Ramadan: Through May 1

Muslims celebrate the holy month of fasting, called Ramadan. Fasting begins with the appearance of the crescent moon and commences when it disappears. During these days, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, refraining from any water or food in that span. The nighttime between dusk and dawn is the only time they consume a light meal, known as iftar (evening) or suhoor (early morning).

Eid al-Fitr, also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is the celebration that marks the end of the fast, beginning on the last three days of Ramadan. Traditional dishes vary from country to country, but usually include hydrating fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, dates, peppers, and eggplant. They are typically balanced out with protein-rich foods, such as meat and fish. Shorba (lentil soup), keema samosa (meat fritters), and kebabs are widely consumed during Ramadan as well.

Popular International Ramadan Menu Items:

• Lemon Lentil Soup (Lebanon)
• Pepper Lamb Stir Fry (Malaysia)
• Harira Chickpea Soup (Morocco)
• Vegetable Samosas (India) or Meat Samosas (Yemen)
• Jerk Chicken and Jollof Rice (Nigeria)
• Desserts include baklava (Turkey), kahk eid (Egyptian biscuit cookies covered with powdered sugar), and maamoul (Syrian shortbread cookies).

Passover: April 15 - April 23

Passover is a Jewish holiday, lasting eight days, which celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jewish people do not eat food or beverages that contain grains fermented in water.

During Passover, Seder is a festive meal of food and storytelling. Everyone reads from the Hagaddah, which recounts the story of the exodus from Egypt. A Seder plate holds the ritual foods, which are eaten after they are referenced during the reading. These foods include:

• Karpas, a raw green vegetable
• Charoset, a mixture of fruit, nuts, and wine
• Maror, bitter herbs like horseradish
• Zeroah, roasted lamb shank
• Betzah, roasted egg
• Three Matzot, unleavened bread

Additionally, kosher wine is an important part of the Seder meal. Adults drink four cups of wine, each one representing a promise made by God, while a fifth glass remains untouched to honor Elijah when he appears. Though the Seder traditions can be strict, there are classic, kosher dishes to enjoy while honoring Passover, including:

• Roasted Salmon
• Slow Roasted Brisket
• Matzah Balls
• Gefilte fish
• Potato Pancakes
• Flourless Chocolate Cake

Easter: April 17 (Lent: Through April 16)

Easter is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celebrations begin on Good Friday (April 15) and commence on Easter Sunday (April 17).

Traditional Easter recipes include honey-baked ham, roasted lamb, deviled eggs, and side dishes, such as homemade potato salad, cheesy potato casseroles, creamy peas, and roasted asparagus. Many of these traditional items have symbolic meanings, such as the resurrection (lamb) and the celebration of the end of Lent (eggs).

Inspired Easter Dishes:

• Italian Wedding Soup (Italy)
• White Borscht Soup (Poland)
• Dolmades/Stuffed Grape Leaves (Greece)
• Cepelinai Potato Dumplings (Lithuania)
• Hot Cross Buns (U.K. and Australia)

Consider incorporating touches of international influences into your April menu—such as lamb, chicken, potatoes, eggs, lemon, and lentils—for a delicious nod to these deep-rooted holiday celebrations.