Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. As many of you may know, one of Passover's most recognizable symbols is matzo, an unleavened bread made of flour and water that is baked in such a way that it does not rise into bread, but remains flat. According to the Torah, the Hebrews left Egypt with such haste that there was not time to allow baked bread to rise, thus matzo is a reminder of the rapid departure of the Exodus. Some surmise that matzo was commonly baked for the purpose of traveling because it preserved well and was light to carry. Others still believe matzo serves as a symbol to remind Jews what it is like to be a poor slave and to promote humility and to appreciate freedom. Happy stuff, no?!?
The unleavened idea runs throughout the whole Passover Seder, meaning none of the baked goods are allowed to rise, so people use almond flour and other substitutes for white flour to create a bevy of unleavened desserts.
I decided to bring this "no flour" idea into the table setting, and instead of using cut flowers, I arranged pussy willows (Salix discolor), the little branches that have precious gray furry tips (catkins). Male catkins actually bloom into little yellow buds, which I didn't know until I saw a few opening up (hence RUINING my concept of no flowers)! I kid; I'm into variety and a little departure from the concept.
Anyway, our pictures aren't the greatest, given the early evening light, but you get the idea.
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