Rosh Hashana - I'm starting to panic.........

15 years ago

We got a last minute invitation from a friend to join her family, but since we were having a bunch of people already, what could I do? I invited her and her family to join us. Here's the rub: they have issues. Food issues. Many, many food issues (which is why she wanted us to go to them, but she should have asked me a month ago). Their son is gluten free, plus a whole bunch of other food issues I can't keep straight. There's NO WAY I'm having gluten free challah, but now I also have to figure out a different roast beef recipe (no soy sauce or teryaki), meatballs without bread crumbs, agave syrup instead of sugar (not a big deal, but more expensive), sorbet with no additives, and on and on. They also only eat grass fed beef, which under normal day to day circumstances I agree with, but I'm already paying $9.99/lb for kosher ground beef, add in the grass fed and that goes up by another couple bucks per pound. I was going to get get regular kosher meat for Rosh Hashana, but now I'm splurging on grass fed as well. I love them, and am happy to have them, but I'm stressed.

So, here's where I am:

The chicken soup stock is done, I'll make the actual soup tonight.

The matzo balls are done, but they aren't quite right. They weren't dense enough and a lot of them fell apart. I hope I have enough nice ones, so that at least my guests can get good looking balls. My family can have the ones that are messy and I usually skip the balls in my own soup. I'll keep the balls separate from the soup so my friend's son is OK with just soup.

The meatballs are done.

Potato kugel is done.

I'm going to roast the vegetables (beets, onions & eggplant) when I get back from today's hockey games.

Another friend is bringing a large green salad.

The friend mentioned above is bringing chicken legs for the kids, brown rice since her son can't have potato kugel, and a dessert her kid can eat.

Another friend is bringing sorbet. She's not Jewish, so I was explicit about the kosher symbols and making it non-dairy, but then I had to call back and be even more explicit about the other food issues. I felt awful, but my friend was super, super gracious.

I still have to make the roast beef. Can I make that tonight for tomorrow?

I have to make the carrot dish tomorrow.

I'm scrapping dessert I was planning (Annie's pear filling in a tart instead of cobbler) in favor of the sorbet, the gluten free thing, and some cookies from the kosher store.

I'm buying challah instead of making it.

I have class tomorrow that I can't miss, so I'll be gone until 3pm or so, leaving me just a few hours to put everything together for over 20 guests at 6pm. I may set the table tonight.

Am I the only one stressed out? I'm really jealous of my friends who cater their entire meal, or go to family and only have to make one thing.

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Comments (13)

Cloud Swift
15 years ago
I'm stressed in different ways. With the breast cancer thing going on, I haven't even thought about what we will be making - except that we have a bunch of aging bananas so I'm thinking of making some banana bread.

We are joining our havurah for Rosh HaShanah lunch and are suppose to bring something - though because of BC we were told we didn't have to - I may run out to get some good cheese and crackers.
arabellamiller
Original Author
15 years ago
Come here! I'm already cooking and what's a few more guests?

My breast wishes to you!

AM
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Terri_PacNW
15 years ago
AM, if you can find it, my favorite GF soy sauce is San J. Then just make your own teriyaki sauce . I use brown sugar or honey, Agave would definately work, instead of the Splenda.

Make Sol's Mango Sorbet..use any ol fruit you'd like. Or just chunks of frozen fruit, and Agave to taste in the FP..and call it good.

You'll be fine..it'll be fine...enjoy!
arabellamiller
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I looked at the sites and unfortunately, this kid can't have corn either. Sigh. I'm going to make my regular recipe and he can have the salmon, which is plain, and the chicken his mom is bringing. And the side dishes (the rice, eggplant and carrots are all fine).

AM
jessyf
15 years ago
You're doing a big mitzvah

When it doubt, keep it simple, keep it simple, keep it simple

Baked potatoes and steamed veggies etc.

You're on the right track with the store bought stuff

Remember its about being with people and celebrating the New Year, not showing off your culinary skills

Hang in there and HUGS
mom2wildboys
15 years ago
Bless you. How kind of you to be so concerned about ensuring a healthy Rosh Hashana for your friends. I'd suggest you not stress over the specifics. As a mother of a food allergic kid, I just ask that I know what's safe and what's not safe for him. I don't expect that every food in his vicinity will be okay for him to eat. You are being a truly loving and caring person. Take a deep breath and just make sure to communicate with the parents about what is ok/not ok for their child. I guarantee they will be overwhelmed with your thoughtfulness...and if they're not, well, they need a whack. :)
Amy
annie1992
15 years ago
I agree, if they aren't overwhelmed, they need a whack. "One upside the head" as Grandma used to say.

It'll be fine, AM, do what you can, buy the rest, then relax and ENJOY your holiday. Fill it with friends and family and be glad.

L'Shanah Tovah! (Dishesdone told me that) :-)

Annie
arabellamiller
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you so much. You all managed to write exactly what I needed to hear to remind me to lighten up. It will all get done. And if it doesn't, that it doesn't. I'll just have more wine.

I know my friend is grateful. I'm probably overthinking everything.

Anyway, back to the kitchen.

L'shanah Tovah to you all. May you all be inscribed in His book for a year of health, happiness, prosperity and above all, Peace.

AM
shaun
15 years ago
Enjoy your Holiday!!
Terri_PacNW
15 years ago
For future information AM,
The san j has soy but no corn, and use arrowroot as a cornstarch sub..I often do.

I agree with the others..You've got the little guy covered..He'll be just fine with the choices available to eat safely.
pkramer60
15 years ago
Happy New Year!! May it be as sweet as the apples and honey.

Peppi
colleenoz
15 years ago
Sounds to me like you have it pretty well under control! Hope all goes well. Happy New Year!
eileenlaunonen
15 years ago
HAPPY NEW!!!!!!

Rosh Hashana - I'm starting to panic.........

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Rosh Hashana - I'm starting to panic.........

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