It’s traditional to use round challahs for Rosh Hashanah, to represent the cycle of life. It’s also customary to eat sweet foods at this time, to symbolize our desire for a sweet year ahead, hence the raisins and sweet crumb topping.
The tart pomegranate syrup and fresh seeds provide the perfect contrast to the rich chocolate and sweet shortbread crust. I highly recommend it! (Pomegranates are traditional on Rosh Hashanah.)
What’s a holiday meal without chicken soup?
On Rosh Hashanah, we try to eat sweet foods to symbolize our wish for a good, sweet year ahead. It is also customary to eat foods whose names in the vernacular allude to blessing and prosperity, and the Yiddish word for carrot,
meren, also means “to multiply.”
Not a big tzimmes fan? Prefer something less sweet? That doesn’t mean doing away with the carrots altogether. Try this creamy soup with warm ginger undertones.
Somehow, brisket has become standard Rosh Hashanah fare across North America, and if you’re trying it, this is the recipe to use.
This roast is soft and sweet, with fruity undertones from the wine and dried fruit . . .
Prefer chicken? Try this schnitzel recipe.
Less meat and more veggies? Try this vibrant salad.
Kugel is one of those traditional Ashkenazic dishes which makes some people roll their eyes, but without which others can’t imagine a holiday or Shabbat meal.
Similar to rice pudding, but a little more solid so you can cut it into pieces.
Prefer a less sweet side? Try this pasta dish.
A sweet Rosh Hashanah classic.
With lots of traditional heavy foods, I’m sure lots of us are ready for some lighter eating. This vibrant, delicious salad will leave you feeling healthy and satisfied.
I love how versatile ratatouille is. It tastes good both cold and warm. You can serve it over rice or quinoa for a filling vegetarian meal, or alongside chicken, meat or fish for a flavorful, light side.
This salad is fresh and crunchy and the dressing is the hero—it’s thick and creamy without any mayonnaise.
To understand more about kreplach, what they represent and when else we eat them, check out this
great explanation.
On the day before Yom Kippur it is customary to ask for and receive lekach (honey cake—signifying a sweet year) from someone—usually one’s mentor or parent. One of the reasons given for this custom is that if it had been decreed, G‑d forbid, that during the year we should need to resort to a handout from others, the decree should be satisfied with this asking for food.
I’m sure you’ve all seen the typical candy sukkahs. I’m excited to share these healthier versions, using real, simple food you might serve for breakfast, lunch of dinner.
No need to hold the brisket! You can easily make this a non-dairy dessert.
Just in case you’re not all cooked out yet, here’s yet another traditional holiday dish—a Simchat Torah classic.
This compote is a great staple to keep in your fridge if you’re trying to eat healthily. It also freezes well, and tastes great half-defrosted, when it’s all icy and slushy.
And with the same recipe you can make this refreshing, naturally sweet drink.
Need a healthy snack while doing all that cooking? Keep these frozen yogurt grapes in the freezer and grab a couple as needed.
Wishing you all
ketivah vachatimah tovah—may you be written and inscribed for a sweet new year.
