Marilyn

OK, here's what I do: put the eggs in a large pot in cold water. Put on the burner on high. As soon as the water starts boiling, turn down until some bubbles are just breaking the surface. Set timer for 15 minutes. When done, run cold water over eggs until you can reach in, then take them out and plunge them into a bowl of ice and water. Once the ice is pretty much melted, dry off the eggs and store in refrigerator. My only secret to peeling (which doesn't always work) is to peel them under cold running water.

Now - my salt water recipe?

worrywart

You are too funny, Marilyn! My local paper recently ran a feature on how to hard boil perfect eggs (in time for Easter). Of course the three chefs they consulted each had a different method but the common thread was not to allow the water to reach a full boil.

LIMOMOF2

Marilyn, D brought a springy potted plant last year when she went to her BF's for Passover and I didn't want to give the same gift - although plants are always nice, and I always appreciate them as gifts when I receive them.

I'm glad my candy platter idea will work. P3t, if I purchase a new platter (not too expensive), would that be ok? I would rather send a glass/pottery platter than paper or plastic.

The fruit idea is also a good one - but I know that they are going away for a week the day after their seder, and I think the fruit may not last.

Everyone has been so helpful! Thanks again.

worrywart

Another OT tangent, but I figure this is the right crowd to ask. If tomorrow is my inlaw's yarzheit, do we light the candle at sundown tonight? Thanks for your guidance.

momof3sons

Yes, worrywart, sundown tonight is the proper time.

momof3sons

Have any of you kosher for Passover folks experienced the "stick/block margarine" crisis that has occurred this year? I am thinking about some menu revisions.

worrywart

Thanks, mom. No, I haven't done my shopping yet. What crisis? That may affect my menu as well.

jym626

If anyone can recommend any *good* kosher wine, I'd really appreciate it. I have tried several different Cabernets and Chardonnays. So far, sorry to say, they are pretty terrible. I admit to being a bit of a wine snob. So, for those with discriminating wine palates, is there anything out there?????

momof3sons

worrywart-Kosher for Passover margarine in either stick or block form, as opposed to KP margarine in the tubs, was not produced by Mother's this year, one of the primary sources. It was produced in a brand called Haolam, but is in very short supply, approaching non-existent. I have been all over the place in Orthodox neighborhoods in a major metropolitan area, and there is just none of the stick/block margarine anymore. There was apparently some a while a go. There is even a whole discussion about the "panic" on a web site called "Chowhound." People are reporting in from all across the country about the inability to find this product. Some are offering to put up extra blocks on ebay.

mini

Guess we'll have to eat the bread of affliction plain.

paying3tuitions

Absolutely! the point is only that it's not been used previously.

If you think the family is very traditional, just hint in the note: Here's some KP candy on a new dish.. " so they won't have to ask anything of your D. If you want them to keep the dish afterward, tell your D to refuse it when they try to have her take it home. If you want the platter back, she can say "Yes" and run with the new plate back home to tell you about her good time there

Really, my relatives drive me nuts with all of this, and likely the D's friend won't even ask or wonder. But if they do, you're covered.

My, I wish you were in my circle of friends! So thoughtful.

momof3sons

Hey mini, there's always the lovely whipped margarine in the round tubs for your bread of affliction. The issue of stick/block margarine is for bakers. Many cake/brownie recipes call for the stick margarine.

paying3tuitions

@mini - yes, that matzo binds the generations

mini

For the last two weeks, because of a gastro ailment, I've been living on yoghurt and bananas (and I think bananas were reserved for Pharoah).

2boysima

I prefer not to disagree with P3T, since she always has such good and thorough advice, but , if you're not sure of the level of kashrut of the family...you shouldn't place the candy on the platter.

You should deflintely leave some kind of sticker (brand? Store...without price?) on the platter, and leave the candy in the box. Perhaps you could wrap with some nice cellophane so it looks elegant....and have someone bring it over prior to the sedar. That way, the host/hostess will have time to arrange it .

Also..if you are on Long Island (based on your name) certain King Kullen stores have special Kosher for Passover bulk candy/dried fruit/nut sections....and I think they may even have dried fruit and candy in wicker sectional "platters" that are marked Kosher for Passover. In addition, if you're near Great Neck, Cedarhust/Lawrence or Plainveiw...many of the Kosher butchers and kosher supermarkets carry products beyond meat, and they may have a nice candy or fruit/nut platter already prepared.