Special thanks to Lisa Goldstein for her recipes and research & Temple Chai in San Antonio, Texas.
Italian Charoset

Italian charoset varies widely depending on the region, city, and even family. An Italian charoset recipe will contain different ingredients and in different quantities, depending on which fruits and other ingredients are available in the area where one is located in Italy.

Italian Charoset Recipe (Makes about 6 1/2 to 7 cups)

1/2 pound pitted dates
1/2 pound shelled walnuts
3 large apples, peeled and cored
1 large unpeeled seedless orange, thoroughly washed
2 large bananas
1/2 cup sweet Passover wine
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Matzo meal as needed

Instructions:
Very finely chop dates, walnuts, apples and orange, and place them in a bowl.
Mash bananas; add them to the bowl. Add wine, cinnamon, cloves and lemon juice.
Mix well. Add matzo meal as needed to make a mortar-like paste.
Note: Matzah meal is optional for this recipe, it is not absolutely necessary.