Charoset {Apple, dried fruit, and nut salad}

Have you ever had charoset? Better question: do you even know what charoset is? It's a delicious and traditional apple dish that is served during the Passover Seder. Charoset is made of tiny pieces of apples and nuts. Then it "marinates" in wine and spices to achieve a fragrant, deep flavor. It can be made loads of different ways, depending on each families traditions.

The version that I made was a unique take on a unique take of a more traditional recipe. Does that make sense?

It is sweet and spicy (as in full of spices. Although if you add enough cayenne I'm sure you'll feel a bit of a kick), earthy and comforting. And I could probably eat a whole bowl by itself.

Dried fruit takes this up a notch. It's adds subtle sweetness, a bit of chewiness, and overall awesomeness.

It's nice because buying awesomeness at Whole Foods can get kind of expensive. I prefer to buy dried fruit instead.

To bring out all of the complex flavors and tastiness of the nuts, roast them in the oven (or toast them in a pan) for about 7 minutes at 350°F, or until they are fragrant.

I would totes recommend this!

Charoset {Apple, dried fruit, and nut salad} inspired from a recipe from my Grandpa

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples, diced small (I used Granny Smith)
• 2/3 cup roasted walnuts, diced small
• 1/2 cup roasted almonds, diced small
• 2/3 cup apricots, diced small
• 1/3 cup pitted dates, diced small
• 1/2 cup sweet wine (like Manischewitz) or grape juice
• 1 Tablespoon orange zest
• 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Method

1. Dice apple, walnuts, almonds, apricots, and dates. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. It can be served immediately, but it's better if you allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Keep leftovers in fridge for up to 5 days.

2. An alternative method (although I didn't do it this way): Place the apples, nuts, and dried fruit in a food processor and process until all of the ingredients are bite sized pieces, but not pureed. Place in a large bowl and add the wine, zest, and spices and mix well.