Baking for Passover

Baking for Passover requires a bit of knowledge and awareness, but you can do it! There are certain products you need to avoid, but you can still make delicious desserts.

For the uninitiated, Passover desserts can be tricky. If you're hosting your first Seder dinner, or if you are asked to bring a dessert, there are some rules you must follow. You cannot use any type of grain or leavening. That means no flour, cornmeal, yeast, and ingredients you won't think about, including powdered sugar (contains cornstarch), baking powder (leavening), and real vanilla, since it's made with alcohol, a fermented liquid. But you can find approved Passover ingredients at Kosher markets and even at some regular grocery stores. Ask the grocery manager before the week of Passover; often he or she will be able to order these products for you.

You can adapt other desserts too. For instance, Lemon Truffle Parfaits can be made with crumbled macaroons instead of the sugar cookies. Make your own lemon curd if you're not sure if the type in the store is kosher. Or try Chocolate Chip Brownie Torte using Matzo Brownies for a spectacular treat.