50 Family Recipes for a Sweet New Year

Naomi Ben-Ami's "50 Family Recipes for a Sweet New Year" offers a collection of dishes for Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing balanced flavors beyond just sugary options. The book explores various forms of sweetness, from bright contrasts and slow browning to fruit depth and gentle glazes, guiding cooks in creating well-rounded meals. It integrates family recipes from diverse backgrounds with new culinary creations, with each recipe headnote clearly indicating its origin. The author provides age-neutral guidance for involving children in kitchen tasks such as tearing herbs, shaping rolls, mixing dressings, and assembling fruit.

This cookbook features a range of savory dishes, including chicken with apricots, roasted squash, beet salad, rice with dates, and glazed salmon. Desserts span from apple compote to layered honey pastry. Practical allergy notes and lower-sugar adjustments are included. The book provides four menus designed for multigenerational gatherings, including one with familiar textures for those with cautious palates. Each recipe is accompanied by a story card, encouraging cooks to document its history, any modifications made, and whether it merits a return in future celebrations.