It is a tradition on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year which begins Friday evening September 18, to wish others “shanah tovah umetukah,” Hebrew for “a good and sweet year.”
We take sweetness literally in celebrating the newness of Rosh Hashanah, dipping fresh, ripe apples in honey, one of the most rich and luscious symbols of all things sweet. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday or simply looking for a way to mark the arrival of fall, you can’t do better than adding honey to your table.
This time of pandemic puts an even finer point on this delicious idea. General immune health is front-of-mind right now, and honey is a powerful supporter of your good health with its antioxidant, antibacterial and throat-soothing anti-inflammatory properties.
So what can you do with your honey pot? Here are some sweet ideas to inspire you.
1) Dip it
It doesn’t have to get any more complicated than some crisp wedges of fresh apples plunged into a golden bowl of honey. Done and done…and delicious.
2) Drizzle it
A little goes a long way with honey, especially if you need to be careful of your sugar intake. Drizzle your honey off the end of a spoon over fresh fruit, yogurt, a slice of pound cake or anything you want to offer a little sweet zing.
3) Make a savory pairing
I love honey on a grilled cheese sandwich or drizzled over a chunk of cheese on some crusty bread. The sweetness of honey is a natural companion to the earthy savoriness of many foods. Whisk some into your salad dressing with garlic, lemon and olive oil. Add some to a marinade for chicken breasts, with fresh herbs and lemon juice.
How do you enjoy honey?