Ina Garten Just Shared Her Rosh Hashanah Menu & We're Drooling Over Dessert

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When late summer rolls around and everyone starts dreaming of fall, for some people, that means a craving for pumpkin everything kicks in. But for others, it’s all about the honey cake. Honey cake is a beloved dessert for Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, and when cookbook author and TV star Ina Garten shared her Rosh Hashanah menu, her bronzed bourbon honey cake was the first thing that caught our eye. But the rest of her Rosh Hashanah menu is just as delicious, filled with Garten’s spins on some time-tested traditional favorites.

For those who don’t know, both Ina and Jeffrey Garten are Jewish. Some people in the comments on Garten’s post pointed out that matzo ball soup is usually served at Passover, not Rosh Hashanah, but c’mon — let the Gartens have whatever favorite foods they want for their New Year celebration!

Garten’s menu can be made ahead of time, which always makes hosting easier. In fact, her brisket with onions and leeks is designed to be made ahead of time, then chilled. After it’s chilled, it’s easier to slice the tender pieces of brisket into thin slices, which then get reheated in the succulent cooking juices. “The cooling and reheating are really important” shared one commenter on Instagram. “If you’re tempted to skip it, don’t!”

Also on the menu? Orange-roasted rainbow carrots, which can be prepped ahead of time, the aforementioned matzo ball soup, and Garten’s challah, which several commenters praised. “Your challah is so easy to make,” shared one happy fan. “I felt like a superstar when it came out so beautifully!”

Last but not least, there’s the stunning Bourbon Honey Cake, a recipe from Garten’s book Cooking for Jeffrey. There are a few things that make Garten’s recipe special, from the flavors — orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, coffee, bourbon — to the texture — moist, tender, sticky, delicious.

If you’re not sure what to make for Rosh Hashanah this year, look no further. Ina Garten’s make-ahead Jewish New Year menu covers all the classics, and her special twists just might make them taste even better than what you grew up eating.

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Watch: We Tried Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac & Cheese & We Totally Get Why It Broke the Internet