Shiksa in the Kitchen: Apple Challah

It is safe to say that Daddy-O is a fairly non-observant Jew: he lights the candles at Hanukkah, tells the Exodus story to any willing ear during Passover and takes the day off work (but doesn't fast) for Yom Kippur. I'm pretty sure Kiddo will not be attending Hebrew school. However, I try to encourage a little tradition for each holiday. This year I decided to make an Apple Challah for Rosh Hashanah. Apples and Honey are traditionally eaten to welcome a sweet New Year.I rolled diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon and honey in the center of three strands. I never peel my apples before baking. It seems like such a waste of time, energy and nutrients (and color!).Even though Challah is often formed in a circle for Rosh Hashana, I stayed with the typical braided version.
When you slice, you see a delicious surprise!

Since it is almost impossible to walk around Brooklyn for two days without encountering a nice young man with the shofar and an extra kippah we can add hearing the shofar to our tradition, too. (Although this year Rosh Hashanah is on Shabbat, so I'm not sure what happens - do they skip it just on the first day or both days?)

Reading Assignment:
Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride. When I saw this in the library a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but giggle... the High Holy days AND a train? Sign us up!
The World's Birthday
It's Shofar Time!
Even Higher! This is better for slightly older children.
The Stars Will Still Shine. Actually, this is a secular new year book and a church figures prominently, but it is a lovely book and since we are an interfaith household, it seems appropriate.

L'Shana Tova!