2009 Passover

Passover revolves around a traditional ceremony at a dining table, so take the time to set the table a couple of days before the dinner party. Cover the table with a printed satin gray tablecloth. Place a plate in front of each seat and top it with a gray napkin (preferably one that matches the tablecloth) rolled into a silver napkin ring. Use your best flatware and properly set the silverware with the forks on the left of the plate and the knife to the right of the plate. A spoon is necessary for enjoying the matzo ball soup — it goes on the outside of the knives. White wine and red wine glasses belong on the upper right side of the plate. For an intimate glowing atmosphere, light low candles. Fill a silver vase with flowing white flowers and make the Seder plate the centerpiece and focal point.

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To make your Seder dinner extra special, consider selecting a specific wine to pair with each course — just be sure to choose wine that is kosher. Start the meal off with a dry minerally Chenin Blanc from Baron Herzog Cellars. A crisp white will complement both the green salad and matzo-crusted trout. Pour a Sauvignon Blanc — like New Zealand's Goose Bay winery's bottle that's highly regarded, affordable, and kosher — with the matzo ball soup. For the main course, choose a smokey, fruity Shiraz from Teal Lake. For dessert offer a kosher muscat by Mony winery.

What wines will you be sipping on Passover? Share your favorite bottles with us below!

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After a rich Seder dinner, serve guests a delicate dessert in the form of cookies. Coconut macaroons are a traditional Passover treat because no leavened flour products are needed to make the chewy, sweet cookies. For those craving chocolate, offer flourless chocolate-walnut cookies. Packed with cocoa and nuts they are delicious and fit friendly. Both of these cookies can be made and plated in advance leaving you plenty of time to participate in the ceremony and catch up with family. For the recipes, read more

After the ceremonious reading of the Haggadah, invite your loved ones to join you for a hearty Seder dinner that is both traditional and modern. Start things off with a reinterpretation of the classic gefilte fish: pan-fried matzo-crusted trout. Serve with a crisp green salad. Next move on to rich bowls of piping hot matzo ball soup. Instead of offering the expected brisket, select another tough cut of meat — beef short ribs — and slow-cook in Kosher red wine. A tzimmes, a time-honored Passover stew made from sweet potatoes and dried fruit, is delicious on the side.

For these festive recipes, read more