As a child, my most vivid memories of Passover were shaped by the sensory experiences that unfolded during our family’s seders. At our family’s Seders, we relied on the children’s Haggadah, which ensured that our celebrations were always concise, lasting around twenty minutes. This format also led to a lively atmosphere, characterized by creative chanting and improvisational “rapping” – think “Let’s rap about the seven plagues!” and playful reenactments like pretending to be exhausted after traversing the desert for as long as the Jewish people did. I’ve never had the pleasure of attending a traditional Passover Seder. I’m genuinely looking forward to the experience.
Growing up, I developed a profound affection for Jewish culture, deeply rooted in my maternal lineage. Although my understanding of Jewish customs is limited to recognizing items on a traditional Seder plate, reciting the blessing for lighting Hanukkah candles, and tossing around a few well-worn Yiddish expressions with ease, my admiration for the culture far exceeds its boundaries.
Here’s a revised version: Which brings me to this recipe – perfect for Passover. YES.). This is matzo toffee. Meet the simplest, most divine confectionery creation that will effortlessly win your heart – a sweet treat that’s out of this world! After an arduous quest that took me to three different grocery stores before finally procuring the elusive box of matzo, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of vindication and triumph. It did. Duh.
Matzo Toffee
What a delightful treat! Here are the essentials to craft this sweet Jewish classic:
- 1 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted vegan butter or margarine
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 4-6 matzo crackers
- Can I add additional seasonings to my dessert? Optional: toasted nuts, with notes of caramelized flavor, toasted coconut flakes adding a tropical twist, and a pinch of flaky sea salt for added depth.
How to Prepare Matzo Toffee
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
- Arranging matzo crackers on a baking sheet, ensure complete coverage by filling any gaps with fragments of the crunchy flatbread.
- With a gentle warmth, combine butter and sugar in a harmonious blend, allowing their sweetness to meld.
- Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and maintain steady stirring for exactly 3 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the vanilla extract.
- With deliberate strokes, pour the buttery sugar mixture over the matzo, ensuring an even distribution as you spread it with a trusty rubber spatula.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Removed from the oven, a generous sprinkling of chocolate chips is applied to the top, followed by a five-minute pause. Subsequently, the melted chocolate is carefully spread evenly across the crackers.
- Top with toppings, if desired. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 45 minutes. Break up and EAT.
