So this is where it all comes together.  All the thought. All the planning. The testing. The tasting, the tasting, and the tasting. (That’s the best part).  A simanim-inspired menu brings added challenges, but also adds a level of meaning to your Rosh Hashanah meal.  I have been doing this for the past few years, using the opportunity as a Rosh Hashanah conversation starter with my kids during our cooking and prep time together. My guests, my kids, my guests’ kids – everybody loves identifying which simanim are on the table openly or “hidden” as an ingredient. Our discussion takes on a special Yuntif energy that only comes with Rosh Hashanah.

I hope you enjoy preparing and eating these simanim-inspired dishes and menus as much as I did creating them.

Which ones will you incorporate into your holiday menus this year?

Menu 1

Gefilte Fish Cakes with Horseradish Sauce

Apple and Parsnip Soup

Wild Rice with Carrots and Beets

Date Glazed Roast Chicken

Garlic Honey Brisket

Spicy Sauteed Leeds and Spinach

Carrot Apple Mini Cupcakes

Menu 2

Spicy Thai Beef Salad

Honey Chicken

Black Eyed Peas and Green Beans

Roasted Sweet Vegetables in Cider

Apple Cardamom Tart

Menu 3

Carrot Quinoa and Spinach Soup

Spinach Noodle Kugel

Chicken with Apples

Veal Stew with Apricots and Prunes

Baked Apple Strudel Egg Rolls

Menu 4

Spiced Gefilte Fish

Leek and Mushroom Chicken with Spaghetti Squash

Carrot Cupcakes

Candied Apples

MORE: Browse Through All Our Rosh Hashanah Simanim Recipes