One of the staples on the sedar table, and part of the sedar plate, is the charoset. It is meant to represent the mortar used by the Israelites in Ancient Egypt. There are 2 main kinds of charoset; Ashkenazi, made from chopped apples, walnuts, honey, and spices, and Sephardic, which is more of a paste made with dates and figs.
Growing up, my family always had the Ashkenazi version, but in more recent years we’ve also had the Sephardic version on the table. As soon as I tasted this, I instantly fell in love. I’m telling you, it’s like a homemade Jewish Larabar! How could it be bad?
Charoset
Makes approximately 4 cups
Ingredients
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1 cup figs
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1 cup golden raisins
– 1 bananas
– 1 cup pistachios
– 1/2 cup crystallized ginger
– 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
– 1 tsp cardamom
– Rind and juice of 1 orange
– 1 cup or more port or Passover wine
– Honey to taste
Directions
Add all ingredients into a large food processor and process until relatively smooth. You do still want to have some bits of pistachio and dried fruit. It’s like a delicious surprise 🙂
I’m telling you, if you’re a fan of Larabars, you have to make this! It is definitely a crowd pleaser and I plan on having it on hand year-round now! So glad I got the recipe from my cousin, Amy!
Food for Thought
Have you ever made your own homemade fruit and nut bars? What is your favorite combination of ingredients?
This sounds delicious! I might mix the two versions because I would love the idea of apples and figs together! Have a great day!
Oh I love that idea!
You just put all of my favorite ingredients into one recipe. I am in love. [With you. And this. :)]
In all honesty, I’ve been wanting to make charoset for a long time, even though I’m not of the Jewish persuasion. I’ve always thought it sounded like so much deliciousness in a condiment. I didn’t know about this ‘style’ and now I want that one even more than the apple-based version!
I went through a phase of making ‘Sarah’bars…the best one I came up with was a peanut honey version I think, although one of my favorite ingredient combinations would be orange (or regular) cranberries, crystallized ginger, and dark chocolate.
You’re too sweet! Let me know if you do make it 🙂 and your bars sound fabulous.. might have to make some for myself!
This looks absolutely amazing! yum!
Thank you! Happy Friday!
Mmmmm, with all that fruit n’ spice, this sounds fantastic! Happy Friday!
Thank you! It is definitely addictive haha happy Friday!
I’m not Jewish, but I love Jewish foods. The idea of a Jewish Lara Bar is awesome!
Thanks for joining the link up! Would you mind adding the button back to my blog? 🙂
Let me know if you try it! 🙂
Link added.. sorry it slipped my mind!
No worries! Thank you so much. 🙂
Looks delicious lady!