Apple Brei

Passover just wouldn’t be Passover in my house without the making of a matzo brei. My own childhood memories are of watching my grandmother cook. She’d throw in a little of this and a little of that, making use of what she had most of.

One morning, I remember her saying that she was going to grate an apple that was a bit too soft into her matzo brei mixture. From that vantage, I created this recipe for my own kids, hoping that they will pass it on.

Cooking the soaked matzo is a bit like making French toast. Once you get the knack of making it, you can vary its flavor by substituting other fruits like firm bananas or pears or even a combination. I’ve been known to throw in a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts on occasion.

Powdered sugar is not normally kosher for Passover, but there are brands that are.

MENU

Fresh orange juice

Matzo Brei

Glazed Apple Matzo Brei

Active Work Time and Total Preparation Time: 20 minutes

3 large apples, preferably Golden Delicious, peeled, cored and quartered

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

4 squares unsalted matzo

1 cup low-fat milk

6 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar, for garnish, optional

* Slice each apple quarter into 4 to 5 slices. Toss with lemon juice and cinnamon. Set aside.

* Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in sugar and bring to slow boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add apples, turning to coat both sides. Cook uncovered until tender and lightly brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

* Break matzo into large pieces, about 6 to 8 pieces per square. Place in bowl. Heat milk in microwave until warm. Pour over matzo, turning to wet all pieces. Soak just until damp. Drain and set matzo aside.

* Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in same skillet, then add matzo pieces. Cook over medium-high heat just until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Combine eggs and vanilla in bowl and beat with fork. Pour over matzo and cook until eggs are set, turning often. Return apples to pan and fold in, cooking until apples are heated through. Garnish with powdered sugar if desired.

4 servings. Each serving: 441 calories; 243 mg sodium; 352 mg cholesterol; 20 grams fat; 52 grams carbohydrates; 15 grams protein; 0.61 gram fiber.

Game Plan

20 minutes before: Peel, core and slice apples. Toss with lemon juice and cinnamon.

15 minutes before: Cook apples; set aside.

10 minutes before: Finish cooking brei.

Just before serving: Garnish with powdered sugar, if desired.

INGREDIENTS

Staples

Butter

Cinnamon

Eggs

Milk

Powdered sugar

Sugar

Vanilla extract

Shopping list

Apples

Oranges

Unsalted matzo

*

Plate and napkin from Sur la Table stores.