The word "charoset" comes from the Hebrew word cheres — חרס — "clay." Charoset is a sweet, muddy-looking paste made of fruits and nuts eaten at the Passover Seder. The color and texture are meant to recall mortar (or mud used to make adobe bricks) which the Israelites used when they were enslaved in Ancient Egypt. There are many recipe versions for charoset. Eastern European (or Ashkenazi) charoset is made from chopped walnuts and apples, spiced with cinnamon and sweet wine.