A Special Kugel Sweetens Up Passover

Kugel starts with matzoh crackers | Diana Helfand photo

Bob and Andrea Snyder came to Hawaii more than six years ago from Phoenix. Bob is now retired from Desert Island Restaurants, but he enjoys consulting. Andrea is an active volunteer and a board member of Jewish Community Services, whose mission is to support and enhance the quality of life for those in need of help in the Hawaii Jewish community by providing appropriate social services. For more information, visit jcs-hi.org.

Both Bob and Andrea are members of Hadassah, which works in Israel and around the world building bridges to peace through medical care. In Honolulu, the active chapter plans monthly activities, such as tours, luncheons, book discussions and film screenings. Prospective members are welcome to join activities and can contact hadassahhawaii@gmail.com and president Karran Uhr.

For relaxation, the Snyders enjoy following UH sports, going to the Honolulu Museum of Art (where Andrea is a docent) and the Doris Duke Theater for concerts, films and lectures. They also keep fit by walking at Ala Moana Beach Park every day.

This column is dedicated to them both, for their caring spirit in helping others.

Passover, which begins next week, is a time of family gatherings and meals called seders, where the story of Passover is retold through the reading of the Haggadah. With its special foods, songs and customs, the seder is the focal point of the Passover celebration.

In remembrance of the Jews who fled quickly into the desert with no time for their breads to rise, and so baked the dough into hard crackers in the desert sun, during Passover, no leavened foods (containing yeast) or grains are eaten. In their place matzoh and foods containing matzoh are eaten. Matzoh is unleavened bread, made simply from flour and water and cooked very quickly.

You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this delicious kugel. It’s a wonderful accompaniment for a main dish or can be served as a sweet dessert. Happy Passover!

APPLE RAISIN PASSOVER KUGEL

* 5 matzoh crackers, crushed
* 2 eggs plus 2 egg whites, beaten
* 1/3 cup white sugar
* 1/3 cup applesauce
* 3 Gala or sweet apples, cored, peeled and chopped
* 1/3 cup golden raisins
* 3 tablespoons sugar mixed with 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 11-by-7-by-1-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Put crumbled matzos in a medium bowl, add enough water to cover and let stand for two minutes. Drain off excess water, but do not squeeze. Add eggs, sugar and applesauce. Stir to combine. Mix in the apples and raisins. Spread the mixture evenly into pan. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Bake 40-45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and toothpick comes out clean from center.

Makes 8 servings

Approximate nutrition information per serving;

Calories: 190 Total
Fat: 2 grams
Cholesterol: 55 milligrams
Sodium: 150 milligrams