yalkut Yosef (Brachot (vol 3), pg 426) writes that the bracha is Shehakol whether it is home made chicken cutlets or restaurant cutlets (where the coating is thicker).
  31. Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 79)
  32. Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter 4, pg 79)
    • S”A 168:8 and 212:2 rules that if one eats jam/marmalade on a cracker one should only make a Bracha on the marmalade and it exempts the cracker. Magan Avraham 212:5 writes that one honey crackers are primary and one only makes a Bracha on that and it covers the marmalade.
    • Mishna Brurah 168:45 rules like the Magan Avraham but adds that it’s only one Bracha when it is baked together, however, if they’re baked separately it would require two Brachot, one for the cracker, one for the marmalade because one is not eaten as an enhancer of the other but rather one is eating it for both of the cracker and the jam. However, Mishna Brurah 212:6 rules that if one eats cheese on a cracker one only makes a Bracha on the cracker even if one likes the cheese because one is eating the cheese as a spread.
      • [It’s clear that the Mishna Brurah 212:6 is discussing where one didn’t bake it together, because if so, the Shaar HaTziyun 212:21 should have answered that the difference in cases between in 212:5 and 212:6 was that in 212:5 it wasn’t baked together and in 212:6 it was.] Similarly, Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 7:27(6) explains that Mishna Brurah 168:45 only meant to make two Brachot when there’s a thick layer of jam but if there’s a thin layer one should only make one Bracha.
    • To clarify this distinction: Vezot HaBracha (chap 11, pg 99) rules that if there’s a cake with a thick layer of whipped cream, cheese, or ice cream and the two were not baked together one should make two Brachot (similar to the case of Mishna Brurah 168:45). However, if one eats the cream or topping of fruit, chocolate, or nuts in order to enhance the cake one should only make a Bracha on the cake. [See Vezot HaBracha (Birur 42) where he explains the distinction at length.]
    • Boston crème pie is a cake and not a pie (like the name implies). It is made with two layers of sponge cake and is filled with a thick layer of custard or cream. Laws of Brachos (Rabbi Forst, pg 360, pg 385, note 9) explains that one should make two Brachot on Boston crème pie because the filling is not merely an enhancer of the cake (and is similar to Mishna Brurah 168:45). However, Halachos of Brachos Handbook (Rabbi Bodner, pg 15) explains that Boston crème pie is simply a cake and the filling only enhances the cake and so the Bracha should be Mezonot (similar to Mishna Brurah 212:6). OU also writes Mezonot.
  33. Vezot HaBracha (pg 90, chapter 11), VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 64-5)
  34. Vezot HaBracha (pg 92-3, chapter 11), Halachos of Brochos (pg 70, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner)
  35. Vezot HaBracha (pg 91, chapter 11)
  36. Vezot HaBracha (pg 90-1, chapter 11)
  37. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 504, Handbook pg 70) writes that since the filling was baked together with the crust, they form one entity and deserves only one Bracha. This is also the opinion of Vezot HaBracha (Luach Brachot pg 394)
  38. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Bodner, chapter 4, pg 65, 80, Handbook pg 28), Vezot HaBracha (pg 107, chapter 11, pg 392, Luach Brachot)
  39. Vezot HaBracha (pg 107, chapter 12)
  40. Vezot HaBracha (pg 93, chapter 11)
  41. Vezot HaBracha (pg 94, chapter 11)
  42. VeTen Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, pg 72, chapter 4), Vezot HaBracha (pg 92, chapter 11)
  43. Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, Handbook pg 27)
  44. Vezot HaBracha (pg 396, 93)
  45. Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner), Vezot HaBracha (pg 199, chapter 22), Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 4:43
  46. Vezot HaBracha (pg 95, chapter 11)
  47. Veten Bracha (Halachos of Brochos by Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, chapter4, pg 62, Handbook pg 44)
  48. Vezot HaBracha (pg 94, chapter 11)
  49. Mishna Brachot 44a establishes that the Bracha on the primary ingredient exempts the Bracha of the secondary one. S”A 212:1 codifies this. Mishna Brurah 212:1 writes that the secondary ingredient is the one which comes to serve or enhance the primary ingredient and if one likes both then the majority ingredient is primary. For example, Mishna Brurah 204:51 writes that sugar coated almonds are HaEtz even if the sugar is the majority because the sugar only enhances the nut. Therefore, Laws of Brachos (pg 215), Halachos of Brachos (pg 417), and Vezot HaBracha (pg 96) agree that if one primarily wants to eat the nut or fruit and one views the chocolate as enhancing the nut/fruit then the nut/fruit is ikar. Conversely, if one primarily one wants to eat the chocolate and the nut enhances the chocolate, then the chocolate is ikar.
  50. If one likes both the nut/fruit and chocolate: (1) Rav Shlomo Zalman (quoted by Halachos of Brachos pg 417, note 61) and Rav Elyahsiv (quoted by Vezot 96) hold that one should make the Bracha on the majority ingredient and if that can’t be determined make Shehakol. (2) Igrot Moshe 3:31 holds that one should make a Bracha on the chocolate and nut/fruit. If one has another fruit one should make HaEtz on that and Shehakol on the chocolate, otherwise make Shehakol on chocolate having in mind not to exempt the fruit and then HaEtz on the fruit. (3) Laws of Brachos (pg 215) writes that one should make HaEtz because HaEtz is really the proper Bracha on chocolate. However, on chocolate covered peanuts he agrees with Rav Moshe to make requires two Brachot. (4) See Yalkut Yosef (Klalei Sefer Brachot pg 208) who writes simply that chocolate covered nuts are the Bracha of the nut.
  51. Mishna Brurah 212:1 writes that a mixture of two foods neither of which is mezonot and one isn’t coming to enhance the other the Bracha depends on the majority. Vezot HaBracha (pg 90), Halachos of Brachos (pg 68), and Laws of Brachos (pg 214) agree. Therefore, Laws of Brachos (pg 362) writes that if there’s no noodles (or rice) in the chicken chow mein then it depends on the majority, if there’s a majority of vegetables the Bracha is HaAdama if the majority is chicken the Bracha is Shehakol.
  52. Laws of Brachos (pg 362) writes if there are noodles in chicken chow mein the Bracha is Mezonot on the noodles, and Shehakol on the chow mein if it’s mostly chicken or HaAdama on the chow mein if it’s mostly vegetables. However, on pg 385 note 14 he qualifies that this is only the case when the noodles aren’t totally combines however if they are mixed in well then mezonot on the noodles exempts the other ingredients. Also, the OU writes simply that chow mein is mezonot. (Maybe they are assuming the noodles are mixed completely.)
  53. Aruch HaShulchan 212:2 writes that for two different foods to be considered a single mixture they must be eaten together on a single spoonful. This is quoted by Laws of Brachos (pg 208), Halachos of Brachos (pg 64), and a similar statement is found in Vezot HaBracha (pg 91). Halachos of Brachos Handbook (Rabbi Bodner, pg 24) writes that chicken chow mein which is made with rice, chicken, and vegetables because it is usually eaten on the same forkful has one Bracha which depends on what is the majority, if it’s rice, the Bracha is Mezonot, if it’s chicken, Bracha is Shehakol, and if it’s vegetables the Bracha is HaAdama. [In general, Vezot HaBracha (pg 94) writes that if there’s no majority because there are three foods with different Brachot, then each food requires its own Bracha.]
  54. Laws of Brachos (pg 363) writes if there’s a small amount of noodles, kneidlach, or soup nuts one makes two Brachot, Shehakol on the soup and Mezonot on the noodles. Similarly, Halachos of Brochos (pg 72, chapter 4, Rabbi Pinchas Bodner) writes that soup nuts enhance the soup and so it requires two Brachot (Mezonot and Shehakol). Vezot HaBracha (pg 117, chapter 12) agrees and says that the same is true of noodles, or dumplings in soup. Vezot HaBracha specifies that this is usually the case when there is a small amount of noodles in the soup.
    • Vezot HaBracha (pg 117) writes that in order to avoid exempting the soup with the mezonot one should say the Shehakol before the Mezonot, while the Halachos of Brachos (pg 72) disagrees saying to make the mezonot first.
  55. Vezot HaBracha (pg 118, chapter 12) writes that if there’s a significant amount of soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings, and one is interested just as much in the soup as one is interested in the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings one should only make Mezonot and it exempts the soup. Similarly, Laws of Brachos (pg 363) writes that if there’s a majority of noodles in the soup the Bracha is Mezonot.
  56. Vezot HaBracha (pg 117, chapter 12) writes that if one is eating the soup nuts, noodles, or dumplings just because they’re there, one should only make Shehakol on the soup and that exempts the noodles, kneidlach (dumplings), or soup nuts.
  57. VeTen Bracha (pg 73, chapter 4). See also Vezot HaBracha (pg 118#6, chapter 11)