Sephardic Charoset/Haroset
A traditional offering is charoset or haroset (phonetic spelling depending). It’s representative of the mortar Jews, as slaves, used to make bricks. But it also represents sweetness and more often than not has apples as a key ingredient. Stay with me… there are two traditions within historical Judaism. Ashkenozic and Sephardic. For more info read “Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews”.
There are many customs that differ. Sephardic Jews for example will eat rice on passover while Ashkenazic jews won’t.
In the case of charoset, Sephardic Jews use dates. Historically “The Land of Milk and Honey” refers to date honey or date syrup and to boot it looks more like mortar than chunky apples and nuts. Tastes better in my opinion too.
This is a modification of last years recipe.
To serve 10 I bought 1 lb. of dates and pitted them. Not a big deal you can squeeze out the pits very simply. 1/2 pound of cashews turn into a nice buttery consistency in the Cuisinart. Add a pinch of cinnamon and then add the dates, raisins and wine while they are processed – until you hit that pasty consistency. It should be very sweet and smell great. Let it cool in the fridge and then portion out to serve with Matzo.. or Matzah or Matzi…
–Josh Brusin
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