Charoset or charoses is a sweet, lumpy paste served during the Passover Seder. Known in Jewish cuisine, it is a favorite of children. Some people believe it is the tastiest thing eaten during the holiday. The consistency is intended to remind those participating in the Seder of the bricks and mortar their ancestors made as slaves in Ancient Egypt.
There are as many recipes for charoset as there are Jewish families, but a typical recipe from the Eastern European (or Ashkenazi) tradition would include crushed nuts, apples, cinnamon, sweet wine, and honey. Recipes in the Sephardic tradition usually include raisins and may also include ingredients native to the Middle East, such as figs, dates, and sesame seeds.
Recipe:
1.5 C peeled, cored and chopped apples (MacIntosh, preferably)
.75 C finely chopped walnuts
2 T sweet red wine
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 T honey
Mix together and refrigerate overnight for best flavor. Adjust seasoning, if necessary, after it's chilled. For a family Sedar, triple this recipe. Serve with matzah. Or just eat with a spoon.
