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Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky, right, helps his daughters Devorah Leah, 5, left, and Rochel, 8, peel vegetables in preparation for Passover, which begins Wednesday.

‘We will face our fears’: Jewish families prepare to celebrate Passover during challenging times

Amid steep challenges both in the U.S. and abroad, Jewish families will gather around their Seder tables Wednesday evening to celebrate the first night of Passover and the perseverance of their people.

Searing in a higher-sided pan, such as a cast-iron skillet, can help cut back on splattering.

What’s the best way to sear meat without so much splattering?

Q. I’ve asked my husband to use a mesh splatter guard, or to sauté meat at a lower temperature, but he is set in his ways. (And I love him dearly, so will not ding him for this.) Do you have any advice for how to sear, blacken or char meat without creating so much splatter?

Amanda Christensen of the American Daylily Society will introduce some new varieties of daylilies at the April 8 meeting of the Rolling Meadows Garden Club.

Home & garden calendar, March 31 to April 11

Upcoming gardening club meetings and events in the Chicago suburbs, covering topics like new varieties of daylilies, spring wildflowers, soil composition, and more.

Roasted carrots are delightful served hot, warm or at room temperature. To make them extra special, top multi-colored varieties with a dollop of Spinach Parsley Pesto.

2 little twists that make roasted carrots pop on an Easter table

Roasted carrots are delightful served hot, warm or at room temperature. To make them extra special, top multi-colored varieties with a dollop of Spinach Parsley Pesto. These would be the perfect side dish for an Easter feast, Mother’s Day lunch or any gathering.

A bright green puree stirred in at the end of this Spicy Lentil Soup adds a hit of freshness that feels unmistakably like spring. Top with sauteed mushrooms, a squeeze of lime and a few drops of sesame oil.

Spicy Lentil Soup is warm, bright and comforting all at once

This recipe for Spicy Lentil Soup seems to bridge both winter and spring. With lentils and rice at its base, it’s filling and comforting enough for a cold day. But then comes the bright green puree stirred in at the end — a hit of freshness that feels unmistakably like spring.

The Batavia Community Egg Hunt moves to Prairie Path Park this year on Saturday, March 28.

Egg hunts for kids, dogs and adults across the suburbs

Grab your baskets and get ready to hunt for eggs and meet the Easter Bunny at events across the suburbs now through April 11.

To make a savory matzo brei, add the soaked-matzo-and-egg mixture to sautéed onions. In other savory versions you might find cabbage or sauerkraut and mushrooms, and possibly sour cream for serving.

Matzo brei is Passover comfort food fried up in a pan

The traditional Passover food matzo brei (rhymes with fry) is essentially matzo fried with eggs, or scrambled eggs with matzo, depending on how you look at it. The holiday requires observant Jews to stay away from any leavened breads, so matzo, which is unleavened, becomes a staple.