MEANINGFUL MEALS
Even though our Easter, Pass over and Ramadan celebrations will look and feel different, we can still eat well to celebrate the holidays.
The Seder meal that in normal times brings friends and family together on the first night of Passover no doubt will be scaled back this year.
Easter brunch or dinner might be prepared for just two or three people instead of a crowd.
And, the Iftar meal that breaks the fast many local Muslims keep during the month of Ramadan may have to be enjoyed at home this year instead of shared at the Islamic Center of Reading, as it normally is.
Passover begins next Wednesday, extending through April 16. Easter is a brate them, and eat well as we do.
It’s spring, and that’s a blessing as we continue in these uncertain times. Daffodils are blooming, and windows can be opened on days that hint of the prom
ish of summer.
And, spring vegetables — asparagus, snow peas, spinach, radishes, tender lettuces and others — are arriving in local farm markets and grocery stores.
Freshly picked dandelion is for sale at some locations, or you probably can find some on your own, if you’re ambitious. After all, many of us have extra time on our hands.
If you go foraging, be sure to pick from an area that hasn’t been sprayed and wash the greens well before using.
Local asparagus is still a few weeks out, but spinach grown on area farms will be in markets soon, along with lettuce and other greens.
As we navigate through this period of disorientation, with religious services and holiday meals being shared on social networking sites instead of in places or worship or around communal dining tables, try to stay positive.
Periods of orientation devolve into times of disorientation, but eventually, reorientation occurs.
And, while waiting for that to happen, we still need to feed our bodies and souls. I’ll cook for Easter, though it likely will be for two people instead of 16.
Maybe we’ll make just salmon this year instead of both salmon and ham, but there definitely will be spring greens and vegetables, my mom’s pineapple pudding and new potatoes with dill.
I also will make deviled eggs or put an egg on top of the dandelion greens, as eggs are an ancient symbol of new life, and that seems hopeful in these times.
Whether you’re celebrating Passover, Easter, Ramadan or just spring, allow foods that have meaning to you be a comfort. Make some extra to share with a neighbor and stay in touch with the people you love.
Disorientation occurs, but reorientation, in some form, always follows.