Patch Picks: Celebrating the Jewish New Year

For people that do not observe the Jewish holidays it might come as a surprise that this New Year marks year 5772 in the Jewish calendar. The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a time for repentance in preparation for the high holidays. Just like most holidays observed in every religion, there is tradition: similar to the American New Year, the Jewish New Year is also a time for setting resolutions.

For this week’s Patch Picks here are a few recipes and traditions recognized.

Well Wishes

Just like any holiday, it is common to wish friends and family a “l’shanah tovah,” a happy new year.

Keep it Sweet

Dipping apples in honey has been an “age-old” tradition. Eating this combination symbolizes hope for a sweet year ahead. It is also common to have a round challah to symbolize the circle of life. Many people choose to dip the challah in honey for an extra sweet year ahead.

Recipe – Main Dish

Brisket – Courtesy:

• 3 sliced onions
• 4 1/2 to 5 lb beef brisket, well-trimmed
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1/4 cup apricot juice
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice

Spray a large roasting pan with non-stick spray. Place onions in pan; place brisket on top of onions. Rub meat on all sides with garlic, seasonings, jam and lemon juice. Marinate for an hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Cook covered. Allow 45 minutes per lb. as the cooking time, until meat is fork tender. Uncover meat for the last hour and baste it occasionally. Remove from oven and cool completely. Refrigerate overnight, if possible. Discard hardened fat which congeals on the surface. Slice brisket thinly across the grain, trimming away any fat. Reheat slices in the defatted pan juices.

Recipe – Dessert

Classic Honey Cake – Courtesy: Chabad of Mineola

• 3 Eggs
• 1 1/3 cups honey
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup strong black coffee
• 2 tsps. Baking powder
• 3 tbsp. Margarine, softened
• 1 tsp. Baking soda
• 4 cups flour
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 9-by 13-inch cake pan.

In a large mixer bowl, beat eggs and honey together. Add sugar and mix again. Mix coffee with baking powder, and then add with margarine to the egg mixture. Add baking soda, flour, and cinnamon and beat together well.

Pour into greased cake pan. Bake for 55 minutes to an hour.

Wine

If you are a guest for the holidays and can’t find the right gift for the host and hostess, wine is a wonderful token to show your appreciation. You can go for a mild red or white wine that is not consumed just for a quick “buzz,” but rather to pair well with a meal.