Finding a cookbook that’s both safe for Passover and can be enjoyed year-round is nearly impossible. Elizabeth Kurtz, a renowned chef, author, and blogger, has solved the dilemma with Celebrate. Richly illustrated and packed with over 200 delicious recipes, it’s easy enough to use daily but still special for holidays and parties.
Celebrate is fully Kosher (emphasis on meat meals) and offers many practical tips and tricks for most any type of Jewish food with sections for Challah, Kiddush, Shabbos and Shalosh Seudos (3rd Sabbath meal), Soups/Salad, Entrees, and Desserts/Cookies (pareve).
Every recipe comes with a full-color photo, Make-Ahead alternative, Lighten-Up Option, and a Passover version! Some of my favorite dishes are:
- Sweet and Savory Champagne-Braised Brick Roast
- Sesame Chicken Hand Rolls
- Mini Moroccan Burgers in Grilled Pitas
- Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Pomegranate Seeds
- Everything Bagel Chicken
- Savory London Broil with Sweet Braised Shallots and Mushrooms
- S’mores Pie
- Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pie
- Coconut Macadamia Nut Biscotti
- Vanilla Babka
In addition to all the great food, I love that Celebrate benefits Emunah of America whose mission is to help alleviate the burdens of Israel’s social problems. They maintain 135 daycare and after school centers throughout Israel, along with 5 residential homes that provide shelter for over 1,000 neglected, abused, and abandoned children.
Check out Elizabeth’s blog, Gourmet Kosher Cooking, for more info and recipes or to buy a copy of her lovely book.