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May 14, 2008

The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: Snitching to the IRS

The Kosher Gourmet by Jill Wendholt Silva: Spring greens with fennel and herbs

JWisdom: A Righteous Gentile by Rabbi Mordechai Becher

May 13, 2008

Jonathan Mark: For pro-Israel voters, Obama's middle name should be the least of their concerns

Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: The Leaker Shield Act

JWisdom: Why You & I Never Die: A Jewish View of Immortality, Part II by Rabbi David Aaron

May 12, 2008

Chosen Words: A newsletter for personal and spiritual growth gleaned from classic biblical and other sources that will help you enhance your day to day life. Likely the most constructive three minutes you will spend today

Mark Steyn: Israel's 'doom' could also be Europe's

JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith by Rabbi Nosson Scherman: When Faith Meets Fate, Part One

May 9, 2008

Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski: Reverence, Yes; Worship, No

Mona Charen: Did Israel Drive Out the Arabs 60 Years Ago?

JWisdom: Ultimate opportunities by Rabbi Sroy Levitansky

May 8, 2008

Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo: Israel at 3,500+

Jonathan Tobin: Still Fighting the Same War

Steven Plaut: How ‘nakba’ proves the fiction of a Palestinian Nation

JWisdom: Taking Israel for Granted? by Rabbi Mordechai Becher

May 7, 2008

Rabbi Hillel Goldberg: Israel is irrelevant to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Dion Nissenbaum: Latest Olmert scandal could derail efforts to force Israel's compromises

JWisdom: My Inner Ventriloquist by Sara Yoheved Rigler

May 6, 2008

Caroline B. Glick: Anti-Zionism at 60

The Kosher Gourmet By Ethel G. Hofman: In honor of Israel's 60th anniversary, the former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with a smorgasbord featuring the taste and essence of the Jewish homeland

JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith by Rabbi Nosson Scherman: Jewish Deer in Nazi Headlights

May 5, 2008

The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: Busy work

Jonathan Mark: Remarkable half-century old Mike Wallace interview with Abba Eban puts current anti-Israel sentiment into perspective

May 2, 2008

Rabbi Berel Wein: Rote religiosity

Caroline B. Glick: Whitewashing Hamas

JWisdom: Parent trap?

May 1, 2008

David Zwiebel: Faith communities can learn from Orthodox Jews in stimulating private philanthropy for religious education

George Friedman and Peter Zeihan of Stratfor: The Shift Toward an Israeli-Syrian Agreement

JWisdom: It's time to wake up by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis

April 30, 2008

Jonathan Tobin: Pennsylvania's Democratic slugfest may leave some Jewish votes up for grabs

The Kosher Gourmet by Linda Gassenheimer: Fresh herbs, sauteed veal and tiny creamer potatoes makes a light spring dinner

JWisdom: How to Build a Mentch by Rabbi Mordechai Becher

April 29, 2008

Daniel Pipes: Barack Obama's Muslim Childhood

Joel Brinkley: On human rights, the U.N. once again strikes out

JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith by Rabbi Nosson Scherman: When The Truth is Unbelievable

April 28, 2008

The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: Q: I'm often stuck in the doctor's waiting room for hours! Doesn't he owe me something for my wasted time?

Steven Emerson: New U.S. government policy advises agencies to avoid using some of the very same words that make up terror groups' names

JWisdom: Why You & I Never Die: A Jewish View of Immortality, Part I by Rabbi David Aaron

April 25, 2008

Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg: Schadenfreude isn't kosher for Passover --- or at any other time

Rabbi Berel Wein: The secret of how the data bank of memory is transferred from one generation to the next

JWisdom: Stepping Up to A Higher Spiritual Life by Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen, Part III

April 24, 2008

Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo: The successful failure

Fred Burton and Scott Stewart of Stratfor: Placing the terrorist threat to the food supply in perspective

JWisdom: Stepping Up to A Higher Spiritual Life by Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen, Part II

April 23, 2008

Connie Ogle: An intricate game of a novel

Jonathan Tobin: Making Sense of the 'J Street' Jive

JWisdom: Stepping Up to A Higher Spiritual Life by Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen

April 22, 2008

Jonathan Rosenblum: Why Israel's 'Leaven law' matters

Caroline B. Glick: Obama the Savior

April 18, 2008

Rabbi Harvey Belovski: Multimedia tool of antiquity

Caroline B. Glick: Revealed Truths vs. revealed lies

JWisdom: More than miracles by Rabbi Sroy Levitansky

April 17, 2008

Rabbi Avi Shafran: Deconstructing Dayeinu

Rabbi Elazar Meisels: Is innovation at the Seder a slap at tradition?

JWisdom: Discovering Your Divine Mission, Part III by Rabbi David Aaron

April 16, 2008

Jonathan Tobin: A Prayer for Sderot's Children

Ethel G. Hofman: Sumptuous Seder

JWisdom: The Divine is in the details by Rabbi Mordechai Becher

April 15, 2008

Rabbi Dovid Zauderer: Let Charlton Heston Go!

Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Jimma, tyranny's enabler

JWisdom: Relationships: Beyond Mars & Venus, Part IV by Dr. Lisa Aiken

April 14, 2008

The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: The Snitching Supervisor

Jonathan Tobin: Forget the Fun and Games!

JWisdom: Sincerity is Valued Most by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.

April 11, 2008

Rabbi David Gutterman: A Mystery in the Middle East

Caroline B. Glick: Why Ahmadinejad smiles

JWisdom: Elevated illness by Rabbi Sroy Levitansky

April 10, 2008

Stratfor Intelligence Briefing by George Friedman: A Mystery in the Middle East

The Kosher Gourmet By Steve Petusevsky: The spring elegance of asparagus

JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith by Rabbi Nosson Scherman: The Power of Rational Lies

April 9, 2008

Michael Feldberg: An all but forgotten Colonial doctor who put his Jewish values before his life

Jordan "Gorf" Gorfinkel's "Everything's Relative" gets philosophical

JWisdom: Four Rabbis in Bnei Brak by Rabbi Mordechai Becher

April 8, 2008

Caroline Glick: Covering for the enemy

Elliot B. Gertel: 'House' goes Hasidic

JWisdom: Relationships: Beyond Mars & Venus, Part III by Dr. Lisa Aiken

April 7, 2008

The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: Q: I have a translating business. Recently someone asked me to translate some financial documents that are clearly forged. Should I agree?

Jonathan Rosenblum : Israel is unwittingly helping to fuel the international campaign of delegitimization against it

JWisdom: Matzah and leaven as a life philosophy by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.

April 4, 2008

Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski: The Mystery of Suffering

Caroline B. Glick: Fear of democracy

JWisdom: Dirty Jews by Rabbi Sroy Levitansky

April 3, 2008

Rabbi Y. Y. Rubinstein: Parents --- and the children who would be them

The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Manweiler: Tempted by restaurant dressings? Don't be. Here are recipes that can be made at home, healthier!

JWisdom: The importance of retaining a 'slave mentality' by Rabbi Mordechai Becher

April 2, 2008

Mitch Albom: Child abuse, disguised as faith

Jonathan Tobin: Unreasonable Accommodations

JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith with Rabbi Nosson Scherman: Eliminating Jewish Influence over Germans

March 22, 2007

J-Rhythms with Avraham Rosenblum: JWR's cutting-edge music program showcasing performers -- singers, song writers, musicians, and bands -- who learn and live the Torah lifestyle (OUR NEWEST IGODCAST !)

Oct. 29, 2003
Mortimer B. Zuckerman: Graffiti On History's Walls (MUST-READ!)

Jewish World Review April 16, 2008 / 11 Nissan 5768

Sumptuous Seder

By Ethel G. Hofman


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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | In this first decade of the 21st century, Passover ingredients and mixes abound. According to Menachem Lubinsky, co-producer of Kosherfest and editor of Kosher Today, this Passover the emphasis is on products that are either healthier or gourmet, including foods that are low cholesterol, low fat and low sugar items. One distributor reports that there are more than 17,000 items kosher for Passover available with another 350 plus new items introduced. Kosher for Passover wines are perhaps the biggest growth category with an abundance of award-winning selections from all over the world. Tabor is a new Israeli winery exporting to the U.S. for the first time. Amongst their offerings are Borgo Reale Pinot Grigio 2007 and Mescha, a blend of Cab-Merlot and Shiraz. A winner at the Kosherfest 2007 for the Best New Wine, Beer or Spirit was Rimon Pomegranate Dessert Wine 2005.

Planning Passover dinners has never been easier. I admit that for the Seders, I'm mired in the traditional — matzo ball soup, briskets and kugels but a birthday is special. So, when I found out that a friend's birthday occurs during Passover, I decided to approach a family of longtime caterers, the Rothschilds of Philadelphia. Three generations, from grandfathers and mothers, to uncles and extended family they have all been steeped in the production and appreciation of good food.

Recipes are courtesy of John Rothschild Events. All ingredients in recipes are available kosher for Passover.


MENU


Brandied Pate


Orange Glazed Chicken Medallions with Matzo stuffing
Raspberry and Candied Citrus Salad


Sweet Vegetable Muffins


Frozen Raspberry Mousse
Irene's Rhubarb Roulade




BRANDIED PATE (MEAT)


Serves 8 — 10 as appetizer

John suggests serving this on matzo crackers or it may be piped on with a pastry bag and topped with a red radish slice

  • 1/2 cup plus 4 tablespoons vegetable margarine, divided

  • 1/4 cup white wine

  • 1 pound chicken livers

  • 1 garlic clove, halved

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 3 scallions, sliced

  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

  • 3 tablespoons brandy

  • 1/8 teaspoon Tabasco or hot sauce

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped


In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons margarine and bring to simmer.

Add the wine, chicken livers, garlic, paprika, scallions and mushrooms. Cook until livers are tender and have lost their pinkness, about 10-15 minutes

Cool. Puree in the food processor. Melt remaining 1/2 cup margarine. Slowly add the butter and brandy, pulsing between each addition to blend. Season with Tabasco or hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste.

Pour into a crock or container. Refrigerate to set, 2-3 hours. Sprinkle pistachios over (optional). Serve chilled.

Approx. nutrients per serving: calories — 206 protein — 11g carbohydrates — 1g fat — 16g cholesterol — 286mg sodium — 183mg


ORANGE GLAZED CHICKEN MEDALLIONS
WITH MATZOH STUFFING


Serves 8-10


  • 1/2 medium onion, sliced

  • 1 rib celery, chopped

  • 1 small carrot, finely diced

  • 2 tablespoons margarine or vegetable oil

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried

  • Salt and pepper

  • 2 cups matzoh farfel

  • 3/4 cup low sodium chicken stock

  • 4 whole, boneless chicken breasts (2 1/2 - 3 pounds)

  • About 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • paprika

  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade

  • 3 tablespoons sherry


Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium sized saute pan heat the margarine or oil, over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrot. Cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and rosemary. Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a bowl. Add the farfel and enough chicken stock to moisten. Set aside.

Pound the chicken breasts to flatten. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place several tablespoons stuffing in the center of each and form into log shapes. Brush with oil and sprinkle lightly with paprika. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. (may be made ahead and refrigerated up to this point.)

Meanwhile, combine orange marmalade with sherry. Before serving, slice chicken into 1/2-inch thick medallions, brush with orange glaze and bake in preheated 350F oven for 15 minutes or until nicely glazed and bubbly.

approx. nutrients per serving: calories — 352 protein — 27g carbohydrates — 17g fat — 19g cholesterol — 81mg sodium — 182mg


RASPBERRY AND CANDIED CITRUS SALAD (PAREVE)


Serves 6-8

Food editor's note: To cut preparation time, 'tho home made is best, I suggest using kosher for Passover candied citrus and raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Then all you have to do is assemble.



  • 1 (12-ounce) package mixed spring greens, washed and spin dried

  • Candied citrus*

  • Raspberry vinaigrette*

  • 1/2 pint fresh raspberries

  • 1/3 cup pine nuts


Prepare the candied citrus and raspberry vinaigrette a day or so ahead. Place the greens in a salad bowl or on individual plates. Top with candied citrus, raspberries, and scatter pine nuts over. Just before serving, toss lightly with raspberry vinaigrette.

Approx. nutrients per serving: calories — 243 protein — 2g carbohydrates — 24g fat — 17g cholesterol — 0mg sodium — 1mg


CANDIED CITRUS (PAREVE)


Makes 6 - 8 servings

Since only the orange rind is used in this recipe, squeeze the orange and add the juice to your breakfast drink or section the orange and toss with the salad greens.


  • 1 large orange, peel only

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 3/4 cup water

  • Additional sugar for tossing


Using a vegetable peeler, remove outer skin from orange and cut in thin slivers.

In a small pot, combine 3/4 cup sugar with the water and bring to boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the orange rind, reduce heat to medium, and cook about 10 minutes or until syrup thickens and rinds are coated. Drain, cook slightly and toss in additional sugar. Use as above.


RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE (PAREVE)


Makes scant 3/4 cup



  • 3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar

  • 1 small clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin oil

  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper


In a small bowl combine the vinegar and garlic. Gradually whisk in the oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. whisk again before using.


SWEET VEGETABLE MUFFINS (PAREVE)


Makes 12


  • 1 tart apple (such as Granny Smith) peeled and cored

  • 1 medium sweet potato

  • 2 small carrots

  • 1 cup matzoh or cake meal

  • 1 stick (4 ounces) margarine, melted

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 3/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

  • Scant 1/2 cup sugar


Preheat oven to 325F. Spray a tray of muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.

Grate the apple, potato and carrots on the large blade of grater. Place in a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir well. Spoon mixture to divide equally in the muffin tins. Cover loosely with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Raise heat to 350F. Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Approx. nutrients per muffin: calories — 162 protein — 1g carbohydrates — 22g fat — 8g cholesterol — 0mg sodium — 393mg


IRENE'S RHUBARB ROULADE (PAREVE)


Serves 8 - 10


Cake:


  • 4 eggs, separated

  • 1/2 cup sugar, divided

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 cup matzoh cake meal

  • 1/4 cup potato starch

  • Superfine sugar

  • Lemon syrup*

  • Rhubarb filling*

  • Strawberries (optional)


To prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Beat egg yolks in a medium bowl. Add 1/3 cup sugar, lemon zest and juice and beat until thick and light in color. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with salt to soft peaks. Whisk in the remaining sugar gradually. Stir one-third beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture. Fold in the rest. Spread evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake in preheated oven until lightly colored, about 10-12 minutes.

Turn out onto a towel generously dusted with superfine sugar. Carefully remove the paper and roll up loosely into the towel. Let cool 30 minutes.

Unroll and brush with half the warm lemon syrup. Spread with the rhubarb filling and re-roll. Brush with remaining syrup and chill several hours or over night. Trim ends and serve surrounded with strawberries (optional).


Lemon Syrup:


In a small, heavy saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

Rhubarb Filling: Place 1 pound diced rhubarb and 1/2 cup sugar into a medium saucepan. Stir over medium low heat, stirring until you have a thick puree, 10-15 minutes.

Optional step: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin over 1 tablespoon cold water and let soften for 1 minute. Add to warm rhubarb and cook 1 minute to dissolve the gelatin.

Remove rhubarb puree to a bowl. Cool over ice water until thickened. Use as above.

Approx. nutrients per serving: calories — 185 protein — 4g carbohydrates — 38g fat — 3g cholesterol — 106mg sodium — 106mg


FROZEN RASPBERRY MOUSSE (PAREVE)


Serves 8


  • 1 (10-ounce) package sweetened frozen raspberries, thawed

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 2 egg whites

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • Pinch salt

  • 1 1/2 cups non-dairy whipped topping plus additional for garnish

  • 1 tablespoon raspberry liqueur


Additional whipped topping, fresh raspberries, chopped pistachios or almonds to garnish

Place raspberries, sugar, egg whites, lemon juice and salt in a mixer bowl. Beat until very thick and pale in color. Stir in the whipped topping mixing well so that no white streaks remain. Spoon into a 6-cup soufflé dish or bowl. Place in freezer and freeze until firm, 3-4 hours. Garnish with additional whipped topping, fresh raspberries and chopped nuts. Remove from freezer and refrigerate about 30 minutes before serving.


Approx nutrients per serving: calories — 130 protein — 0g carbohydrates — 26g fat — 3g cholesterol — 0mg sodium — 1mg

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JWR contributor Ethel G. Hofman is the former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members include the likes of Julia Child. She is the author, most recently, of "Everyday Cooking for the Jewish Home: More Than 350 Delectable Recipes". (Click HERE to purchase. Sales help fund JWR.)

© 2008, Ethel G. Hofman