The last day of Chol HaMoed, the intermediate days of Sukkot, is a good moment to cook ahead: tomorrow is Hoshana Rabbah, then Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah arrive together with Shabbat, and on Shabbat itself there's no cooking at all. Whatever isn't cooked before the holiday begins on Friday evening has to wait until Sunday, so it's worth planning the cooking order today.

From the grill to the pita

If you're still cooking your way through the week, grilled kebabs that don't fall apart and stovetop pita bread work well together for dinner in the sukkah, and alongside them couscous salad with roasted vegetables rounds out a full meal without hours at the stove. For a day trip, cheese and corn muffins stay good even cold from the bag after a few hours.

Dishes for the sukkah and dessert

The beef stew for 10 suits a big family meal in the sukkah, and reheats well the next day too. To finish, the chilled guava compote is light after a heavy meal. Still live from last week: silan salmon, whole grilled fish, apple strudel, no-added-sugar date cake, grape cake, and stuffed peppers, if you're looking for one more idea before the holiday sets in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I make first?
Whatever takes the most free time, like the beef stew, and leave the pita and salad for last since they're quick.

Can I cook ahead for Shabbat and the holiday?
Some of it. The beef stew reheats well on a hot plate, the couscous salad and the compote are served cold straight from the fridge, and all of them can be made before the holiday begins on Friday.