Symbolism surrounds the annual celebration of the New Year (Rosh Hashanah). Apples are dipped in honey as wishes for sweetness in the coming year. The pomegranate reminds us of abundance and fertility and the multiple seeds representing the 613 commandments (mitzvoth) in the Torah.

I found myself with a few bruised apples a few weeks ago. Frequently, I core and chop them up to make stewed apples or compote. Sometimes, I also peel them, add cinnamon sticks and throw them in the blender after stewing to get a nice apple sauce that Daughter really enjoys. Apples also make a lovely galette, or open-faced pie.

Apple Galette. Preheat your oven to 380 F degrees.For this I cheat and use ready-made pie crust. Second, I use no sugar, NO sugar.

Wash and peel the apples (about 3 good sized, 4 smallish apples). Next, quarter, core, peel and cut into slices about ¼ inch think. Sometimes, if I have it in the pantry, I thinly slice guava paste and place it around the opened pie crust before distributing the apples in overlapping, concentric circles.

This year I remembered that I had some lovely pomegranate jam from Greece that a friend had brought over! Some of that was spread around the crust before the apples.

Once the apples were in place, with at least an inch margin to fold in, I made a thin glaze with more of the jam and water and sprinkled it on top of the apples. Fold in the edges and sprinkle with honey.

Bake til crust is browned and crisply, just over ½ hour this time.

Apples, honey, and pomegranate to welcome the New Year and any time of the year.