Passover is a holiday defined by a diet free from chametz, also known as leavened wheat.
What does that mean exactly? In simple terms, it means no bread. In more complex terms, it means no leavened bread. That’s when matzo enters our lives, and we eat it for 8 straight days!
For this holiday, desserts take on a special role since standard cakes and cookies are off the table. What replaces them are kosher-for-Passover sweets. These can be an inventive and flavorful group of treats! Skip standard flour and turn to sweets filled with nut flours, whole nuts, chocolate, and fruit. And yes, they are just as delicious!
If you are kosher-for-Passover
You can’t ever go wrong with chocolate covered matzo. Melt chocolate over a double boiler, prepare a wire rack or a baking tray with wax paper, and dip your matzo away. Top it with sea salt, nuts, or dried fruit before it dries or hardens. We think pistachios look lovely, and candied orange peel strips provide an elegant and delicious contrast. This is easy to make, and can also be a really fun activity for you and your kids.
Photo credit: Torey Avey
If you are kosher-for-Passover, but eat dairy (aka, not pareve)
Flourless chocolate cake is — flourless! It’s rich, and dense, much like a brownie’s older, more sophisticated cousin.
To wow your guests, whip up a Chocolate Pecan torte. Enrobed in a honey chocolate glaze, this torte is made entirely of pecan flour and bittersweet chocolate, then topped with whole pecans.
If you are NOT kosher-for-Passover (oops!)
A beautiful statement on any dining table is an olive oil cake with blood orange glaze. It’s made with real flour (so definitely not kosher for this holiday), but includes no dairy (only EVOO), and it’s the perfect opportunity to use up the last of the blood oranges of the season.
L’chaim! (To life!)
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