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For both the Jewish Nation and Hebrews and Israelites around the world,spring means more than budding trees and tulips. It's time to celebrate the Passover (Pesach) . The eight-day celebration of Passover is a time to remember when God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt. Jewish families gather together to pray, read scriptures and enjoy wonderful Passover recipes passed down throughout the years from generation to generation.Matzo Ball SoupMatzah or Matzo is the Hebrew word for unleavened bread. As the Israelites were wondering the desert for 40 years, God provided Manna, (Matzah), for them to eat. Many Passover recipes call for Matzah or Matzah flour as a key ingredient. This is the Jewish version of Grandma's Chicken soup. Just on a trivia note, another name for Matzo ball is knaidlach.Ingredients:(the chicken soup part)

• 4 pounds chicken parts
• 3 1/4 quarts water
• 3 onions, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 1/4 tablespoons salt
• 2 carrots, peeled
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill

Ingredients : (Matzah balls)

• 6 eggs seperated
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of pepper
• 2 tablespoons of margarine or chicken fat
• 1 cup of matzah meal

Instructions:

1. The day before planning to serve this soup, place chicken, carrots,onion and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
2. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
3. Skim any foam that comes to the top of the pot
4. Add all other remaining ingredients except the dried dill and parsley.
5. Let everything simmer for another 1-2 hours.
6. Lastly add the dried dill and parsley and let it simmer for 15 minutes more.
7. Chill over overnight and skim the fat off the top before reheating
8. To make the matzah balls, seperate the 6 eggs, yolks and whites into two bowls.
9. Beat all the egg whites until they are still
10. Beat the egg yolks until they are blended and light.
11. Add salt, pepper and the melted chicken fat or margarine to the yolks
12. Fold this mixture into the egg white mixture
13. Add the matzah meal slowly, gently stirring it into the batter. Then refrigerate for one hour.
14. Moisten hands and form spoonfuls of batter into walnut size balls.
15. Drop each ball into the boiling soup. Reduce heat and cook slowly for 30 minutes before serving.

Easy Jewish BrisketMake lunch light and easy. A little matzah ball soup and a serving of brisket will satisfy a hungry crowd. Don't forget to add a festive passover dessert.Ingredients :

• 4 pounds beef brisket
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions :Passover is a week long celebration that begins on a Tuesday and ends on a Monday, but observing Jews usually begin the celebration at sunset on the Monday before. Activities are planned throughout the week, and family meals are a very important part of the Passover celebration.

1. Heat brisket in a large electric roaster or put it into a roasting pan in the oven.
2. Cook on low heat for 4 hours at about 250° F.
3. In a bowl, mix together the water, ketchup, vinegar, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and salt.
4. Pour it over the brisket and turn up the heat to 375° F. Heat for another 2 to 2.5 hrs.
5. Remove brisket and allow to cool before slicing.
6. Place brisket slices in a 9x13 inch baking pan or large platter and pour gravy on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
7. The next day, remove any excess fat and reheat before serving.

Passover Sponge CakeFor most Jewish families, sponge cake is a traditional dessert served on the first night of passover. Some recipes request as many as 12 eggs. This recipe is a little lighter only needing 9 eggs, but still delicious.Ingredients:

• 9 eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup potato starch
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup Matzah cake meal
• 1/4 cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. Beat egg whites until they are stiff and hold their shape.
2. Add sugar slowly.
3. In a separate bowl, sift cake meal and potato starch together. Fold into egg whites.
4. Add orange juice to beaten yolks. Fold into egg white mixture.
5. Pour into large, ungreased tube pan.
6. Bake in a preheated 325 °Foven for 50-60 minutes.
7. Invert onto a sturdy glass bottle and hang upside down for 1.5 hours or longer until completely cool. Removing the cake from the pan before it is completely cooled can cause it to fall.
8. Remove the cake by loosening the sides with a knife. Flip it out onto a serving plate.

Easy Passover BrowniesIt's not necessary to make an elaborate dessert each night of the Passover celebration. This is a kid friendly, easy to make Passover brownie treat.Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 6 tablespoons matzo meal
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
2. Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
3. In a medium-size mixing bowl, blend eggs, sugar, and butter. Mix in matzo meal, cocoa powder.
4. Transfer batter to prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. In a small mixing bowl, blend chocolate, butter or margarine and water. Spread over cooled brownies and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Pesach Strawberry ShortcakeThere are a variety of Pesach dessert choices to consider when planning the Passover meals. Some of the more traditional choices include : banana cake, macaroons and fruit compote.For a light and sweet end to a wonderful meal, try this little taste of spring.Ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons matzah cake meal
• 12 eggs, separated
• 12 tablespoons sugar
• 1 can of non-dairy cream in a can
• 2 pints strawberries, washed and sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F.
2. Grease 2 – 13x9" cake pans.
3. Mix together cake meal, egg yolks and sugar.
4. Beat egg whites until stiff and the fold them into the batter.
5. Pour into prepared pans and bake for 1/2 hour.
6. Allow cakes to cool on racks and then remove from pan.
7. Place a layer of whipped cream and sliced strawberries between the cakes and do the same for the top. Enjoy!

PassoverPassover is a week long celebration that begins a sunset on a Monday night and ends on the following Monday. The first night of Passover is when the Seder meal is observed. Each day in the Passover calendar has specific activities and scriptures to observe.