I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You don’t have to rush or be quick in the kitchen in order to get a lot done in a short amount of time. It doesn’t hurt, of course, but the most important part is being organized and having a solid plan.
A solid plan that has always worked for me is to choose a bunch of very easy recipes that can be prepped super quickly, thrown into the oven and baked together at the same temperature (which I tackle first). The rest of my dishes must either be made on the stovetop or assembled on the holiday, or I choose recipes that don’t require cooking/baking at all. So while I’m sautéing some onions for a soup, I already have four or five things baking in the oven.
You can easily apply that plan to the menu I’ve created below. A lot of the dishes can be baked together at 350. Most of the veggies I selected don’t need much peeling or chopping. There are no special appliances required, and I even threw in a recipe hack (I’m looking at you, honey cake!). Each recipe is easy but still delicious and special to the holiday.
I hope this menu helps each of you get through cooking and out of the kitchen in no time. Ready, set, cook!
Monday Night Dinner:
1. Leek Soup by Michal Frischman
My mother always puts leeks in her chicken soup, and they’ve been my favorite part of the soup since I was a kid. They might be annoying to clean, but that sweet allium flavor is totally worth it!
2. Sweet Tzimmes Chicken by Rorie Weisberg
3. Maple Mustard Beef Ribs by Elizabeth Kurtz
Sweet and savory ribs are a huge fan favorite and perfect for a special Shabbos meal or cold winter night. Serve these with chunky mashed potatoes or egg noodles so the wonderful sauce can be soaked up and enjoyed with every bite.
4. Best-Dressed Quinoa Veggie Salad by Brynie Greisman
This salad is outstanding. A medley of quinoa, roasted veggies, and add-ins, with an awesome dressing to bring it all together.
5. Blueberry Apple Kugel by Brynie Greisman
This kugel is easy to put together, has basic ingredients, and yet tastes totally gourmet. It freezes beautifully raw or baked.
Tuesday Lunch:
6. Crispy Seared Honey Citrus Salmon by Estelle Chait
This crispy salmon has the most delicious sweet and tangy sauce. It is pan-seared to get an extra crispy bottom and takes no time to prepare!
7. Simply Saucy Brisket from the Dining In Cookbook
It doesn’t get any easier than this, and the taste is divine!
8. Red and Purple Cabbage Salad by Brynie Greisman
This light and refreshing salad is crunchy, full of flavor, and full of good-for-you ingredients. Pairs well with fish, chicken, or meat. I love to nosh on it as is!
9. Heimish Carrot Kugels by Estee Kafra
Always a hit, carrot kugels are delicious served warm or at room temperature. These are so simple to make and can easily be made in advance. Add half a cup of chopped toasted pecans to the batter to add a bit of texture.
10. Chocolate-Peanut-Butter Pie by Brynie Greisman
This pie takes about 5 minutes to make and is very rich and luscious. I made it for Succos and everyone adored it. Chocolate and peanut butter are always a winning combo, and one of my favorites, unfortunately! The photographer thought it was heavenly!!!! A sliver of this satisfies anyone’s sweet tooth. Thanks Rachel K.
Tuesday Night Dinner:
11. Honey Coated Crispy Chicken by Elky Friedman
This recipe is so simple, not even a beginner in the kitchen can mess this one up! And it still tastes great. So if you need to whip something up quick…like an extra main at a meal with unexpected company…or for erev Yom Tov when you have a lot of hungry “noshers” looking for a quick bite, this is just the thing!
12. Leftover Red Meat
13. Onion Leek Tart by Faigy Murray
14. Tzimmis Purée by Paula Shoyer
Not to make a whole tzimmis about it (tzimmis being Yiddish for “a big fuss”), but tzimmis, a stew of sweet potatoes, carrots, and dried fruit, is becoming one of those lost and forgotten jewels of Ashkenazi cuisine. I make it every Rosh Hashanah so my children know what it is. Here is my updated version, which truly tastes like my usual tzimmis, but is presented more elegantly as a French purée. I’m planning to serve it on Thanksgiving as well.
15. The Best Honey "Cake Mix" Hack by Sara and Yossi Goldstein
I’m so excited to bring you this super easy honey cake recipe hack for Rosh Hashanah, using a ready-made mix! It has everything you need in a honey cake. Warm spices, a moist, delicious texture, and -bonus!- less time in the kitchen!
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