Dear Ella,
Passover is just around the corner, and it’s my turn to make the seder. The problem is that this year, I have some new challenges to deal with.
It’s hard enough to come up with Passover recipes that everyone likes, but this year I’m cooking with limitations: my mother has developed diabetes, my brother is dating a woman who has a child with a nut allergy, and my niece has become a vegetarian. Passover has always been a challenge for me, and this year we have the added bonus of the first seder being after Shabbat. It doesn’t get any harder than this.
I’m panicked and wondering how I’m going to get through it. Any suggestions that will help me keep my sanity would be appreciated.
Creative Cooking
Dear Creative Cooking
I too have heard lots of stirring about the first seder coming after Shabbat this year. It will be a challenge for many, but you have started thinking about it well in advance, and with good organization and a lot of advanced preparation, you will get through this one, too.
Now, as for the interesting menu you have to plan, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with these people and find out if they have any suggestions. They are used to cooking for themselves, and they may have some helpful hints to get you through this. I don’t know if you are comfortable with anyone bringing food into your home on Passover, but if you are, you can ask for them to contribute a dish or two.
Use a cookbook that gives nutritional information with each recipe. There is one called Enlitened Kosher Cooking, by Nechama Cohen, that includes 140 Passover recipes. The author is an observant diabetic. As for the nut allergy, this is the most serious restriction. We have all read how dangerous a nut allergy can be, so I really think you need to get the mother of the allergic child involved in the child’s menu. The vegetarian problem requires only a bit of creativity. Even meat eaters enjoy vegetarian dishes.
There’s no question that you have a lot on your plate this year, but don’t be shy about getting others involved. With planning and organization, you will have a wonderful seder that you will be proud of and all will enjoy.
Readers may submit their questions to Ella at The CJN., e-mail: [email protected]. But Ella is not a professional counsellor. She brings to the questions posed by readers her unique brand of earthy wisdom. Her advice is not a replacement for medical, legal or any other advice. For serious problems, consult a professional.
