Monday, September 29, 2008

Apples and Honey for Rosh Hashana

To my fellow Jews, I wish you a happy and healthy new year. If you're scratching your head why I'd be wishing anyone a happy new year in the Fall, than I'll fill you in:

Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, symbolizes the start of the Jewish calendar (Tishrai). The 2-day holiday is celebrated by going to synagogue and hearing the shofar blow (a ram's horn), and eating symbolic foods, such as apples and honey (for a sweet new year).

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Every one has their own traditions and rituals, but here are a few suggestions to liven up your Rosh Hashana celebration:

imageStand out from the crowd - rather than gifting a plain jar of honey to your family and friends, try an herbal-infused jar instead.

Martha's directions for making your own is simply pushing two or three sprigs of herbs into the syrup. lavender pairs especially well with honey, as does fragrant rosemary.

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Forgo the usual flower arrangements and make a stunning centrepiece out of the holiday essentials gilded with gold leaf for some extra sparkle. Click here for Jewish Living's step-by-step instructions for this gorgeous edible arrangement.

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Serve your younger  guests a mocktail involving another symbolic Rosh Hashana fruit: pomegranates. Make POM faux-mimosas using sparkling apple cider instead of champagne or for an after-dinner treat, make a hot batch of Eskimo Kiss.

Skip sending unhealthy chocolate baskets and package your own batch  of delicious homemade apple chips in a nice tin or cellophane bag tied with raffia.

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Honey cake is a classic, but if you're looking to spice up your dessert table, try delicious spiral fritters sweetened with honey or a honey and pine nut tart, both from Martha.

 

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