Passover Recipes: Patch Picks

A priest, two Jews, a teenager and a vegetarian.

No, this isn't the beginning of a joke. It's the guest list I had one year for Thanksgiving. And the vegetarian's husband is allergic to dairy.

That's how this Irish Catholic learned to cook kosher. That year I made a completely kosher-vegan meal, plus a turkey. True story.

Keeping kosher is such an extensive process from growing to slaughtering to preparing. According to Orthodox Union at ww.ou.org, the laws are biblically based on Liviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 17. One aspect of kosher is keeping meat and dairy separate.

Passover is a time to celebrate history and tradition. Here are some links to great Passover recipes to help you do just that.

Food Network: Whether online or through the TV, the Food Network always does a great job with offering menu options. Click here for recipes, including turkey and glazed vegetables, braised shortribs, roasted capon with quinoa-olive stuffing, grilled lamb with mache and mint, and flourless cake.

Gourmet Magazine: If you are looking to step up the wow factor, this link is for you. Find savory red pepper and onion matzo brei, cheese matzo blintzes with asparagus and dill, Passover lemon cheesecake, and strawberry rhubarb compote with matzo streusel topping.

Bon Appétit: This site features an elegant Passover menu for six. Find leek and ginger matzo balls in lemongrass consommé, kosher gewürztraminer, horseradish mashed potatoes and almond-macaroon torte with chocolate frosting and orange compote.

Caputo's Markets: Just up the road in Naperville is a beloved Caputo's market. If you click here, you can get recipes including nutritional information. They include roast brisket, vegetable kugels, chocolate espresso torte, apple squares, jam buttons and pecan meringue cookies.