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Sweet treats have special place during Rosh Hashanah holidaySep 28, 2011 (Tulsa World - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Indulging on sweet treats is not only allowed on the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah, it's celebrated. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and serves as a time of reflection and introspection. On the Eve of Rosh Hashanah, which falls on Wednesday this year, Jewish people traditionally dip apples and challah bread in honey while saying a blessing, said Mindy Prescott, adult program director at Charles Schusterman Jewish Community Center. "We say a prayer asking for a sweet year," Prescott said. "Children always love Rosh Hashanah." Apples, honey and other sweet foods are consumed throughout the High Holy days while spicy and sour foods are avoided. "People will eat several sweet things, and they will wish other people a sweet and healthy new year," Prescott said. Raisins are often added to the challah bread to make it sweeter, and the shape of the loaves are round during the holidays rather than braided. Prescott explained that the round loaves symbolize the "continuity of creation." Susan Surchev, director of food service at the Jewish Retirement Center, said they are making about 200 to 300 of the round loaves for the residents and to sell to the community. The High Holy days are a very busy time of year for the cooks at the center, she said. They will also make the traditional honey cakes and other sweet treats for the holiday including lemon pound cake and strawberries and cream. She said one of the more traditional dishes they cook is called Tzimmes. It is a side dish with carrots, dried fruit, honey and orange zest that "smells so good" while it is being cooked and pairs well with chicken, Surchev said. Rosh Hashanah continues on Thursday and Friday. It is the beginning of a 10-day observance called the Days of Repentance or the Days of Awe, according to information provided by Surchev. The holidays end with Yom Kippur, Oct. 7 and 8, which is marked by a day of fasting. Recipe Here is a recipe that Susan Surchev shared for Honey Cake that cooks at the Jewish Retirement Center have been making for many years. HONEY CAKE 1 pound honey 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup strong coffee 3 cups cake flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1. Bring 1 pound honey to boil then cool. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. 2. Beat eggs until light and thick. Stir in 1 cup sugar gradually. Add to the honey mixture. 3. Dissolve baking soda in 1 cup strong coffee and add to the mixture. 4. Sift cake flour with baking powder, allspice and cinnamon. 5. Add to the batter gradually and beat until smooth. Bake in a greased loaf pan at 350 for 1 hour. Cool and serve. - Courtesy of the Jewish Retirement Center Nicole Marshall Middleton 918-581-8459 [email protected] ___ (c)2011 Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) Visit Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) at www.tulsaworld.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |