Purim Done Light

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It's hard to imagine anyone who can stockpile all their Mishloach Manot without sneaking a bag of chips here and a candy corn there. By the time the goody-giving dies down, and it's time for the se'uda, you're hard-pressed to find someone who's ready to sit down to a filling festive meal.

Here's how to create a Purim meal for all your guests who groan apologetically, "I'm so full from all the Mishloach Manos goodies," just as they sit down to the Purim feast you worked so hard to prepare.

Start with the heaviest part of the meal - the bread

It's an obligation on Purim to eat bread but it doesn't have to be challah. How about a piece of thin, yet delicious pita bread? Slice the pita into broad triangles, sprinkle with garlic powder and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Then toast them as the Mishloach Manot is coming in the door. Eight minutes on 400 degrees F should be just right. The delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen door will welcome your visitors.

Next on the menu—a salad or two

A nice salad is a refreshing antidote to the sugary snacks on the menu since breakfast. Toss fresh greens with your own light honey mustard dressing by mixing together:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of Manischewitz® Golden Honey
• 2 tablespoons of prepared mustard
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 2/3 cup of water

Keep the wine flowing

Although there should be plenty of wine available for your guests, it's also nice to cook with wine in the "spirit" of the day! Add a dash of red wine into Manischewitz® Marinara Sauce. Pour over two platters of pasta, one regular and one whole wheat, for a bountiful showing of real homemade flavor without the hard work.

Making light of the main course

Keep dessert bite-sized. Line bowls filled with small cookies and candies across the table. Include Manischewitz® Fruit Slices to add color. Scatter white paper bags with "Happy Purim" emblazoned on the side, and invite your guests to take a bag of goodies home.

Remember, preserve your simchas haChag by planning ahead –– because a Purim done right is a "Purim Done Light"!