Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

Matzo Ball Soup

It’s been said that no Seder table would be complete without Matzo Ball Soup and I must agree. While it seems to be universally enjoyed, not everyone agrees on how it should be made. Some people claim that it should have no veggies, or just carrots, or tons of veggies. Another debate is water vs. seltzer (as in which creates the fluffiest balls). And, let us not forget, regional differences. Here in New England, we like our foods mild, but I’ve heard Southern Jews add hot sauce!

Personally, I use water, a mix of veggies, and prepared broth/chicken—this is how I was taught, what I prefer, and what’s most convenient. Do know, however, that the recipe is easy to customize.

The biggest difference in my version is the chicken. Traditionally, Matzo Ball soup is made with a whole chicken cooked in the pot. Because I have a strong aversion to the taste/smell of simmered meat, I either bake the chicken fresh and then shred, or I use leftover chicken. Another great idea, especially if you’re short on time, is to use a store-bought rotisserie.

I start by making the matzo balls, using these ingredients:

3/4 Cup matzo meal
2 Eggs, lightly beaten
3 TBS oil
1 Clove garlic, minced
1/4 Cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 White onion, finely minced
1 TSP salt
1 TSP pepper
3/4 cup water

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl, except for the water. Mix together, then add the water until it becomes a wet paste. Cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

While they’re chilling, I start on the soup. For this part, you’ll need:

4 Quarts chicken broth
1 TBS oil
3 Onions, diced
5 Carrots, thickly sliced
5 Celery stalks, thickly sliced
2 Cloves garlic, minced
2 TSP fresh dill or fresh parsley
4 Shredded chicken breasts
Salt/Pepper to taste

In a large pot, heat oil, add veggies and garlic; cook for 10 minutes. Pour in chicken broth. Remove matzo mixture from fridge. When broth has boiled, form matzo into 1-inch balls, dropping one at a time into soup. (Wet hands with water if mixture is sticky.) Cook 15 minutes until the balls float. Add fresh herbs, shredded chicken, and salt/pepper. Cook an additional 5 minutes, then serve.

Because the soup served as a first course before the Seder meal, I find that small servings are best and nobody ever takes seconds. Unless you’re serving a very large crowd (over 20 people), there should be more than enough. If you do end up with leftovers, it’s just as good the following day or can be successfully frozen.

8 Easy Passover Crafts

Want to make your Seder extra special for the kids? Try creating an easy craft project together—the perfect combination of education and entertainment.

1. Kveller shows us how to make an Afikomen bag.

2. Upper West Side Mom has some adorable frog finger puppets.

3. Creative Jewish Mom has a tutorial for origami pyramids.

4. Challah Crumbs shares some nifty Hieroglyphic place cards.

5. Tori Avey’s multi-colored Elijah’s Cups are amazing.

6. Highlights Kids has a super-simple Matzo cover.

7. Toddler Activities at Home teaches us how to make Baby Moses in a Basket.

8. A fabulous Charoset dish, courtesy of Grandparents.com.

Each project should take no more than an hour (some will take much less). My method is to set up supplies at the kitchen table and have the kids play while I clean. This helps to keep them distracted, rather than under-foot at a time when I don’t need any distractions!

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How to Hide Visible Roots

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Leaving the house with visible roots is one of my biggest beauty pet peeves. My hair started turning gray in my 20’s and I’ve been trying to fix it ever since (the above pic is a typical example of scary re-growth). I’m pretty good about dying my hair regularly, but when I can’t find the time, a temporary option saves the day.

There are powder and liquid version of root cover-up. I’ve tried quite a few brands, with varying results. These are my favorites:

Powder option – Madison Reed Root Touch Up

This is applied to hair using the provided brush. It goes on evenly and quickly, with only a small amount needed (the average user gets 60 applications, making it a very economical option). There’s no tacky, greasy, or itchy feel and no bad smell. It’s both water and pillow-proof and will last until shampooed out.

Available in 7 shades, there’s a match for most everyone. (My hair is medium brown and I use “Terra.”)

Liquid option – L’Oreal Root Cover Up

This is applied just like hairspray (use from 6 inches away at least). It should be well shaken for the best results. I do a quick once-over, paying extra attention to my part, then a second spray on any missing spots. My shade is “Light to Medium Brown.”

The claim on the bottle is “3 Seconds to Flawless” and I’d say that’s pretty accurate. There is no smudging or stickiness and I love that it’s ammonia and peroxide free. Personally, I think powder covers more evenly, but liquid is a better on-the-go option to keep in the car or your gym bag. It can be purchased in any drug or big box store, making it perfect for moments of extreme desperation.

Keep in mind that neither option is flawless, nor should it be used daily. Think of root concealer as a Band-Aid for in between times, instead of a tool that encourages laziness.

Do you think visible roots are a faux pas or just fine?