Shank Bone Quandry

18 years ago

For some reason, the shank bone always ends up being a last minute seder item for me. I don't know why, but I have trouble remembering I need one! So, usually, I'm at searching the grocery stores they day before the seder for one, and end up paying $$$ for a package of lamb shank bones that I only need one of.

This year, I actually remembered in plenty of time to be able to select one that didn't cost a fortune, and was packaged one per pack, clearly for seders. However, until one hour before the seder, I completely forgot to roast it!!

I broiled it quick-quick and grabbed it hot from the oven to the seder plate. Whew!

Now, I know some people just freeze their shankbones and use the same one year after year. So this year I did stick it in the freezer. Who knows if I'll remember it's there next year, we'll see. Do you freeze yours, and if so, how many years do you use it before throwing it out and starting anew?

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Comments (5)

lindac
18 years ago
We'll remind you, mae!
mtnester
18 years ago
Well, it depends on your family's minhag (custom), but a chicken bone is traditional for many families. Last week, I served bone-in chicken thighs for dinner one night and saved one bone (which I later cleaned, re-roasted, and froze). One year, though, I completely forgot to prepare something in advance. I asked my DD to draw a bone with her crayons, and then we cut it out and put the drawing on the Seder plate. I figured it was a symbol of a symbol! (That might not work for more Orthodox folks, though.) I've considered buying a lamb shank, but lamb is on DH's do-not-eat list, so a chicken bone is a better alternative for our family.
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jessyf
18 years ago
um

er

I've been known

to put a chicken thigh bone on the plate

at the last minute

when I myself forget all about it

(Sue, love your stories!)
lackboys3
18 years ago
May, I know a few families that will freeze their shank bones to use for next year. I don't do it, because it just doesn't appeal to me. When we lived in South Florida, it was very easy to find the shank bone every Passover in our local Publix. Since moving to Central Florida, I can't always find it. So, I've done what Sue and Jessy do twice already, and it sure was convenient. I can't STAND the smell of the shankbone when it's roasting, so that's another reason to just use a handy chicken leg bone:-) If I find the lamb shank bone, fine, if not, I fall back on the chicken leg.

I have wondered too how many years in a row would you be able to use the bone from the freezer????
DONNA
mimsic
18 years ago
I roast the shank bone and it gets eaten by the end of the week. My son loves it. I have been in the "oops I forgot the shank bone" place a few times and had to use the chicken thigh substitute.

This year I forgot to get a chunk of Horse Radish. Luckily for me we do the second night so I swiped half of my cousin's root at the end of the first Seder at her house. Phew!

Shank Bone Quandry

Comments (5)

lindac

mtnester

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