Persian Charoses

Persian Charoses

This is another sephardic charoses (characterized by nuts and dried fruit).

Yield: 5 cups

25 (=1.25 c) dates, pitted and diced
1/2 c unsalted pistachios
1/2 c almonds
1/2 c walnuts
1 c golden and/or black raisins
1 1/2 apples, peeled, cored and diced
1/2 large pear, peeled, cored and diced
1/2 c pomegranate juice
1 orange, peeled and diced
1 banana, sliced
1/2 c sweet red wine
2 T cider vinegar
1 t ground cloves
1 T ground cardamon
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t ground ginger
1/2 t ground nutmeg
4 T brown sugar

Combine nuts, dried fruit, & spices in food processor & pulse until nuts are coarsly chopped.
Add wet fruit and pulse until they are coarsely chopped.
Add the liquids and pulse again just to mix. Do not puree.

Matzoh balls

Matzoh balls
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 balls

Ingredients:
3 eggs
4 T schmaltz or oil
4 T ice cold seltzer water (or cold flat water)
1 C matzoh meal (from box or from matzohs)
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper
4 qt chicken broth (store bought, or water with chicken bullion, or just water with 1 t salt)

Method:
Separate eggs
Mix all ingredients except egg whites and put into refrigerator
Beat egg whites until peaks form
Retrieve mixture and fold in eggs whites gently
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour

Matzoh balls expand as they cook, so choose a pot large enough to allow for expansion
Fill pot with broth and bring to a boil
Using 2 soup spoons, form balls gently to 3/4" diameter
Gently drop into boiling broth
Keep flame high because each new ball will cool the pot
Once all the balls are in cover the pot
Once it boils, lower the flame to keep it simmering
Cook for 30 min, or until the largest ball is done
Turn off the flame, keep the pot covered and let it cool for 10 min.

If storing, drain the liquid and store the balls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

If using immediately, don't use the liquid in the soup
Add the balls to the soup no more than 15 min before serving or else the balls will come apart