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Chanukah |
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Growing up I
vividly remember all of the baking and cooking that went on. Since
knee high, I stood by my mother's side and helped her prepared all sorts
of delicious treats, a tradition that I have carried over to my own
family. |
Chanukah is a time for family and friends to gather around the
table to commemorate the rededication of the temple of Jerusalem by
lighting of a special Chanukah menorah with eight branches (plus a helper
candle), adding one new candle each night.
Eating foods that are cooked in oil, such as the much beloved potato latke, is
also very much a part of the celebration. This represents the small measure of
oil the Jews had centuries ago when defending the Temple. Miraculously the oil
lasted for eight days.
Spinning the dreidel (a top with Hebrew letters on the sides) and giving gelt
(coins) to children is also part of the tradition.
What to Serve:
Chanukah customs include eating things
fried in oil like
potato latkes (pancakes), served with
homemade applesauce. I have
included latke flavors such as cheese, zucchini parmesan, curried sweet potato
and zucchini carrot and potato. But, all in all,
making my
mother's recipe is a family tradition.
Serving Sufganiyot (jelly
donuts), are also traditional, as well dairy foods, especially cheese as
a remembrance.
Blintzes,
with assorted fillings, are always good, too. Try the blueberry, cheese, herbed,
southwestern or cherry fillings.
A
Honey Nut Cake or a
Ginger Torte to end the meal
with is always a hit.
How
about serving cut-out dreidel, menorah or any shaped
Sugar Cookies
for the kids.
