Say hello to these Hanukkah recipes that will help you celebrate each day (and night) of the holiday in style. We have side dishes, desserts, and even brunch items. Because there is so much for you and your loved ones to celebrate.
For most of my life, I was convinced I was partly Jewish. Even though no one in my family is Jewish nor married into a Jewish family, I knew inside–just knew–I was mishpachah. I loved the food, the holidays, the food, the traditions, and the food way too much not to be Jewish. At the very least, I was Jewish by consumption.
Once home DNA testing made it possible to discover my ancestry, I ordered a kit. When it arrived, I ran to the bathroom and discreetly spat into that little vial. A few weeks later my inbox dinged with the long-awaited email, and I pored through my results.
At the top of the page, it read: “Southern European 97.3%.” Natch. Beneath that: “Portuguese, Highly Likely Match.” Well, that makes sense. And on a third line: “Spanish, Possible Match.” Not surprising, I guess. After all, I did feel an affinity for Madrid when we visited.
Yet the farther down the page I traced my finger, the more my heart sank. Finally, there–at the very bottom–was my answer. “Ashkenazi Jewish: 0.00%.” How could that be?! Granted, my only evidence of kinship was my love of Jewish food, but that was enough for me.
In the end, you can’t argue with chromosomes.
Since then, our friend Ginger has christened The One and me “Junior Jews.” And we’ve been blessed to be guests at her and others’ holiday tables, as well as host our Jewish friends at ours.
I guess you could say, if you can’t join ’em, eat with ’em.
Here’s wishing you all a wonderful and delicious Hanukkah. May it be a season of true peace, understanding, and love.
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Cheddar and Potato Latkes
This was as simple a latke recipe as you can make. Excellent.–Alex
I made this recipe using the orange/apricot filling. They were so delicious, and very, very easy to make. The dough is really beautiful to work with. I topped each piece with demerera sugar, and they looked great, tasted great, and stayed fresh for quite a long time. This recipe is a definite keeper.–Paula
YES! Oh my goodness – DOUGHNUTS! I made these tonight and they were outrageously good. I filled 1/2 with jam and 1/2 with dulce de leche. These would be so great tossed with cinnamon and sugar – next time!–Alena
FAQs
Why are so many fried foods served during Hanukkah?
The fried foods are symbolic of the miracle of Hanukkah, when the oil burned in the temple of Jerusalem for 8 days.
Are there any food restrictions during Hanukkah?
Pork and shellfish are forbidden, and to keep kosher, meat or poultry must not be mixed with dairy in the same meal.
Which foods are most popular during Hanukkah?
Brisket, fried chicken, potato latkes, and doughnuts are all very popular during Hanukkah.
We hope these recipes bring you comfort, joy, and happiness as you share them and celebrate with your loved ones. If you’re entertaining lots and need more recipes to fill out the 8 days, check out our collections of beef brisket recipes and fried chicken recipes.
