The past few days have been a whirlwind of holiday prep—shopping, finalizing the menu, cleaning everything, and enduring 90 degree heat (so unusual for September in New England!).
I’ve made a big decision to shake up the food. A typical Rosh Hashanah menu around here would be either Atlanta Brisket or Roasted Turkey. We enjoy both of these main dishes, but I am craving something quicker, lighter, and healthier.
Since we won’t be having any guests and it’s just the family, I feel comfortable planning something different. If we were hosting a large crowd as we’ve done in the past, I probably wouldn’t, since most people expect a traditional menu for holidays.
Here’s what I’ve decided on:
- Salmon (prepared simply with lemon & dill)
- Baked potatoes
- String beans (sautéed in a garlic butter)
- Round challah
- Apple slices dipped in honey
- Mandelbrot, served with ice cream
Since I’m using the oven for the fish anyway, it will be easy to start the potatoes first and then finish everything at the same time. The challah I’ll buy, the Mandelbrot is already in the freezer, and the string beans can be sautéed just before serving.
I’m sure this menu seems very basic to some and not festive enough, but for me, while I love the traditional foods, I don’t have the time/energy/ambition to do the whole shebang this year. I’ll still set a pretty table with a nice cloth and china, and we’ll enjoy using our favorite Judaica like the Shofar and the Challah Cover and we’ll enjoy being together as a family, which is the most important part, right?
What about you? Are you serving a traditional menu? Would you ever consider straying? Let me hear your thoughts on Rosh Hashanah foods!