Doughnuts

It’s a Hanukkah tradition to eat fried foods, you know, to remind us of the oil that lasted eight days instead of only one. Sufganiot, or jelly doughnuts, are one of the foods that you will always see at a Hanukkah party, along with latkes.

I have to admit, I don’t really eat doughnuts, especially ones filled with jelly or cream. It’s not that they aren’t delicious, they are, but only in theory. The ones you can buy at Dunkin Donuts is just not worth it, and the ones that are filled just have way too much filling to be enjoyed. They’re also too big, too sweet, and not fluffy enough. That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own doughnuts. They’re just a soft dough that’s cut into bagel-like shaped and fried, how hard can that be? And what better timing to make them than a family Hanukkah party?

No, I didn’t make the traditional Sufganiot. But they’re still fried in oil, so they’re still Hanukkah worthy. Continue reading

Latkes (or Ejjeh Potato)

You didn’t think we’d get through eight days of Hanukkah and not post a holiday recipe for you, did you?

We actually eat ejjeh potato all the time, not only on Hanukkah. It’s a delicious and easy food to make for the beach on a summer Sunday afternoon. They also make great leftovers, so make extra and take some for lunch in a sandwich the next day.

Because latkes are fried, they are a customary Hanukkah food. On these eight days, Jews load up on oily foods to remember the miracle of the oil. These latkes are different than the Ashkenaz version, which you probably see more often. These are more like home fries. They’re soft in the middle and really deliciously crispy on the outside. Continue reading