A Pastry Chef's Take on Apples and Honey for Rosh Hashana

Acclaimed pastry chef Francois Payard offers a gorgeous Apple Financier Tart every year for the holiday, and he’s shared the recipe.
By: Sara Levine
Apple Financier Tart

For Rosh Hashana, the celebration of the Jewish new year that begins this Sunday night, the most iconic food pairing is apples and honey. It’s said to represent a sweet new year – and conveniently coincides with the beginning of apple season, when I simply can’t get enough Honey Crisps, Galas and Fujis.

In addition to the holiday tradition of dipping apple slices in honey, there are plenty of ways to show off this sweet combination. Let’s start with the fancy. Acclaimed pastry chef Francois Payard offers a gorgeous Apple Financier Tart every year for the holiday, and he’s shared the recipe. It’s less intimidating than you might think, but hesitant bakers can always order one from his bakeries or online ($33/six servings and $44/eight servings).

Easy Pastry Shop Apple Tart

For a simpler homemade dessert, there’s Laura Calder’s Easy Pastry Shop Apple Tart. Pretty concentric rings of cinnamon-dusted apples will impress your holiday guests and the whole thing needs only 15 minutes of prep time. Though honey isn’t in the recipe, make it Rosh Hashana-official by brushing some over the top to glaze the tart.

Taleggio Crostini with Apple and Thyme Honey
On the savory side, try a super-easy appetizer that elevates apples and honey by bringing some cheese to the party: Taleggio Crostini with Apple and Thyme Honey. Make extra thyme-infused honey and it won’t go to waste. Why not shake things up at your Rosh Hashana table and dip apples in it this year?

Round out the menu with ideas from Cooking Channel:

Rosh Hashana Starters:
Rosh Hashana Main Courses:
Rosh Hashana Sides:
What are you cooking for Rosh Hashana?

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