Foodie Friday: Charoset. The Jewish Larabar.

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?