Growing up Jewish in New Jersey, I always loved Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. As a kid, it was because school just started and we already had two days off, but as I grew older and started helping my mom prepare the holiday meal, it took on a much bigger meaning. Holidays in my house meant three things:
- Huge family dinner with all the traditions
- Real time to be together with the family and friends
- New recipes
Yes, new recipes! I know that you’re not supposed to try a new recipe when you are having 25 people for dinner. It’s a tradition that my mom started years ago and I can’t remember more than one occasion that something didn’t turn out.
For years my mom and I have spent hours in the kitchen dicing and slicing. I have long since taken over the menu planning of our family’s holiday meals. I’ve done away with the corn pudding, carrot ring and the kugel in favor of salads, roasted vegetables and added fish. As I upgraded my lifestyle the dinner table has changed and yours can too. Don’t use the “It’s the holidays” excuse to go off the rails, try some of my favorites to keep you and your family on track and don’t forget to enjoy a “sweet new year.”!
My Holiday Menu:
Chicken Soup
Brisket
Mom’s Roasted Turkey – a staple at every holiday but it’s a family secret*
Lemon Roasted Salmon
Bean salad with lemon and parsley dressing
Caramelized Cauliflower Steaks with Crisped Capers
Chopped Kale Salad with Edamame, Carrot and Avocado
Greek Broccoli Salad
Sugar Snap Pea and Carrot Soba Noodles
Peach Crisps
Fruit Salad
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