Charoset

There are many foods that are associated with the holiday of Passover. Matzah, gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, horseradish, and one of my favorites charoset. For those that do not know what charoset is, it is a mixture of nuts, grated apples, cinnamon, sugar, and red wine. It is a favorite among children and adults and is an integral part of the Passover seder. The charoset is suppose to resemble the mortar the ancient Israelites used while they were enslaved in Ancient Egypt. As a kid I remember eat bowl after bowl of charoset along with matzah ball soup at my family's Passover seder. Charoset recipes vary but this recipe is a traditional Ashkenazi style of charoset. While charoset is food most commonly associated with the holiday of Passover, it is delicious on its own and can be made anytime of the year if you have the craving. 

Ingredients: 

5 granny smith apples, peeled and cored

1 cup of chopped walnuts

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon sugar

4 tablespoons sweet red wine

Method: 

Using a box grater, grate the peeled and cored apples using the side with the large holes. Place the grated apples in a large mixing bowl. Add the nuts, cinnamon, and the sugar to the grated apples. Next, add the wine to the apple and nut mixture. Combine all of the ingredients until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. Taste to see if you need to add more cinnamon, sugar, or wine.