Autumn - the season of sweaters, boots, butternut squash, fall foliage, and pumpkin spiced everything. I admit it: I’m a sucker for all things fall related. While summer is wonderful in so many ways, I hate being hot, so autumn is a welcome relief for me. Add in the color palate, cozy soups, casseroles and cashmere and it’s really no contest: fall is my favorite.

It’s also the beginning of the Jewish New Year, aka Rosh Hashanah, which literally translated means “Head of the Year”. I love this holiday (and it’s partner, Yom Kippur) for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that these High Holidays and the days in between them are considered a time of reflection and renewal and a chance to set intentions of doing better, being kinder, and helping others. But as with all Jewish holidays, it’s also about the food. 

On Rosh Hashanah a predominant sentiment is wishing one another a “sweet new year” and the traditional, accompanying flavor is honey. We dip apples and challah in honey, toss it with roasted carrots and other vegetables, and we have honey cake. I love honey cake! It’s simple and homey and tastes like fall to me.

Serious bakers tend to weigh their ingredients and pay closer attention to the science of it all but I am not by any means a precision baker! I’m all about easy meets tasty and my recipe for Apple Honey cake reflects that sentiment.

Enjoy!

xo

Lisa