Ashkephardic Charoset

Directions

1. 1
   Pulse the pitted dates and walnut halves in a food processor till they form a crumbly mixture.
2. 2
   Add raisins, banana, apple, sweet wine, cinnamon and black pepper to the processor. Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides periodically, until mixture becomes the consistency of a sticky paste (like hummus).Taste the mixture.
3. 3
   Add kosher wine for more sweetness and to soften the mixture, if desired. Best when served chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Please note that apples and bananas will begin to oxidize after the first day, and the mixture may darken in color. This is normal and does not affect the taste of the charoset. Before serving, I like to garnish the charoset plate with a walnut half and apple slices.
4. 4
   Sprinkle the garnishing apple slices with lemon juice so they don’t turn brown.
5. 5
   Place a walnut in the center, then create flower petals with the apple slices in a spiral around the walnut.