Sweet Inspirations

    Spring is the season of the beauty of renewal. Not only is it represented by the glory of nature, but also the spiritual magnificence. Whether Jewish or Christian, Passover and Easter mark special observances, remembrance of Biblical events, and symbolic foods.

    Symbolic visual aids represent the various aspects of Passover, such as a roasted bone symbolizing the sacrificial lamb eaten on the even of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, and matzohs, indicative of unleavened bread. Desserts such as lemon pudding and apple puffs are traditional.

    Easter dinners vary from region to region. However, it is customary to find baked hams or roast leg of lamb with mint on the dinner table, in addition to a variety of vegetables and breads.

    An array of desserts and candies is plentiful during the Easter season. Jelly beans and chocolates, all-time favorite Easter basket treats, are now exciting confections due to a great variety of each. Traditional desserts grace the Easter table, such as Simnel Cake, comes from Yorkshire, England. This is a deep, round fruit cake covered in marzipan and displaying on its top a circle of marizpan balls. Neapolitan Easter Cake, and Italian custom, uses dried wheat berries, lemon, cinnamon, and ricotta cheese among its ingredients.

    The rites of Easter and Passover coincide with the beauty of the renewal and freedom of spring. Foods and desserts set aside for these times, whether traditional or frivolous, all honor the sweet glory of life that these two spiritual occasions represent.