By Gloria Berger
Hubby Alex (TimesLedger columnist Alex Berger) defines the chief malefactors in wait on the Passover tables as culprits who are, as we speak, arming themselves to attack viciously upon contact. He warns all in close proximity to exercise extreme caution when in their vicinity. They are: latkes, potato pancakes drowned in oil; borscht, a purple soup made from beets and whatever; matzoh: a sheet of cardboard that crumbles when touched; matzoh balls, a soup accompaniment shaped like a small orange whose chief ingredient is matzoh, the first anti-diarrhea remedy on earth; kugel, a blend of over-cooked noodles, raisins and curds of ripe cheese; and gefilte fish, a mix of congealed fish parts and transparent slime jelly.Now, Alex, Passover food is not as bad as all that. May I suggest, following the Passover meal, to indulge with these two child-friendly desserts. See recipes below. They are easy to prepare and go great with tea, coffee or milk. Enjoy.Date Yummies1 stick butter or margarine 1 egg 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup ground dates2 cups ground Rice Krispies1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup chopped nutsCombine butter, dates, egg, vanilla, and sugar. Cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Cool. Add Rice Krispies and nuts. Form mixture into balls and roll in chopped nuts. Alternately, roll in cocoa or coconut. Makes approximately 48 balls.Meringue Cookies3 egg whites 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Dash salt 1 cup chocolate chipsBeat egg whites until stiff, gradually adding other ingredients. Drop from teaspoon onto lightly greased, foil-covered cookie sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Cool before removing from cookie sheet. These cookies are best when prepared on a non-humid day.To each and every one, may you have a sweet, gastric-free Passover.
