A Sweet Year: Jewish Celebrations and Festive Recipes for Kids and Their Families

Nathan, acclaimed and award-winning author of several cookbooks primarily focused on Jewish food and culture, has written an update to her beloved 1987 book The Children’s Jewish Holiday Kitchen. Focusing on keeping the meaning and history behind Jewish holiday traditions and food, the work is updated to bring a modern flair to Nathan’s recipes. No longer is meat considered the focus of many of her dishes; now families are given vegetarian recipes like hummus and pancakes that align with concerns about modern-day issues surrounding climate and the environment. The book highlights nine Jewish holidays, with approachable descriptions of each, along with menus provided at the beginning of each chapter, including four seasonal options for Shabbat dinners. Each recipe provides clear ingredient and equipment lists that are terrific springboards for a discussion of their importance and significance in conversations between adults and children. Directions are good at identifying which steps are fit for children, adults, or a collaboration between the two.