(JTA) So this is where it all comes together — all the thought, all the planning, the testing. And the tasting, the tasting and the tasting. (That’s the best part).

A simanim-inspired menu brings added challenges, but also adds a level of meaning to your Rosh Hashanah meal. Simanim – literally it means signs or indicators – are meant to point the way to improved circumstances. (Click here to learn more about Simanim for Rosh Hashanah.)

For the past few years, I have using the opportunity as a Rosh Hashanah conversation starter with my kids during our cooking and prep time together. My guests, my kids, my guests’ kids — everybody loves identifying which simanim are on the table openly or “hidden” as an ingredient. Our discussion takes on a special yontif energy that only comes with Rosh Hashanah.

In the coming year, may all of your meals be cooked to perfection — nothing burns, nothing is soggy or falls apart. May it be a year of culinary delights and taste-bud adventures! And may you and your loved ones eat in good health, happiness, sweetness and peace.

Brisket In Wine Sauce

Nothing compares to the rich flavor of brisket, plus this recipe couldn’t be simpler to prepare; a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

1 (2 1/2-pound) beef brisket, thick-cut

1 tablespoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

3 medium onions, sliced

2 cloves garlic, peeled, halved

1 1/2 cups ketchup

1 1/2 cups dry red wine

1 1/2 cups water

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Rinse brisket. Place in roasting pan. Rub paprika, basil, salt and pepper into meat. Scatter onions and garlic over meat.

In a medium bowl, mix ketchup, wine and water. Pour over brisket. Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil, tenting so that the foil does not touch the meat. Bake, covered, at 325 for 3 hours, or until a digital instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the brisket reads 190 degrees for well done.

Let stand 5-10 minutes before slicing diagonally, against the grain. Serve warm; pass pan juices in a sauce boat.  Serves 8

Gefilte Fish Cakes With Horseradish Sauce

1 loaf frozen gefilte fish, defrosted (22 ounces) or 1 jar (24 ounces), drained

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1 small red onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 1/2 cups light mayonnaise, divided

4 tablespoons chopped dill

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 egg

1 cup coarsely crushed matzah

Canola oil for frying

1 lemon, juiced

4 tablespoons prepared horseradish

In a large bowl combine gefilte fish, peppers, onions, celery, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, dill, salt, pepper, egg and matzah and stir well to combine. Using slightly wet hands, scoop ¼ cup and form into patties. Place on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes before frying.

Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium high heat. Fry patties in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown. (Can be kept warm in the oven at 250 degrees).

In a small bowl, combine remaining 1 cup mayonnaise, lemon juice and horseradish; stir. To serve, plate 2 cakes on a small plate and garnish with a tablespoon of horseradish sauce.

Serves 8.

Honey Chicken

A tasty and economical way to feed a crowd during the holidays, this chicken dish is sweet but never cloying. Despite its name, this chicken is not too sweet. The olive oil, soy sauce, garlic and pepper temper the honey perfectly.

Ingredients:

1 chicken, about 3 1/2 pounds, cut into 8 pieces

3/4 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 9- by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Rinse chicken, pat dry and place in prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder and pepper and pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 375 for 1 hour until slightly browned. Serves 4.

Carrot-Apple Cupcakes With Non-Dairy Cream Cheese Icing

This recipe makes 10 mini cupcakes, which makes for the perfect little sweet treat at the end of the meal. But if this is all you are serving for desert, you may want to double this recipe so each guest can enjoy 2 mini cupcakes.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

4 tablespoons margarine

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup grated carrot

3/4 cup grated apple

Icing:

1 package non-dairy cream cheese, softened (8-ounce package)

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar

Preheat oven to 375. Line a mini cupcake baking sheet with 10 cupcake liners or lightly grease with baking spray.

In a small bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt and whisk to combine.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine margarine and sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Add carrot and apple and mix until moistened. Add flour mixture and mix just until combined.

Distribute batter evenly to make 10 mini cupcakes. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes and then remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing: Whisk together non-dairy cream cheese, honey and sugar until smooth. Frost the top of each cupcake with a heaping tablespoon.

Spicy Leeks & Spinach

Ingredients:

6 leeks, white and light green parts only, cut into 1/4-inch rounds, then halved

4 tablespoons olive oil

10 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

1/2 cup white wine

1 bag baby spinach (20 ounces)

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium low heat. Add leaks, cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Add wine and spinach and increase heat to medium. Cover and cook 4 minutes more, tossing occasionally, until spinach is wilted. Serves 10.

Jamie Geller was “The Bride Who Knew Nothing” – until she found her niche as everybody’s favorite kosher cook next door. She is the author of the best-selling “Quick & Kosher” cookbook series, creator of the Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller magazine and host of the popular Quick & Kosher cooking show online at youtube.com/joyofkosher and on-air on JLTV. Join Jamie and the world’s largest kosher food community on joyofkosher.com to discover 5,000 FREE kosher recipes, inspiring menu ideas, how-to videos, and more!