The country honored for this year’s Seder at ChezHelvetica was SYRIA — both because of its fascinating Jewish history (with groups who inhabited Syria from early times and the Sephardim who fled Spain’s expulsion in 1492) and the heartbreaking
reality civilians face today.
Sephardic recipes delighted family and friends with exotic new flavors. Charoset bursting with Medjool Dates, Apricots, Prunes, Figs, Wine and Spices and an intoxicating Spinach Mint Soup opened the meal, followed by a M
eze of Hummus and Baba Ghanoush as traditionally served in Middle Eastern homes.
Syrian Chicken with its fragrance of Cinnamon, Prunes and Honey, accompanied by Rice and Tabbouli Salad, was the entree. An assortment of luscious wines paired the food – from a Pasqua Amarone to Zenaida Cellars Zinfandel to Keller Estate Pinot Noir. Delicious Pistachio Cookies and Organic Strawberries concluded this Passover celebration of freedom. And then, I let my people go!
