Rosh Hashana Menu Plan 2016

You’d think that with Rosh Hashana not falling out until October this year that I would have been super organized and ready to go by at least the last week of September.

But noooooo!

I am dragging my feet as much as possible and dreading the shopping and cooking like you would not believe. Anyone else? What’s our problem???

Anyway, I did succeed yesterday in making my menu plan for Rosh Hashana (along with my menu plan for this week), and scrawled out my grocery list. Do you make your lists this way, too?

In theory, I could probably have gotten everything at one store (Heinens and a bit across the street at Tibor’s, Cleveland friends), but I’d easily spend $80 – $100 more doing it that way. So, four+ stores it is. Hopefully my ever patient husband will split the shopping with me, so I don’t have to do it all myself.

Erev Rosh Hashana – Sunday, October 2nd

We are potlucking with dear friends, which is my favorite way to enjoy a yomtov meal! I am bringing:

• Apple & cinnamon-stuffed challah
• Fennel and quinoa salad
• Pumpkin coffee cake with cinnamon ice cream (I’m making a double batch for Monday as well)

Rosh Hashana Lunch, 1st Day – Monday, October 3rd

We’re potlucking again! I’m bringing:

• Apple & cinnamon-stuff challah, along with a plain round challah (use this video to help you “braid” your round challahs – it’s so simple!)
• Potato Leek Quiche (I’m trying this one for the first time – has anyone made it? I plan to double the recipe and serve on on Tuesday at lunch, as well.)
• BBQ Beef – This is a really simple slow cooker recipe, which frees up my oven for other items. I’m making one huge batch of it for both lunches.
• Your Mom’s Apple Cake with cinnamon ice cream

Rosh Hashana Dinner, 2nd Day – Monday, October 3rd

Last year, I made this awesome Tapas-style Simanim meal for our family for the 2nd night. It was really fun and everyone loved it. I was totally going to do it again. But, see above, I just don’t have it in me this year. So, confession time: I’ll be serving chicken soup with matzah balls for dinner on Monday night. I’ll make them another apple & cinnamon-stuffed challah, which can serve as both challah and dessert. And that’s it. (Don’t judge me harshly. It’s Elul after all 😉 .)

Photo Credit

Rosh Hashana Lunch, 2nd Day – Tuesday, October 4th

We are having three families over, plus our own, so we’ll be 20 people for lunch. This is a lot of people for (introverted) me, but they are all close friends and I think (hope) it’ll be fine! With such a big crowd, I always worry about having enough kid-friendly food, so I may have gone slightly overboard with the menu.

• Apple-stuffed Challah
• Apples & honey
• Pumpkin Soup with Kale & Sesame Topping (I made this last year and it’s fabulous)
• Over-Baked Schnitzel in Duck Sauce (super kid friendly and super easy!)
• BBQ Beef with Pomegranate Coleslaw (I usually serve BBQ beef with cole slaw, so this pomegranate one seems perfect for Rosh Hashana)
• Carrot salad (with garlic, lemon and cilantro – I don’t have a recipe for this, but could wing it if you want it – let me know)
• Baked rice casserole (kid friendly – like my baked orzo)
• Roasted potatoes (kid friendly)
• Potato Leek Quiche
• Dessert: Honey cookies + apple crisp and fruit (being brought by friends)

And there you have it. This is doable, I think. If I can get out of denial and go shopping.

What are you having for yomtov? I’d love for you to share your menu plans in the comments. We could all use the ideas and inspiration!