Did you know that the oldest Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere is in Curaçao, an island north of the Venezuelan coast?
I had the opportunity to visit the amazing Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue there which is the oldest continuing operating synagogue in America. While visiting, I learned about a unique type of Charoset that’s in little ball shapes and I was inspired to create a version for Breaking Matzo. As a tribute to Curaçao, we’ve added orange-flavored Curaçao liqueur to the recipe as well as coconut, a popular ingredient there. We hope you enjoy the recipe. For more information on my trip to Curaçao, click here.
Makes 28 - 32 balls depending on size
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup dried figs
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 oz Curaçao liqueur
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut + 2 cups for rolling
Instructions
- Soak dates and dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes to soften
- Drain dates and figs from water, add all ingredients to a food processor or high-powered blender and puree until combined
- Put mixture in a bowl, cover and chill for about 30 minutes to firm it up
- Scoop out mixture into balls (about 2 tbsp each) and roll them in shredded coconut
- Serve immediately, chill or freeze. They stay soft in the freezer so if you're making them ahead, you can serve them directly out of the freezer without letting them thaw
Peanuts? I thought they were ruled a chumatz.
I made a Morracan Corosat which was very similar and it was delicious.
The Curcao Charoset is a delicious recipe for Passover or anytime. Love your site.
These sound delicious ! I will have to make these ❣✨?✨
I’m going to try then
They look delicious!
I have a cookbook from the Curacao Jewish community with this recipe. My recipe has larger quantities and other additional ingredients, like prunes, brown sugar, and tamirand juice, and cashew nuts. They both look delicious!
Looks like they are yummy going to make Some after I get the ingredients
If dates & figs unavailable, what about dried apricots & raisins?
I’m going to make this recipe. Thanks for sharing
Will be making them . Thank you.
Not crazy about peanuts so I used almond and pecons.Very nice change and makes an interesting desert to serve with the chocolate covered matzah ??
How many carbs are in one ball?
(I’m diabetic)
I used Sabra Liqueur and almonds instead. Mmmmm…thanks for this great idea!!
I used dried apricots, and about 1/4 cup prunes with dates. Also used walnuts instead of peanuts. Total effect was delightful !
Have granddaugter with ultra severe nut and life threatening anaphylaxis to peanuts. Can I use something like rice crispies or something else for the crunch?
Vert interesting. Serena good and Easy ti prepare. Thanks you.
The Ashkanazim consider peanuts Chamatz Sephardim are allowed to eat peanuts as well as Rice and several other foods not allowed to Ashkanazim.
Almonds or walnuts
We were in Curacao a few years ago and visited the beautiful and very spiritual Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue. We took our shoes off upon entering as requested. I had an almost out of body experience standing on the sand, feeling the generations pass through me.
I have made this recipe for our Seder this year as well as several others from around the world. I finally had a use for the Blue Curacao liquor we brought back from the island. Thank you!