Don’t get me wrong, meringue cookies can be very good, especially if you make them yourself, but some commercial ones are simultaneously cloying and tasteless.  Long associated with Passover because they do not include flour, meringue can be a versatile component of a dessert, serving as a base as in a Pavlova, as a topping as in lemon meringue pie, or, my favorite, as an edible dessert bowl.  This twist—making the meringue into a bowl—is not only a smart way to present a substantial dessert that is kosher for Passover, but a show-stopping one as well. I love chocolate as an ending to any meal, and the ...

Tags: desserts, ice cream, meringues, Passover, Seder

A long time can go by during Seder before any substantial eating happens, especially if Seder falls on Shabbat.  Also, many people work during the day of the first and second Seder meals.  When hungry, it can be difficult to pay attention to reading the Haggadah and bringing energy and vitality to retelling the celebratory story of the Israelites’ freedom from bondage.  Serving appetizers as guests arrive can take the edge off of hunger. The challenge with appetizers on Passover are many, especially if your guests are very observant of dietary customs like keeping kosher and keeping kosher for Passover.  Most holiday meals include meat, so cheese could not...

Tags: olives, Passover, Seder, tapenade

I am one of those people who ascribes to the belief that “more is more” rather than “less is more” when it comes to celebrating holidays.  Decorations, get-togethers, and, of course, the food, are parts of holidays that get my creative energy going.  As a teacher of young children, I find that I connect often to my own “inner child” and I think about how to make experiences more fun and maybe even indulgent.  Whether or not you have small children, these ideas can be adapted to make your Seder memorable this Passover. Become a Master Storyteller The Seder is all about story telling, so amp up your storytelling skills:...

Tags: crafts, gefilte fish, ideas, Passover, Seder