Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with these 8 must-make recipes

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Lekach or Jewish honey cake

Lekach is a traditional honey-based cake meant to bring hope for a happy new year. It should be prepared 2 days in advance so that its flavors have time to develop. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. In a second mixing bowl, stir together 2 whole eggs with 1 cup sugar until the mixture whitens. Add 1/2 cup oil, 3/4 cup honey, 1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee and the zest of an organic orange. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and consistent. Gradually incorporate the flour preparation, and mix well until combined and lump-free. Add 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/3 cup raisins. Pour the batter into a buttered and floured cake mold. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F for approximately 50 minutes. Check for doneness by sticking the tip of a knife into the cake. It should come out clean. Let cool on a wire rack, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve cold.