<p>We visited a couple of schools during Passover. All had matzah available in the dining halls.</p>
<p>And at some schools Hillel offers KP meals for the entire week.</p>
<p>I wish I were a student again. That would be the life...minimal cleaning and all Passover meals provided! ;)</p>
<p>Never thought of it that way,mm, but yeah. I actually don't mind *some * of the cleaning. At least the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator get cleaned thoroughly once a year and I don't keep bottles of hoisin sauce that expired in 1997. Dipping the stuff I don't have duplicates of in boiling water is another thing...... Talk about affliction.</p>
<p>Our son's college Hillel is having a Chocolate Seder, but not on the first night.
Perhaps they are confused between desert and dessert. Still, they deserve a cheer for thinking of a way to attract other college students during the long week.</p>
<p>Chocolate seders are big on campuses - our son's school had them the last two years; can't find info about it this year though. It does tend to be a last minute plan. Bittersweet chocolate, four cups of chocolate milk, dipping strawberries in fondue, etc. - wish I could attend!</p>
<p>CMU has a Kosher Korner in one of the eating places on campus but our son doesn't use it; they do have prepared meals so I assume they have passover meals. The local Chabad does have meals. </p>
<p>We're what I call "ingredient kosher" rather than strict kosher so that makes it a little easier to handle. DS heads up to Squirrel Hill and picks up matzoh, butter, passover hot dogs and ketchup, and whatever else he can eat using a dorm refrigerator and microwave. He makes pizza by spreading tomato paste and mozzerela on matzoh and heating up. Hasn't starved yet!</p>
<p>Since this thread is so long I did not read all of the pages.</p>
<p>I am Catholic, but my MIL, SIL and BIL are all jewish (all of my siblings married somebody jewish)</p>
<p>Many yrs ago I bought a great book called Entertaining on the Jewish Holidays by Israela Banin. This book has recipes for every holiday. This book is phenomenal it also tells you how to decorate the table. All of my in-laws were shocked by what I put on the table and some even asked why I had certain items, such as canes, shells and bricks. Their favorite was the paper doves for the coasters. (doves for symbolizing peace)</p>
<p>Here are their table decorations that they recommend
Map of Israel as a runner
BRICKS: Eqyptian construction...use as trivet or base for Seder plate
PYRAMIDS: I bought glass ones for the candle holders
CANES: Exodus 12:11...and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat in haste-it is the Lord's passover. I made canes by wrapping brown paper around pipe cleaners and had table seating names held up by the cane
CAMELS or HORSES
FLOWERS
CACTUS PLANTS: representing the desert
SHELLS: Escape across the Red Sea
DOVES: Peace</p>
<p>bandp, that's beautiful and very touching that you go to great lengths to make the holiday special.</p>
<p>Are persimmons kosher for Passover? I've never tasted one. What is the flavor like? Came across a salad recipe that calls for bibb and radicchio lettuce, persimmons and pomegranates. Thought it would be attractive and the pomegranate would tie in Israel. Your thoughts?</p>
<p>Persimmons are a fruit. Of course they're kosher for Passover. :)</p>
<p>There are two kinds, actually....one kind is sweet when firm, and the other kind is only sweet when it appears to be on the verge of overripe. They are delicious, IMO.</p>
<p>Worrywart..for a salad you would probably use the firm japanese persimmon called Fuyu. It may be too late in the season for them, as they are usually available late fall, early winter. The squishy (Hachiya) type would make a mess in a salad. As for what they taste like...they don't tase like any other fruit I have ever had. The Fuyu is a bit sweet...the Hachiya is very astringent until it ripens, and can be used in puddings and baking.</p>
<p>Thanks, a-w-q. Yes, the recipe calls for the Fuyu so I guess I'm outta luck. I'll take a look for it anyway.</p>
<p>I wonder if you could use a fruit like mango instead?</p>
<p>Suppose, just suppose, your filial duty was to bring Charoset for all 40 guests. I'm an in-law. Everyone else has the chazakah (precedent) on bringing a favorite kugel, meat or fish. So my job is to bring ALL the charoset, which to me is a major food group of the pyramid. We slather on huge quantities, more like a peanut butter sandwich than each taking a delicate dollop. </p>
<p>I like Sephardi recipes and make several in manageable quantities. But my MIL says she wants to see plenty of "the regular kind" (Ashkenazi, apples/nuts/cinammon/wine) which is also yummy.</p>
<p>My real question is: do you know any SHORTCUTS for making a TON of Ashkenazi apple/nut charoset? Shortcuts in any category-- using the blender for part of it; food processor tricks; which kinds of nuts to buy (pre-chopped?). Anything appreciated.</p>
<p>There really aren't enough episodes of Seinfeld reruns for me to hand-chop enough apples and nuts all by hand.</p>
<p>I don't peel the apples anymore. This is the season of my liberation, too.</p>
<p>Food processor. Definitely.</p>
<p>Lots of wine. You can even put some of it in the charoset. ;)</p>
<p>No need to hand chop; just be sure not to overprocess. And put on some great uptempo music and the time will fly. That's how I prepare for holidays.</p>
<p>p3t,
Good to see you here. You have been in my thoughts, especially at this season...</p>
<p>If it isnt too late, you might look into getting one of these apple peelers Amazon.com:</a> Back To Basics Apple and Potato Peeler: Kitchen & Dining We have something similar. The current price of these things seems to be around $17-25 . I LOVE ours. It peels the apples and turns them into what can best be described as a slinky. Then you just cut it easily into pieces (I cut it like I was slicing a pie, and they come out in little triangular diced pieces). Easy as pie (pun intended, sorry) and FAST!! I'd bet you could find one at Target or BB&B or a kitchen store. I cannot say enough good things about this apple slicer. Makes making the charoses very easy.</p>
<p>Thought I would contribute one of our family favorites to the thread:</p>
<p>Passover Matza Brittle (we serve it with dessert and it is always a big hit)</p>
<p>Ingredients: 3-4 sheets Matza, 2 sticks of butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 12 oz pkg of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts (optional)</p>
<p>Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick spray (I use nonstick foil these days instead). Lay out sheets of matza in single layer to fit cookie sheet. Melt butter and brown sugar together over low heat until combined (stir constantly). Pour evenly over matza. Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkly entire bag of chips (and crushed walnuts if using) over the matza. When chips melt (a minute or two later), spread chocolate evenly over matza to cover. Place cookie sheet into refridgerator for one hour to harden. Break into pieces and store in refridgerator (I put in tupperware). ENJOY!!</p>
<p>p3t, I am positive that you can buy the walnuts already chopped into manageable pieces. Definitely a Kosher for Passover manufacturer, but I just can't think of the brand off the top of my head.</p>