Hanukkah Recipe Ideas

Mary Anne here. I’m no expert on the history of Hanukkah, but having grown up in a household with a Jewish step-dad at the helm, I feel compelled to give at least a brief overview of this early winter holiday.

As I’m sure you know, Hanukkah is the festival of lights, its commemoration dating back to the year 165 B.C.E. when the Jews were victorious over the Syrian-Greeks. The word Hanukkah means “dedication” and the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of a menorah for eight nights.

When the Maccabees rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem – following its desecration by the aforementioned foes – there was only a day’s worth of consecrated oil left undefiled. Miraculously, the meager supply of oil burned for eight days; the lighting of the menorah commemorates this miracle.

Hanukkah feasts include both dairy and meat menus, and many families tuck into fried foods like latkes and donuts in commemoration of the oil that burned. Children are given gelt (coins), games are played with Dreidels, and presents are exchanged on each of the eight nights.

Now that we’ve taken you through Hanukkah 101, let’s get to the eatin’. Whether you’re planning a dairy- or meat-based smorgasboard, we’ve illuminated a menu that touts a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes. Wishing you many blessings on this most festive of holidays.

Starters:
Deviled Eggs
Acorn Squash and Pear Soup
Smoked Salmon Challah Bites
Fig and Olive Tapenade

Sides:
Wild Rice Salad
Green Salad with Montrachet Croutons
Roasted Asparagus with Sesame Seeds
Potato Latkes with Homemade Applesauce

Entrees:
Red-Wine-Braised Brisket with Dried Fruit
Pot Roast
Lamb with Sweet Pears
Shredded Chicken with Figs, Marcona Almonds & Thyme Over Tagliatelle

Desserts:
Old-Fashioned Lemon Squares
Pecan-Coconut Tart
Soft & Chewy Gingersnaps
Ultimate Cheesecake with Raspberry Puree
Cinnamon & Sugar Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins