Gourmet Food for a Delicious Passover

For Jews around the world, food is a major focus of the Passover holiday, which celebrates the birth of the Jewish nation. There’s the Seder, a festive meal during which the story of the Exodus from Egypt is recounted, and symbolic foods enjoyed.

Plus those who observe the unique kosher dietary laws associated with the holiday restock their kitchens for the week with chametz-free foods.

HimalaSalt

Salt water has symbolic and ritual significance for the Seder -- it represents the tears of slavery and is used for dipping the Karpas (vegetable) -- so HimalaSalt’s lovely pink crystals would make a meaningful gift for Seder hosts. Sustainably and ethically sourced, the salts are artisanally made in the Himalayas.

Sugat Demerra Sugar

It’s easy to find regular white and brown sugars for Passover baking, but this is the first year I’ve seen a certified Demerara sugar. With its large, coarse crystals and a deeper molasses flavor than refined sugar, raw Demerara makes a great finishing sugar for edging cookies or topping puddings. Or use it to make these Charoset Truffles -- they’d make a nice finish to a Seder meal.

Haddar Cashew Butter

Though there is debate about their status during Passover, historically, peanuts have been considered kitniyot by Ashkenazic Jews. With peanut butter generally considered off-limits for the holiday, Haddar has stepped in with some very nice cashew and almond butters. (Tree nuts are considered Kosher for Passover by all.) The cashew butter is a little too dense to spread easily on crumbly matzoh (the looser almond butter fares better here), but it would be great on warm Passover Rolls. Or, try it in this Passover-friendly Sugar-Free Pineapple and Blueberry Bake, which would make a nice Seder dessert for those who must avoid added sugar.
Shkedia Chocolate Covered Almonds

Shkedia” means “almond tree” in Hebrew, so these chocolate-covered almonds are fittingly named. The almonds are lightly caramelized, which gives them a nice crunch under their rich, bittersweet chocolate shell.

Better than Bouillon Vegetable Base

Made with natural ingredients, these paste concentrates are fat-, gluten-, and lactose-free, and contain no added MSG. In addition to the pareve vegetable base, there’s a kosher chicken version. Both are Star-K certified for Passover and year round.

Parmigiano-Reggiano (and Other Great Cheeses!)

Many retailers expand their selections of kosher cheese during Passover, so you’re likely to see a wider range of kosher specialty cheeses in stores. And check igourmet.com for some fine options, including Barkanit’s Kadurim, a pretty selection of Israeli goat cheese rolled in colorful herbs and spices.