Shake, Shake, Shake: It’s Seder Night Fever
We gave the Passover Seder a “Queer Eye” makeover and came up with this little retro number. Like “Queer Eye,” it’s a little over the top, but if you’re looking for something different this year, it might just be the theme for you. It’s not entirely inappropriate, either. The Jews celebrated the crossing of the Red Sea with dance and song. We doubt that song was ‘The Hustle,’ but we’re sure it was just as catchy.
Also known as the Gayder, this Seder is Passover as served at Studio 54. Set up a velvet rope and refuse entry to any guests who haven’t dressed to impress (Elijah gets in no matter what he’s wearing,). Decorate with disco balls and strobe lights. Distribute medallion necklaces and feather boas as party favors. We don’t suggest you make a centerpiece out of a mirror topped with lines of potato starch — it’s tacky, and a mess to clean up.
The wine will flow, the love will grow, and you’ll sing “Dayenu” to your favorite Village People tune. You’ll hate yourself in the morning, but that’s what bloody marys are for.
MENU
Hot Stuff Matzo Ball Soup (cheat with a Manischewitz mix)
Disco Biscuits*
Shake, Shake, Shake Your Meat Course (chicken or beef breaded in matzo meal, Shake ‘n’ Bake-style, and then pan-fried)
Boogie Oogie Kugel*
Rolling in Green Salad (dress your favorite salad greens in a light vinaigrette)
Baked Big Apple*
*Recipes follow
Disco Biscuits
That’s the way (uh-huh, uh-huh) I like it.
2 cups water
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. salt
2 cups matzo meal
8 eggs, lightly beaten.
| 1. | Preheat oven to 450 degrees and lightly grease two muffin tins. |
| 2. | In a large saucepan, bring water, oil and salt to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in matzo meal and eggs. Mix well. |
| 3. | Refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes. |
| 4. | Plop batter into muffin tins and bake 20 minutes. Allow to cool. |
Makes 24 popovers.
Boogie Oogie Kugel
Until you just can’t boogie no more.
6 large potatoes, peeled and grated
1 onion, grated
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup oil
2 tbsp. matzo meal
2 tsp. paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
| 1. | Preheat oven to 400 degrees and liberally grease a casserole dish or a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. |
| 2. | In a large bowl, combine potatoes, onion and eggs. Mix well, then add oil, matzo meal, paprika, and salt and pepper. |
- Pour mixture into casserole dish or Pyrex pan. Bake for an hour and 15 minutes or until golden-brown.
Serves 6.
Baked Big Apple
If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere — and if you can’t, you can still make this tasty, easy dessert.
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
6 large apples
| 1. | Preheat oven to 375 degrees. |
| 2. | In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon, and set aside. |
| 3. | Core apples and place in baking dish. Add 1/2 inch of water. |
| 4. | Bake apples, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes. |
| 5. | When the apples are tender but still retain their shape, turn oven up to 425 degrees. Sprinkle sugar mixture over apples and bake until apples are crisp and brown, about 5-10 minutes. Serve hot. |
Serves 6.
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