On the sundown of September 28, Jews from around the world will celebrate the new year of 5772. This holiday marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
As with nearly all Jewish holidays, food plays quite a role in the celebration and Rosh Hashanah is no exception. This holiday focuses on eating apples and honey to mark the sweetness of the coming year. As such, apple dishes are commonly prepared as part of the celebratory dinner.
One of my absolute favorite apple dishes is a cake created by my grandmother, Gertrude. Luckily for my my family (my dad in particular), my mom has been preparing this favorite family dessert for as long as I can remember. I have continued my grandma’s legacy for my own family by making this apple-laden dessert for Rosh Hashanah dinner every year. It’s a simple, easy dish with great flavor, and wonderful memories associated with every bite.
Grandma Gertrude’s Apple Cake
4 Tablespoon butter
½ cup sugar
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
4 sliced apples (I use Granny Smith)
Preheat over to 350 degrees.
With a mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Beat egg with milk, and add to creamed ingredients.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed ingredients. Stir just to combine.
Pour into a 10-inch greased pie dish. Cover with sliced apples.
Mix together an additional ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over sliced apples.
Bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Or eat alone; it’s just as good!
