For me, it’s my Grandma Judy’s.

The only reason I know how to make matzo balls is because Grandma Judy taught me.

It was years ago over a scratchy Skype call.

Zoe preparing food in her kitchen

Simply Recipes / Leela Cyd

Simply Recipes / Leela Cyd

Growing up, our familys Seder was always hosted by my grandparents.

For me, my siblings, and cousins, Passover was the crowd favorite holiday.

Its interactive, theatrical even!

Zoe with a family picture album

Simply Recipes / Leela Cyd

Show me another holiday where you are encouraged to dip your fingers in wine or grape juice?

Or the suggestion of slurping salt water off parsley leaves, or building crumbly towers of matzah and charoset.

Not to mention leaving out a glass of wine and a seat at the table for a literal ghost.

Zoe and guest sharing the prepared meal

Simply Recipes / Leela Cyd

The absurdity helped balance the grief.

And, of course, theres the food.

My Grandma Judy is unwavering in her belief that the best matzo balls should be light as air.

Zoe setting the table

Simply Recipes / Leela Cyd

No dense sinkers allowed.

And honestly, I think shes spot on.

In more recent years, I started to call this ideaCooking with my MouthBrain.

Zoe laughing at the table with a tight crop of food

Simply Recipes / Leela Cyd

These taste/memories are like time machines and act as building blocks for recipes I develop.

The matzo ball of my dreams will always be hers.

Its like a Jewish culinary white whale.

Matzo Ball Soup on a table

Simply Recipes / Leela Cyd

Passover is a holiday that asks big questions.

Why is this night different from all other nights?

We ask each year.

Zoe plating dish in the kitchen

Simply Recipes / Leela Cyd