How to Make Charoset: The Perfect Last Bite for Passover

 

Sweet apples, toasted walnuts and spicy cinnamon make Charoset the perfect last bite to any meal. However, it’s traditionally served during Passover. If you’re unfamiliar with this joyous spring holiday, the celebration of Passover commemorates the freeing of the Jews from slavery under the Egyptian pharaoh as told in the Book of Exodus. Passover usually lasts between seven and eight days and begins with ritual feasts known as seders. During seder, families gather to retell the heroic story of how the Israelites escaped from Egypt, while enjoying symbolic foods like Charoset. Why Charoset is symbolic to Passover is a little more complicated. Some believe that Charoset represents the mortar that the Jews used to build Egyptian buildings. Others believe it refers to a sacred fruit plant mentioned in the Song of Songs and the Talmud. Either way, Charoset is an on-going tradition and we’re glad to hear it! Here is how we make delicious Charoset at the JCHC communities in New Jersey. 

Ingredients for Charoset:

  • 3 apples peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup walnuts (finely chopped and toasted with oil or clarified butter)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet red wine 
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: matzo crackers and/or honey

Charoset Recipe Directions:

  1. The key to this dish is toasting the walnuts. Toss the walnuts in olive oil or clarified butter before toasting. This next part is optional and depends on your taste, but you could add salt or cinnamon before toasting as well. After the walnuts have been tossed and seasoned, add them to a skillet and toast over medium-heat until they are browned and fragrant.
  2. Once the walnuts are toasted to perfection, add them to a large mixing bowl with your chopped apples and wine. Then, sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over top and toss to combine. 
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. If desired, serve with matzo crackers and/or honey to bind the spread and give it a sweeter taste. 

Culinary Excellence at Lester Senior Living in Morris County

Here at the Lester Senior Living Community, we understand how good nutrition plays a big part in maintaining an active senior lifestyle. We equally understand that the way our food tastes is just as important! Our culinary trained chefs in Morris County take pride in curating delicious and unique dishes that cater to every dietary preference, from kosher, vegetarian, low-carb options, and more. 

For more information about senior dining options in Morris County, NJ, please contact Lester Senior Living today: (973) 929-2725. You could also visit our website to learn more about what it’s like to live in a JCHC senior community: https://jchcorp.org/assisted-living-morris-county-nj/

Original content posted on https://jchcorp.org/how-to-make-charoset/

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