Passover is all about the food! That’s part of the fun, and (often) the problem. Because the menu is so restrictive, special attention must go into our planning.

A typical menu for an Ashkenazi Seder will include:

*Seder plate

*Matzo

*Matzo ball soup

*Gefilte Fish

*Flourless desserts

Add in the usual main course, salad, and veggies, and it sure sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Without thinking, we serve these foods every Passover because we’re “supposed” to and it’s “expected.” If you like these foods, great! If not, don’t feel obligated to serve every single thing! Ask your family which of these foods they like. Don’t be surprised if some answer, “None!” I don’t really like most Passover foods, so I simply the menu extensively.

*My Menu*

Seder plate: Must-have. The Seder plate consists of a hard-boiled egg, shank bone, parsley, bitter herbs, lettuce and Charoset. Those are all self-explanatory, other than the last item. For those who don’t know, Charoset is a condiment that consists of spiced fruit, chopped nuts, and a liquid binder. It’s supposed to resemble the mortar used to construct the Pyramids.

Whole Matzo: I usually buy a few boxes. Don’t get the industrial size unless you have a big family and/or are hosting a big Seder. It always seems to go uneaten.

Red Wine or Grape Juice: For drinking, Charoset, Plague-dipping.

Main Course: I’ve served turkey, salmon, and brisket in the past. Each was well received. Serve whatever you prefer. Most Seders are typically meat-heavy. For Passover 2013, I made turkey.

Salad

Green Veggie

Honey Carrots

Dessert: I know this will shock some readers, but I never make Passover cakes! The taste is always sub-par and the recipes tend to be fussy (separated eggs) or fatty (flourless chocolate cake with 2 sticks of butter).

So what desserts do I serve for Passover? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post!

 

What’s on your Passover menu?