As a Jewish chef who is also a vegetarian, I must share my Passover Seder menus and their inspiration with our readers. For years, come spring, my train of thought was this: “Cooking for Passover is a drag. I guess I’m doing brisket again. I’ll just make the kugel, etc.” I was in a rut, and maybe you are too.

Like many moms, I have always looked forward to religious and secular holidays as a time to share with family and create memories. Passover Seder is the ultimate expression of this incredible opportunity for Jews—a religious festival uniquely focused on the ritual of the meal. But for me, well, I’ve always wanted to celebrate with something a little more exciting and personal—and less meaty! Even though my friends and family always expect me to create really remarkable meals, I just did not have the courage to break from the dishes that were tried, true and easy during Passover.

Passover Seder 2008
Cream of Root Vegetable Soup
Roasted Salmon with Marinated Fennel and Thyme
Potato Kugel
Lemon Cake with Lemon Topping and Berries
Pecan Meringue Cookies

Fortunately, my daughter invited me to attend a meeting and I had the opportunity to meet an incredible chef, cookbook author, and activist – Phyllis Glazer, the author of The Essential Book of Jewish Festival Cooking. Her excitement about her recipes and the process of cooking for the holidays was just what I needed to not only embrace cooking for Passover again, but to really help me find my own creative chef voice in these important meals.

ChefsLine’s Passover Menu Collection and Live Cooking Help
I’d be thrilled to inspire you to mix it up with some new recipes this next week. The ChefsLine Passover Menu collection includes Quick and Easy Seder, Passover Do-Ahead, “small plate” recipes to serve with leftovers, lunch recipes featuring dishes such as Tarragon Scented Goat Cheesecake and Walnut and Herb Stuffed Eggplant Rolls. As you will see, most of my menus feature recipes by Phyllis Glazer because almost all of her dishes are so exciting—with great combinations of fruits, vegetables and herbs and spices that are irresistible. And if for any reason you take a look at your box of matzoh and think, “what now?” you must call ChefsLine at 1-800-977-1224. As I can attest, everyone needs inspiration in the kitchen sometimes.

~ Chef Paulette