Countdown to Passover (and a Healthy Passover Cookbook for You)

Can you believe that Passover is around the corner? If you are like me, you know that it’s never too soon to start planning! The cleaning has started, but have you thought about making up your menus and shopping list?

Food is a big part of any celebration, especially Passover, that’s why it’s important to plan. Some food items may be harder to come by as the holiday gets closer due to stocking shortages. Make sure you get all the ingredients you need by shopping early.

Unfortunately, shopping is only one part of the prep work. There’s still all the cooking and other chores that need to get done before the holiday starts. Don’t worry, I have some tips and tricks that you can follow to host the perfect seder!

Plan Ahead

It’s never too early to plan! Check out these tips before you head to the grocery store:

Create a master computerized shopping list! Write your shopping list containing everything you will need for Passover and input it in the computer. Print and place it on your refrigerator so you can add items as you make up your menus. Then, take the list with you when you go shopping, and check off the items as you put them in your shopping cart.

Being organized can help you avoid purchasing double items and reduce the holiday stress of making multiple trips to the supermarket! Once Passover is over, do an inventory of your leftovers and adjust your shopping list in the computer for next year. For example, if you bought six boxes of matzo meal and had two left over, change the purchase amount in the computer to four boxes for next year.

Make a “To-Do” list. Preparing for Passover can be exhausting, but not if you plan. Make a “to-do” list with tasks assigned to specific dates so you know that you will get everything done on time. If it’s written into your schedule, it’s harder to brush off. You can also photocopy from a calendar the month before Passover and write directly onto the calendar what you will do on each day!

Shop early. Purchase shelf-stable food items in advance before supermarkets raise prices. Buying items early will guarantee saving you money and help you avoid crowded supermarket lines!

Do it yourself. Don’t pay extra for convenience! While it may be tempting to buy that fruit platter or vegetable crudité platter all prepared, these pre-made platters often cost more. This Passover season purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and prepare it at home!

Use your freezer. Have you started your Passover shopping yet? Made your Passover menu yet? The freezer is your friend! Make a list of ingredients you will need for Passover now and during your regular trips to the supermarket, pick up these ingredients, and freeze it until it’s time to use for Passover.

Sharing is caring. Buy in bulk and share with a friend. Food items bought in bulk are usually less expensive and give a better “bang for your buck”. Ask supermarket managers if they will give discounts for items bought in bulk and split the cost and food items with a friend or neighbor!

Check circulars. Be a smart consumer and know your prices. Check out the circulars from the various stores that have Passover sections and make a list of which items are less expensive in which store. Then, organize your shopping days to avoid running back and forth between stores to check prices. The prep time you put in before you head out to the stores will be a time saver later!

KISS – Keep It Simple Silly! It’s already impressive that you have taken on the responsibility of preparing the Seder; there’s no need to pick the most complicated dishes. A simple recipe done well is better than a complicated one you really don’t have time to execute.

Preparing for the Holiday Seder

Now that you have all the groceries, it’s time to start cooking! Here are some other tips you can use to create an unforgettable night:

Keep the kids busy while you cook. Encourage creativity by having them make their very own Seder Placemat!

Keep it heart healthy. Adjust your Passover recipes by reducing the ingredients high in sodium a little at a time. Don’t be fooled by recipes without table salt that do call for instant soups, bouillon cubes, or condiments which are high in sodium! Experiment with herbs and spices and get the benefit of the many antioxidants they provide.

Vegetarian alternatives. Eggplant cutlets are a great vegetarian option for a Passover meal! Replace breadcrumbs with matzoh meal to make a delicious dish that even meat lovers will enjoy!

Cook ahead. Cooking ahead is crucial if you have the space. While there are some recipes that must be made on Passover, there are many that can be made ahead of time and frozen. This will give you more time to focus on those specific dishes that must be made fresh.

Make it from scratch! Pre-packaged foods and baked goods can be pricey. Try preparing these items from scratch. Often, most staple items can be found right in your kitchen, and you can modify the ingredients of your family recipe to make it healthier!

Always room for improvement. Mistakes are a part of life. Keep track of what worked and what didn’t this holiday season. Save the list to make improvements for next year.

Set the table early. Set the Seder table a day early. It’s one less thing you have to do on the day of!

Despite all the chaos in getting ready for Passover, make sure you take the time to relax and enjoy your loved ones, and take the time to remember what Passover is about.

Get your copy of my Passover the Healthy Way Cookbook for delicious recipes to use this Passover.