Home
In this issue
Nov. 6, 2009
Rabbi Berel Wein: Choosing to hear
JWisdom.com Zero to 1/60th: How to Empower An Hour with Gavriel Aryeh Sande (7 minutes)
Caroline B. Glick The mullahs' big week
Suzanne Fields A Fallen Wall for Fallen Man
Nov. 5, 2009
The Kosher Gourmet: Three scrumptious -- but simple -- butternut squash dishes
JWisdom.com Hidden Hints: Unlocking Faith & Prayer with Rabbi Jay Yaacov Schwartz (10 minutes)
Nov. 4, 2009
Tom Hamburger and Kim Geiger: Should prayers be covered?
JWisdom.com When God played peacemaker With Rabbi Sroy Levitansky (5 minutes)
Nov. 3, 2009
Martin Peretz: Beware, Barack. Beware, Rahm. Beware, Axelrod
JWisdom.com Are you are closet idolater? With Sara Yoheved Rigler (10 minutes)
Nov. 2, 2009
Paul Greenberg: The Holocaust is now on Facebook
JWisdom.com Abraham's Strange Change With Rabbi Yitzchok Fingerer (5 minutes)
Oct. 30, 2009
Rabbi David Aaron: Secret to Immortality
Caroline B. Glick Silencing dissent in America
Oct. 29, 2009
Lini S. Kadaba: Do tactics avert flu or reduce humanity?
JWisdom.com We Must Revamp our Religious Vocabulary With Gavriel Aryeh Sanders ( 10 minutes)
Oct. 28, 2009
Rabbi Yonason Goldson: Atheists in Bubbleland
JWisdom.com Why what we wear impacts who we are With Rabbis Mordechai Becher, Menachem Golberger and Aliza Bulow ( 10 minutes)
Oct. 27, 2009
Paul Greenberg: The United Nations Is Outraged Again, Or: Department of Mideast Static
JWisdom.com The Science of Love With Rabbi Jonathan Rietti ( 7 minutes)
Oct. 26, 2009
The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: Damaging disclosures with a twist
JWisdom.com Wisdom and Wonks With Rabbi Eytan Feiner ( 7 minutes)
Oct. 23, 2009
Rabbi David Aaron: Are you ready for the ultimate pleasure?
JWisdom.com Watermark and oneness with Rabbi Sroy Levitansky ( 4 minutes)
Caroline B. Glick Stop using limited powers in a way that expands our enemies' advantages over us
Oct. 22, 2009
Steven Emerson: Terror Cases Share Desire to Kill Americans
JWisdom.com No More More Family Fights --- Really? By Sarah Chana Radcliffe ( 5 minutes)
Oct. 21, 2009
Tonya Alanez: Holocaust denier sues survivor, calling Auschwitz memoir 'vicious lies'
JWisdom.com Meditating Jewishly: A Panacea for Success by Sarah Yoheved Rigler ( 7 minutes)
Oct. 20, 2009
Dennis Prager: Obama and Dalai Lama: Why Israel Worries about U.S. President
JWisdom.com Abraham was not religious By Rabbi Yitzchok Fingerer ( 6 minutes)
Oct. 19, 2009
JWisdom.comWhy Good People Do Bad Things By Rabbi Eytan Feiner ( 7 minutes)
Oct. 16, 2009
Rabbi Yonason Goldson: The Perfect Number
JWisdom.com Hearing Voices By Rabbi Sroy Levitansky ( 5 minutes)
Caroline B. Glick How Turkey was lost
Oct. 15, 2009
Jeff Jacoby: Peace vs. the 'peace process'
JWisdom.com: Former MTV producer and stand-up comedian Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff: Taming a Control Freak (A VERY fast 15 minutes)
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


Printer Friendly Version

Email this article


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

Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.

To comment, please click here.

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