Rosh Hashanah revolves around cherishing moments with friends, family and loved ones. It embodies the warm embrace of a sweet new year and the creation of lasting memories.

Recently, Loryn Lesser, Chair of Life & Legacy PLUS, invited us to her lovely home to share four easy Rosh Hashanah Gefilte Fish hacks to make your holiday experience a little easier so you can spend more time with the people you care about!

Reflecting on her own experiences, Loryn recalls holidays growing up with her family. “I never saw the fish in the bathtub,” she shares. “But my mom used to talk about coming home from school and finding the fish in there.”

“I remember my great uncle, sitting in the corner with a pot and a scraper, with fresh horseradish and tears running down his face,” she laughs.

This Rosh Hashanah, as we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the new year, let us cherish the time spent together and, as Loryn reminds us, create new memories that will be recounted with joy in the years to come. May the sweetness of the holiday bring us closer, and may the spirit of togetherness fill our hearts with warmth and love.

We hope these holiday hacks and recipes help you welcome a sweet new year!

Doctored Gefilte Fish

Ingredients:

1 jar of gefilte fish
1 whole onion, paper skin removed
3 ribs celery, sliced
3 carrots, sliced or baby carrots

Place a colander over a large pot and drain the gefilte fish.  Set the drained fish aside. 

To the juice in the pot, add the whole onion, celery and carrots.  Bring to a simmering boil and cook until the vegetables are tender. 

Discard the onion. 

Gently add the fish to the pot.  Cover and remove from the heat  Allow to come to room temperature. 

Chill thoroughly before serving. 

Honey Gefilte Fish Loaf

Ingredients:

2 Gefilte Fish loaves, defrosted
¼ cup honey, plus garnish
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon tarragon
Salt/ Pepper to taste (may omit)
Paprika (for garnish)

Preheat oven 325°

Mash gefilte fish with other ingredients EXCEPT paprika.

Evenly place in a 9×13 or if halving recipe ( 1 loaf of fish) 8×8 pan.

Drizzle with a little more honey and paprika.

Bake 325° for 40 minutes.

Cool on a counter then refrigerate before serving.