Passover, the Jewish festival celebrating freedom from slavery in Egypt, is one sure sign that spring is near. This year, the holiday takes place April 3 through 11. Celebrate with a dinner party that is festive, traditional and creative.
[little ones]
>> If kiddos are in attendance, keep them entertained with a station to create matzo houses, and lay out plenty of chocolate, candy and icing for decorating. Consider screening The Prince of Egypt, the popular 1998 animated film about the life of Moses.
>> Provide a kid menu that uses matzo in creative ways. It can be softened with water to make matzo sandwiches, used as a base for pizza, or run through the food processor to make chunky bread crumbs for chicken fingers.
[decor]
>> Passover, as well as spring, is about renewed life. Set the table with tapered candles and delicate spring flowers and greenery. Use all shades of blue in napkins and place mats to provide pops of the traditional Jewish color against a fresh, white tablecloth.
[drinks]
>> Keep things simple and classy by offering guests still or sparkling water with slices of lemon.
>> If your dinner party will be less traditional, try pouring four different kosher wines during the seder, one with each course: appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. Start out with NV Pommery Brut, a kosher French champagne. There are plenty of resources online to help you find the perfect kosher vin!
[food]
>> Forego a large seder plate, and give each guest his or her own. Include individual carafes of sweet wine at each place setting for refilling, as well as finger bowls of the symbolic foods eaten during the reading of the Haggadah.
>> Matzo can be used as a creative base for dessert. Spread the unleavened bread with ganache, perhaps flavored with orange blossom water or rosewater. Top with chopped pistachios, sea salt, honey or candied ginger.
>> Once the Haggadah is completed, serve a scrumptious meal using spring ingredients, and add some foods not typical for the Passover meal: steamed artichokes with a savory, warm vinaigrette and a lemony braised fish or roast chicken with carrot or pea puree. Finish with a flourless chocolate torte topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries or lemon curd cups.
