Question
Shalom aleichem Rabbi Lauffer. Thank you for answering my last question. If one is saying shema without the accompanying brachos, for example the time for sof z’man kriyas shema is approaching and he wants to say shema in order to fulfill the mitzvah and he plans on repeating the shema later with the brachos during shacharis, would he still say “emes” at the end, or is this word only said when accompanied by the brachos. Thanks.

Question
Can haroset be made of literally anything you want? Like any types of fruits, nuts, or other KFP ingredients you wish? Or must one follow the tradition of their family or community?