Because I Said So

Passover with Heathens

by Danielle Wood

When we were kids, my brother and I used to wonder what would happen if we snuck a bite of pizza or a piece of cake. Would my mom find out? Would the Passover police come and get us? Now, I'm the police. And my house is full of heathens.

Well, not heathens exactly, but no one who celebrates Passover. My husband is an atheist-- the son of a Chinese mom and a lapsed Baptist dad. There's no way he's eating matzo. And my son is small, so while he'll eat (or not eat) whatever I put in front of him, he's not exactly following the rules from a feeling of duty. The kid can't cook for himself.

So, in the interest of all of you out there from a bi-religious family, destined to plead the case for Passover in the coming week, I offer this: an amazing recipe your kids are sure to gobble up, whether they're Jewish by choice, or not!

Mom's Mandel Bread:

1 1/2 cups sugar, creamed with 1/2 pound of butter

Add 6 eggs, beat well after each addition

Sift together:

2 3/4 cups matzo cake meal

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup potato starch

Fold the above ingredients into egg mixture until combined

Add walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips

Shape into two loaves and bake on a greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Slice into thin slabs (like biscotti). Enjoy!

Danielle Wood is the Director of Editorial for Education.com. You can reach her at editorial@education.com

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