I’m posting on a Thursday night, I know. It’s all Passover’s fault.
Have I mentioned that Passover is eight days long?
Yep. It started last Friday night and will end this Saturday night. I will be off all digital devices for the next couple of days in observance of the holiday, so I can’t wait to catch up with everyone Saturday night! I also can’t wait to eat sushi again on Saturday night. Back to normal food.
My son just told me that Passover is his favorite holiday, which made me happy. It means that all of my private angst about what to eat during this time hasn’t made its way over to him. I mean, sure, it’s hard to subsist on what could double as an extreme fad diet for eight days, but the kids really have fun with the holiday. And nothing is more rewarding than watching your children enjoy traditions.
Well, actually, frozen margaritas are pretty rewarding. So are trips to Tahiti. But yeah, sharing things with children is definitely cool, too.
Years ago, I went to a graduation party for one of my students, an exceptional young man who stood out as one of the kindest people I’ve ever taught. I asked his mother how she did it. How did she make him turn out so well? And her answer was as welcome as it was unexpected: she said that she and her husband had always shared their interests with their children.
At first, her answer confused me. Why would that make a difference? But a few years of thinking later, I get it. We share the things we love with our children in hope that they will form a bond with us and with generations both past and future. We teach them values, and we also teach them how to love the world around them. And the only way we can do that is by sharing our own loves. That’s why when I bake, I love having a child at my elbow, watching. And when I observe a holiday, I want them right there with me.
This final Passover recipe of the year on Just About Baked is simple, delicious, and classic. People make this as bark, or you can do what I’ve done and make the pieces much smaller using a crumbled version of matza known as farfel, resulting in handfuls of caramelly, buttery crunch. It’s as basic as recipes come, but sometimes, those are the best!
Thanks for putting up with me during this week of flour-free Passover baking. I’ll be back on Monday with my usual fare. In the meantime, enjoy your weekend, and spend it doing things you love. And, of course, sharing that love with other people.
Ingredients
2 cups matza farfel (or crumbled matza)
1 and 1/2 cup sliced almonds (I used blanched)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water
2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the matza farfel with the almonds. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the butter, brown sugar, salt and water to a boil, stirring constantly. When the mixture is boiling, carefully pour it over the matza and almonds and mix until coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden, 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the chocolate chips. Wait 5 minutes and then spread the chocolate over the matza.
- Let the chocolate set (about 2 hours), or refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes). Break into pieces and serve. Store in an airtight container.
3.1
https://justaboutbaked.com/matza-toffee-crunch/
I hope you enjoy your digital break. It’s nice to have that time away sometimes.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Friday Favourites: Sunshine, Running and Photoshoots by Dannii
Thanks, Dannii! I enjoyed it…and now I’m back!
It is really nice to take a break from technology every once in a while. I hope you enjoy the rest of your Passover celebration. I love what that mother said to you about how she raised her son. I grew up with two families. My mom and dad both remarried when I was very young, so I was lucky enough to get to learn from two environments. Secretly, I think my dad always wanted to raise a son (he has two daughters and two step-daughters), but we always went with him to his bowling leagues, watched football with him on Sundays, and helped him in his garden. My grandmothers were the ones who taught me to love baking. 🙂
I’m sure your dad was glad to have you, Erin. I think that parents can be hard to read. But my grandmothers taught me to love baking, too! We have so much in common!
I’m loving all of your recipes this week and this toffee crunch sounds wonderful as well! Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy some time away from technology 🙂
Danielle recently posted…Strawberry Limeade
Thanks, Danielle! I enjoyed the quiet. I actually played outside with a ball and glove for the first time in forever. It was so nice!
This toffee crunch looks perfect, Mir! Such a great treat to end the week with. I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy some time away from the computer! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Strawberry Mousse
Thanks, Gayle! I can’t wait to check out your mousse. I’m already excited!
Is it bad that I want to put this toffee crunch in my yogurt instead of the usual granola? It looks great and so perfect for a Friday treat!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Blood Orange Ginger Knots
Not bad at all. Chocolate and almond…what could be bad there? Thanks, Jen!
Sharing traditions and interests with your children is so important. That was a very wise mom who said that! I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend. Some unplugging sounds pretty good to me! 🙂
Kristine @ Kristine’s Kitchen recently posted…Raspberry-Filled Chocolate Lemon Cupcakes
Thanks, Kristine! I loved that mom’s advice. It’s odd that I had never even thought of that before, but I like to listen to moms who raised their kids well! It’s another advantage of teaching high schoolers!
This is lovely! Hope you enjoy your break! I love matza toffee, salty sweet is delish 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…Weekly Obsessions!
Thanks, Medha! Enjoy what’s left of your spring break!
Enjoy your break girl – it’s good for the soul! This matza toffee crunch has stolen my heart by the way – it looks ah-mazing!
Trish – Mom On Timeout recently posted…German Chocolate Caramel Brownies
Thanks, Trish! Breaks are SO good for the soul. It was so nice to get up later and read a book for once!
Looks yum! and thanks for sharing about this Holiday with us Mir. I had never heard of it but now I know 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Vanilla Donuts with Cookie Butter Glaze
My pleasure, Manali. I always learn a lot from you, too!
I really enjoy the flourless baking this week Mir! I hope you have a nice break away from technology! This crunch looks amazing!
mira recently posted…Homemade Strawberry Sorbet
Thanks, Mira! It was a fun and challenging week. Back to flour now!
I hope your enjoying your break and time away. We all need some time away from technology. I loved all your recipes this week. I don’t know much about passover, but I loved to see all these yummy recipes. This crunch looks perfect!! 😉
Cyndi – My Kitchen Craze recently posted…Spanish Rice & A Giveaway
Thanks so much, Cyndi! I’m excited to get back to the exciting world of non-Passover, but it was fun sharing with you all!
Matza bark like this is my FAVORITE. Once I was at a Passover dinner (I think it was for the first night?) and they made a toffee bark with it. OMG. Ever since then I crave it. Love this recipe!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Slice of Life 22
I’m so wishing I could send you some, Dorothy! We’re all sick of matza here and I have leftover crunch. Maybe next year… 🙂
Well, with this recipe you surprised me again. And the picture that is amazing. Keep on working super!
Chef Devaux recently posted…Halloween Insipred Sushi