As we prepare for the High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it's a time for reflection, celebration, and creating meaningful moments with family. One of the best ways to involve your little ones in these traditions is through food — bringing joy, sweetness, and warmth into your home while teaching them about the holidays.
To help you celebrate, we've put together a collection of delicious and kid-friendly recipes perfect for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These dishes honor the essence of these holidays, while giving your kiddos a chance to lend a hand in the kitchen!
Read on for five fun, easy, and tasty recipes that your family will love.
1. Sweet Apple and Honey Muffins
Symbolizing sweetness and new beginnings
Apples dipped in honey are the quintessential treat of Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead. These apple and honey muffins are a fun twist on the classic and easy for kids to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a muffin tray with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, honey, and oil.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, then add diced apples.
5. Spoon the batter into the muffin tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.
LS Tip: Let your little ones help with whisking the ingredients or filling the muffin trays — fun and messy, in the best way!
2. Mini Round Challah
For a full, well-rounded year
Challah, a special braided bread, is traditionally round for Rosh Hashanah to symbolize the cyclical nature of the year. These mini challahs are perfect for little hands to help knead and braid!
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds or raisins
Instructions:
1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide into small balls and let your kiddos roll and braid their own mini challahs!
5. Let the challah rise for 1-2 hours. Brush with egg wash and bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes.
LS Tip: Braiding challah is a fun way for kids to be hands-on! It doesn't need to be perfect, just give them the freedom to create their own unique designs.
3. Honey-Glazed Carrots
A symbolic dish for abundance and prosperity
Carrots, often sliced into rounds, resemble gold coins and represent prosperity. This sweet and savory recipe is a great side dish for your Yom Kippur break-fast and a fun way to get your kids involved in preparing a healthy dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Steam the baby carrots until tender.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter, then stir in honey, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Toss the carrots in the honey glaze and serve warm.
LS Tip: Your little ones can help by tossing the carrots in the glaze or arranging them on the plate for a fun, hands-on activity
4. Pomegranate Yogurt Cups
Symbolizing fertility and good deeds
Pomegranates are a big part of Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing abundance and the hope for many good deeds in the year ahead. These pomegranate yogurt cups are a delicious and healthy treat that requires no cooking — perfect for busy parents!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp honey
- Granola for topping
Instructions:
1. Spoon the yogurt into small bowls or cups.
2. Drizzle with honey and top with pomegranate seeds and granola.
LS Tip: This is a no-fail recipe for toddlers to help with! They can sprinkle the toppings and feel like they've made their own special dessert.
5. Cinnamon-Spiced Applesauce
A simple yet symbolic treat for Yom Kippur's break-fast
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is typically followed by a break-fast meal that's light and easy on the stomach. This homemade applesauce is quick to make and a great way to involve kids in a meaningful, post-fast dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a saucepan and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the apples until smooth or chunky, depending on your preference.
3. Let cool before serving.
LS Tip: Let your little one mash the cooked apples with a potato masher — a fun activity and they'll love the results!
Making Sweet Traditions, Together
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are not only times for reflection and renewal but also for building joyful memories with your family. Including your kids in the kitchen, even with small tasks, allows them to feel connected to these important traditions while having fun. Whether it's braiding challah or sprinkling pomegranate seeds, these recipes offer easy ways to bring the spirit of the holidays into your home.
Here's to a sweet and prosperous year ahead, filled with love, laughter, and delicious meals!
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