3 Simple Rosh Hashanah Recipes

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. This holiday marks the first of the High Holidays, or days of repentance (ending with Yom Kippur). During this time of renewal, prayers are given beside rivers and lakes, as sins are cast into the water in the form of small pebbles. Foods are symbolic and nourishing. The synagogue holds the faithful who listen to the expanded liturgy and celebrate new beginnings. Apples are dipped in honey, symbolizing the sweetness of what is to come. "L'shanah tovah", is the common greeting for this day, wishing all a good year. It is a joyful, serious, and wonderful time.

Food has special significance on Rosh Hashana. Not only are apples dipped in honey, but pomegranates are eaten, symbolizing good deeds and abundance. A head of a fish may be served, so one may be "at the head of the class". Other traditional foods may include black-eyed peas, spinach, and gourd. Nuts are generally avoided (with the possible exception of almonds), as are foods and condiments which are sour or have a tartness to them. Sweet foods are consumed, encouraging a sweetened life. Here are a few simple recipes for these foods that you may want to incorporate into your celebration.

Honey Glazed Baby Carrots (meren, to multiply)

2 cups pre-peeled baby carrots
½ cup butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon

Melt your butter, then add the brown sugar, cinnamon and honey. Add your carrots, cover, and let cook over medium-low heat for ten to fifteen minutes. This tastes wonderful over sweet rice. Just add 1 tsp sugar per two cups of rice, and cook as normal.

Brisket (corned beef)

Throw away the spice packet and cover brisket with water.

2 bay leaves
20-25 whole peppercorns
1 onion
1carrot
1 celery stick
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves

add ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cover. Cook for approx 2.5 hours, checking often. Beef should peel apart with your fingers.

Apple and Pomegranate Salad

1 apple cut into small cubes
1 seeded pomegranate, cut
lettuce
store bought poppyseed dressing
slivered almonds

Simply combine the above and serve over lettuce.

Another option, is to chop the apple and add almonds, pomegranate seeds, and banana. Mix in a tablespoon of kosher mayonnaise.