Kosher Wines for Passover!

Choosing kosher wine doesn’t mean that you have to give up fabulous taste!  Consider serving one of these terrific wines, made according to Jewish rabbinical law, at your seder table this year! 

From Food & Wine, April 2008 

• 2005 Ramon Cardova Rioja ($13) – pair with roasted chicken
• 2005 Yarden Odem Chardonnay ($17) – pair with chicken soups
• 2004 Giordano Borgo Reale Tuscano Rosso ($24) – pair with roasts or stew
• 2003 Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere ($65) – a Bordeaux to pair with hearty meat dishes
• NV Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Brut ($105) – pair with salty fish appetizers 

From Good Housekeeping, April 2008: 

• Recanati Chardonnay ($16) – serve as an aperitif
• Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon ($28) – pair with brisket
• Carmel Late Harvest Sha’al Gewurztraminer ($18) – serve with dessert 

If you are unable to locate these bottles at your local wine shop, take a look at kosherwine.com or gmwines.com where you’ll find a fantastic selection of wines without ever leaving your home!  Enjoy! 

You may also enjoy:

• Fun Ideas for Passover
• Hanukkah Enhancements
• Apple, Asian Pear and Toasted Walnut Haroseth
• Matzoh-Almond Bark

Tags: kosher+wines, passover, wine, wines, kosher, seder

This year Passover will be celebrated beginning at sundown on April 8th and ending at nightfall on April 16th.  A Seder meal is a wonderful occasion to spend time with family and friends and provides an opportunity to enjoy both old and new traditions! Here are some new ideas to enhance your upcoming Seder meal:

“The 30 Minute Seder!”

For the younger members of your family, a Seder meal can seem like a long affair.  But author Robert Kopman has solved that problem beautifully with a new book entitled 30 Minute Seder:  The Haggadah That Blends Brevity with Tradition.  This updated approach to the Seder meal is Rabbinically approved, with gender sensitive text and full color illustrations.  You can also preview a downloadable version at the site!  (30 Minute Seder – And while you’re visiting this website, don’t miss the very funny singing and dancing Matzah Man!)

New Recipes!

Apple, Asian Pear and Toasted Walnut Haroseth –   this new take on one of the six elements of the seder plate promises to be light, fresh and feature a nice crunch! (see Haroseth)

Carrot Soufflé – this tasty side dish recipe comes from a Busy Bee reader who reports that this is her children’s favorite part of the seder meal! (see Carrot Souffle)

Matzah-Almond Bark – and not to forget dessert – this delicious recipe is very easy to make and guarantees no leftovers! (see Matzah-Almond Bark)

Passover Conversation Starters from The Box Girls

These clever women have also covered Passover with their unique boxes designed to stimulate conversation around your seder table.  The Passover box includes 35 “matzoh” patterned question cards, 20 place cards and 20 stickers and complete instructions!  (theboxgirls.com, $19.95)

Fun Stuff!

Count on Plum Party for some witty and entertaining Passover products. Standouts include:

“Teach and Learn” Magnetic Seder Plate – this plate allows children to play, while learning their way around the seder plate, (Magnetic Seder Set, $9.00)

Inflatable Matzah “ball” – an inflatable beach ball in disguise as a way too funny matzah ball(!!!), (Inflatable Matzah Ball, $6.00)

The Four Questions Finger Puppets - This cute toy is comprised of four, two-sided finger puppets that highlight the difference between Passover night and all others.  For example, one puppet features matzoh on one side and regular bread on the other! (The Four Questions Finger Puppets)

And for another fun resource, check out Oy Toys with its own unique selection of clever Passover toys!

• “Passover Bag of Plagues!” – This set provides a tangible presentation of all of the plagues, using a cute toy to symbolize each of the 10 Plagues!  Look for fake blood, frogs, lice, bugs, finger puppets and more!  Your kids will be thrilled!  (Passover Bag of Plagues)
• Passover Wooden Play Set - This colorful wooden play set is perfectly sized for little hands!  The realistic pieces are all stored in a decorated bag! (Passover Wooden Play Set)
• Passover Matzah Box – Children will love to store their matzah in this crafty box that they can decorate with paint and pre-cut wooden Passover symbols! (Passover Matzah Box)
• Passover Activity Kit – This is the perfect choice if you’d like to keep the younger crowd busy while Passover dinner preparations are under way! (Passover Activity Kit)
• Passover Bib – An adorable bib for baby’s first Passover! (Passover Bib)

For some Frog Fun:

• Frogs Just Perfect for Popping
• Frogs Just Perfect for Playing
• Frogs Just Perfect for Jumping
• Frogs Just Perfect as Finger Puppets
  

Every opportunity to gather with family and friends is invaluable and if you can share your faith traditions at the same time, it’s even better!  I hope that these ideas will enhance your seder meal this Passover!

You may also enjoy:

• Hannukkah Enhancements
• Building a Sukkah
• Personalized Mother’s Day Gifts
• Easily “Hem” Your Pants!

Tags: passover seder, new and creative ideas for celebrating passover, unique, enhancements, fun, family, celebrate, recipes, recipe, dinner, meal