L'Shana Tovah

L' Shana Tovah means Happy New Year in Hebrew. Today at sundown begins the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashonah, year 5774.  It's traditional to eat sweet food for the celebration to insure that you will have a sweet, successful and happy new year. Apples and honey are a favorite.  Over the weekend I baked a Bing cherry bread pudding with Challah (a special Jewish braided egg bread eaten on the Sabbath and holidays).  I think that should fit the bill for dessert tonight!

Bing Cherry, Challah Bread Pudding

Our New Year's Eve dinner will be quiet and simple.  It's hot in Los Angeles and we're trying to keep major cooking to a minimum. We usually start with gefilte fish and horse-radish.

Gefilte Fish with Horseradish

I will definitely cook my special candied carrots. The carrots are cut like little coins to symbolize wealth in the New Year.  I just steam them and then add some brown sugar, butter, salt and a bissel orange marmelade to the carrots and give them a quick saute in the pan.  Delish.  

Candied Carrot Coins with Marmelade

Since it's so hot and I do not want to turn on the oven, we'll be having a cold salad filled with good stuff like chicken, hard-boiled egg and other vegies.  I'll serve Trader Joe's sweet and delicious Champagne Pear Vinaigrette salad dressing on the salad to insure maximum sweetness for the coming year!  

Hearty Salad with Chicken and more!

Yes, Los Angeles is really a desert and we have to adjust our home-economics so we all do not swelter in this traditional holiday heat!

Happy New Year to you, you and especially to YOU!