Holidays are laden with memories of wonderful meals and family gatherings with loved ones who may have moved away or left us. I also think about family and friends around the holidays and it can be bittersweet. Decorate for Easter and Passover by using elements already in your home like flowers and leaves from your garden to give your party a more spring look. With out all the easter eggs.
This year I especially miss a dear friend and former resident of Greenport, Irwin Seigel. Irwin was always a friend there for me, for his family, for his friends. He was one of those people anyone would want at a family gathering since he always came through with help — in and out of the kitchen. He was one of those people who despite his refinement and intellect, always had his sleeves rolled up to make things happen. Irwin always made a place in his heart and at his table. I will never forget him.
For many years I have prepared a community Passover Seder attended by all faiths and ages. Cooking for large gatherings is always a lot of work for a host which is why restaurants seem to be replacing homes for Passover and Easter celebrations. So I am sharing some recipes to make your dinner a bit easier so that you can share in your celebration with those you are hosting.
And if you’ve been invited to someone’s home for one of these holidays, embrace the invitation with gratitude and offer to bring a dish so the host can also partake in celebrating. And in the case we can continue to inspire those hosts brave enough and generous enough to spend the many days preparing our holiday meals while preserving our recipes and traditions.
If you can’t cook, you can always bring a few bottles of wine, flowers, assorted candy, a beautiful scented candle or some bath salts.
I hope you’ll try one of these recipes.
