Now, this is not my first Seder. The Man and I began hosting the family seder in our home twelve years ago, well before marriage and children. For years there were no kids and my younger sister had to play the part of the youngest child well into her late twenties. She is getting married in a few weeks and due to physical distances coupled with wedding planning, she will be spending Passover with my mother in a state South of here. So, this is the first year our seder has no family outside of the nuclear unit. I thought, ok, well we'll just do something small with a few friends. The head count is now up to twenty-three people, including ten kids! Clearly, the table is not big enough.
So the seder, the pre-game show before dinner, will be held in the living room (on couches and chairs and pillows), which gives the whole thing more of a cocktail party feel. And given the four glasses of wine consumed at the seder, this vibe is appropriate. I plan to also amp up the appetizers, which will lessen the anxiety about when the meal will begin. There is no need to restrict yourself to just the foods on the seder plate, you can serve anything that is kosher for Passover, crudites with eggplant spread, etc...
My Menu so far:
Salmon Cakes with Horseradish and Cucumber Sauce
Soup w/Matzoh Balls, Chicken and Vegetarian
an intermezzo of grapefruit sorbet and cava
Some roast lamb dish
Soy Ginger Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Perhaps a vegetarian crustless quiche?
Other veggie sides will be arriving courtesy of my guests
Dessert: Matzoh Baklava and an Orange/Mint/Date salad
There is more to come on all this, but my question for you, gentle readers (besides what you're making): what are good plan b dishes for kids who may look askance at these offerings?
