Celebrating Passover means teaching your children about your history as well as preparing traditional recipes. Perhaps one of the most important lessons this year would be to remind us that we all have common roots, and that hatred has no place in any religion.
I am not Jewish, and have never been to a Seder. But I have a vast, eclectic cookbook collection and I knew the books would be a valuable resource. For these recipes and information I turned to two of my favorite authors, Mimi Sheraton and Bert Greene. I have all of the cookbooks they have ever written, and I regularly reread them.
Some of these recipes are adapted from two of their books, Bert Greene's Kitchen and Mimi Sheraton's From My Mother's Kitchen. The latter is one of my favorite cookbooks of all time, and has a wonderful chapter all about Passover. It is there I learned about the profound symbolism and meaning behind each food at the Seder and the story told in the Haggadah. Isn't it wonderful that these traditional holiday recipes are printed in cookbooks that remind us we were all once children in cozy kitchens?
And remember that in any of these recipes, you can omit ingredients and substitute others if some of the foods I call for are restricted by your religion. I know that some branches of Judaism are more restrictive than others when it comes to diet.
Enjoy these recipes and your celebrations. And this holiday season, say a prayer or hope for peace and understanding, whatever your religion or ethnic background.
Passover Recipes
- Crockpot Salmon with Caramelized Onions
Yes, this salmon cooks perfectly in the crockpot. You do need to watch it and time it carefully, but the fish is moist, tender, and delicious. - Salmon with Garlic and Dill
Garlic and dill perfectly complement tender and creamy salmon, cooked to perfection in this simple recipe. - Crockpot Caramelized Onions
This wonderful recipe can be made with olive oil. It's perfect to serve next to the tender salmon. - Passover Chocolate Toffee
This recipe is a fabulous way to turn matzohs into a delicious treat. You can omit the chocolate if you'd like for a buttery toffee treat. - Lemon Roast Chicken
Who doesn't love roast chicken? The aromas that will drift through your home as this recipe is in the oven are simply amazing. - Orange Almond Macaroons
Having lots of sweets for any holiday is just good sense! These macaroons are tender and delicious, made with ground almonds instead of coconut. - Coconut Chip Macaroons
And for coconut lovers, these cookies are so wonderful; tender and moist, with satisfying chocolate chunks. - Citrus Sole
Orange and lemon juice combine to make a wonderful glaze to plain fish fillets in this simple recipe. - Chicken Pizzuta
This fabulous sauce for this dish is made from matzohs, almonds, and mayonnaise, an unlikely combination, but so delicious. - Roasted Beets
Side dishes for holidays can be difficult to find. I love this recipe; the beets look like jewels when they have been roasted. - Almond Sponge Cake
Serve this cake with some strawberries and whipped cream or nondairy whipped topping, depending on your preference. - Coconut Macaroon Torte
Coconut seems like spring to me; the fresh taste and tender texture are used in many spring recipes. This easy cake is very nice. - Flourless Chocolate Cake
Chocolate is a must for holidays. And this cake is dense, rich, creamy, and a perfect dessert. - Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish
Horseradish and garlic mellow as they cook, becoming tender and mild, making them the perfect complement to rich roast beef. - Lemon Meringue Dessert
A meringue crust is filled with smooth and luscious lemon cream custard in this perfect dessert; what more can you want? - Cold Beet Borscht
This fantastic color of this delicious soup will be the highlight of your Passover table. Garnish it with some fresh chives from your garden. - Make Ahead Noodle Kugel
Passover noodles, ricotta cheese, cinnamon sugar, and golden raisins turn a plain kugel into a celebratory side dish. - Passover Brownies
The chocolate glaze on these brownies elevates them into another realm. You'll serve these even when it isn't Passover! - Matzo Meal Muffins
These 'muffins' are more like popovers; they expand in the oven to make a delicious hot bread that melts in your mouth. - Turkish Charoset
This wonderful recipe combines figs, dates, dried apricots, chopped apples, and almonds for an inventive and tasty twist on the classic recipe. - Cocoa Meringue Cookies
These beautiful little cookies are delicious and low in fat. You can melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a special finishing touch. The cream of tartar isn't absolutely necessary; you can leave it out and add 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. - Pavlova
This beautiful dessert is the perfect finish for a celebratory dinner. You can use nondairy whipped topping instead of the whipped cream if you like, and leave off the fruit. Some shaved chocolate sprinkled over the top would be beautiful.
