The scent of cinnamon and apples baking is synonymous with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It’s a time for reflection, family, and of course, delicious food! Apples and honey are traditional symbols of the holiday, representing a sweet new year, and this post offers some delicious and easy ways to incorporate them into your Rosh Hashanah celebration. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these recipes are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and tradition to your holiday table. Get ready to create some truly memorable homemade dishes!
Honey-Glazed Roasted Apples with Cinnamon
This recipe is incredibly simple, yet incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect side dish or a delightful light dessert, showcasing the natural sweetness of apples beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored and quartered
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Place the apple quarters in a baking dish and pour the honey mixture over them, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve warm. These roasted apples are fantastic on their own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream.
Tip: For a more intense flavor, use a dark honey like buckwheat honey.
Apple and Honey Challah Bread
This recipe elevates the classic challah bread with the addition of apples and honey, creating a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for Shabbat or Rosh Hashanah. It's a delicious and impressive addition to any festive meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the salt, honey, egg, and oil to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
- Stir in the diced apple and cinnamon.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a challah braid or loaf.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tip: For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also add raisins or chopped walnuts to the dough.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, Honey-Glazed Apples):
- Calories: 150-200
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 4-5g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These Rosh Hashanah apple recipes are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. They are easy enough for weeknight cooking yet elegant enough for your holiday table. Enjoy the process of creating these delicious dishes and the sweetness of the new year!