Sweet Year

Holidays are all about tradition.

With the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah beginning tonight, I’ve been reflecting on the customs that are symbolic to me.

As a kid, I associated these times with getting to miss class while almost everyone else was in school; long hours sitting in synagogue; and traditional Jewish meals shared with family. Although the former no longer applies, I still think of the beautiful dishes my mother prepares during these special occasions.

Since Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, it is common to serve dishes that are sweet or contain fruit, to represent the hope for a sweet year.

Growing up, the sweet dish that I looked forward to the most was my Mom’s Kugel. Kugel, often referred to as Noodle Kugel or Noodle Pudding, is a baked casserole with a custard-like consistency. There are many variations of this dish, such as the addition of raisins or cinnamon, but I have been conditioned to love my Mom’s version the best!

This year, since I am not in Iowa with my parents, I am carrying on the tradition by snagging and making my mom’s Kugel recipe. It is simple, slightly sweet, perfectly fluffy, and all things reminiscent of my younger years. I love it just as much now as I ever did…even if I don’t get to skip school.

Noodles mixture, pre-baked

Half-cooked, sprinkled with Corn Flakes

Browned and crisped to perfection

Almost as good as Mom’s