Don’t Schvitz Over Your Seder

Why schvitz (sweat) in the kitchen when Livingston has so many excellent places that will do the cooking for you?  Here are a few of our favorites:

1.  Livingston Bagel: A favorite meeting place for many, this deli/eatery is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.  That means you could easily pick up something on the way to work and bring it to a Seder without rushing around after work.  With over 40 years of experience in creating traditional Jewish holiday meals and a full a la carte menu (they also offer complete dinners), Livingston Bagel takes much of the stress out of this sacred holiday.  Pick up some of their dark chocolate covered matzoh – it’s just right for the holiday meal and contains heart-healthy antioxidants! 
2. Babushka’s Deli: Right next door to Livingston Bagel (in fact, if you enter the back of the bagel store, there’s an entrance to Babushka’s on your left), is a goldmine of Russian and Eastern European delicacies right in your own backyard.  Ask Babushka’s owner, Olga Snyder what’s good for Passover and she’ll steer you toward a full array of mouth-watering holiday favorites including stuffed cabbage, beet salad, Odessa (pasta with sautéed vegetables, peppers, and onions), and babaganoush.  Olga’s favorite is the homemade gefilte fish made from carp – you’ll never buy the jarred stuff again! 45C E. Northfield Road, (973) 533-0394.
3. Eppes Essen: Eppes Essen is Yiddush for “I will give you something to eat” and they’re experts in it!  Their matzoh ball soup is the ultimate in comfort food and the best I’ve ever eaten.  Kids will love their chicken nuggets made from matzoh meal and their potato kugel hits just the right mark:  crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside.
4. Nana’s Deli: This may be take-out heaven for those of us who need Passover food quick.  The cooks at Nana’s Deli are masters at making what could be rather bland holiday fare delicious.  Try their sweet and tangy Cranberry Chicken, world-famous Tuna, or Grilled Vegetables (so good and healthy).  This is what Passover (and all) cooking should taste like ALL the time!
5. Ain’t We Sweet: Don’t know what to bring to the Passover Seder?  You can’t go wrong with the marvelous macaroons at Ain’t We Sweet!  They’re fresh, delicious and available dipped in chocolate or not.  Try their matzoh crunch:  it’s wickedly addictive.  Show up with candy (or anything) from this amazing store and you’ll be greeted like a superstar.

For my Seder, a basic chicken dish and then embellishing it with something from one of these incredible establishments.  A little of this, a little of that – it all adds up to a great Seder!  Chag Kasher V'Sameach!