"passover seder" news and stories

The Old Testament talks about a promised land filled with milk and honey. Apparently, they forgot about the M&Ms.

While in preparation for Passover, the most observant Jews will painstakingly remove all traces of leavened grain (chametz) from their homes (an ancient custom that commemorates their forebears' hasty flight -- they left so quick that they didn't have time to wait for the bread to rise). But one temple has gone in a pretty unorthodox direction. They've organized a "chocolate seder" for its youth group, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Gone are the regular staples of the traditional Passover meal, like matzo, parsley dipped in saltwater, and bitter herbs. Instead, the kids scarfed down green M&Ms and graham crackers slathered in marshmallow fluff after reciting an opening prayer: "Blessed art Thou, Eternal our God, Ruler of the Universe, creator of cocoa beans of the tree." Jugs of chocolate milk replaced the traditional wine.

"People get so caught up with the food and all the rules of what you are and aren't allowed to eat," the temple's rabbi, Amy Feder, told the Post-Dispatch. "What's neat about the chocolate is it's a reminder that the foods that we eat at Passover are symbols."

To which a ghost chorus of ancient elders replied: "Oy, vey!"

Whether you're celebrating a Passover Seder or just love tender, delicious meat, this brisket is a sure thing. KitchenDaily contributor Ruth Cousineau rubs the beef with a mixture of paprika, salt, cinnamon and pepper, and roasts it with parsnips and carrots for a hearty, fragrant meal.

Get the recipe for Spice-Rubbed Brisket with Roasted Carrots and Parsnips.

Get a menu and recipes for the World's Easiest Seder.

President Obama is hosting his third annual White House Seder on the first night of Passover, April 18, 2011, complete with a full Seder menu including brisket, noodle kugel and macaroons.

The tradition started in a windowless basement of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Sheraton , during the April 2008 campaign, when Eric Lesser, then Ground Logistic Coordinator (he's now the Director of Strategic Planning for Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers), got his hands on an "emergency Seder kit" from the University of Pennsylvania's Hillel Center. As Lesser and his fellow campaign staffers Arun Chaudhary and Herbie Ziskend were about to begin the Seder, Obama asked if he could join.

Instead of ending the meal with the customary "Next year in Jerusalem," Obama said "Next year in the White House." True to his word, the Seder continues at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Each Thursday, we round up a selection of scrumptious links from our friends over at YumSugar. Here's what they've got cooking this week.

Is that kosher? A quiz tests your Passover food knowledge.

'Wich of the week: A scrumptious-looking mint, eggplant and feta creation.

Guinness unveils a new stout -- less creamy and maltier than the classic original -- in honor of the brew's 250th birthday.

Name that dish! An all-about-eggs pop quiz just in time for Easter.

A tour of the See's chocolate factory, with insider notes about their classic seasonal sweet treats.

Quick poll: Does it annoy you when restaurant menus aren't online?