On Simchas Torah and Shemini Atzeres, it’s time to push your culinary daring to the limits. Consider the fact that we’ve just come through Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkos, not to mention a Shabbos or two. Everyone at your table is thinking, “If I see one more potato kugel...” So have fun with the menu and try my simple recipes for Butternut Squash and Black Bean Stuffed Poblanos (a mild chili pepper) and Mexican Brisket, a fab twist on traditional recipes.

For your main serve: Corn Salad (topped with lime juice and served in a lettuce cup), Mexican Brisket (love this spice rub!!!!), Stuffed Poblanos (use bell peppers if you can’t find poblanos) and Mexican Pasta (follow this fab technique for all sorts of pasta dishes). Pair the Mexican themed meal with Ramon Cardova Rioja a fruity Spanish red wine.

Finish with individual Banana Chocolate Parfaits topped with dark chocolate shavings. Uhm, honestly, doesn’t this menu sound different and divine? Can I get an olé?