Happy Chanukah!

by Deena Remiel


Chanukah is one of my most favorite holidays of the year. It’s a joyous occasion filled with song, games, presents, and scrumptious food. Today, I’d like to share my standard Chanukah party yummies. The whole idea is to eat foods made with oil. Why? Because the story that while the Maccabees were rededicating the Second Temple after it had been nearly destroyed, oil that was supposed to last only a day to give light, lasted for eight. That’s why it’s also called the Festival of Lights.

Enjoy these recipes for a Great Chanukah meal:

POTATO PANCAKES

Ingredients


4 large potatoes
1 yellow onion
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
ground black pepper to taste
2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions: Finely grate potatoes with onion into a large bowl. Drain off any excess liquid.

  Mix in egg, salt, and black pepper. Add enough flour to make mixture thick, about 2 to 4 tablespoons all together.

  Turn oven to low, about 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).

  Heat 1/4 inch oil in the bottom of a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Drop two or three 1/4 cup mounds into hot oil, and flatten to make 1/2 inch thick pancakes. Fry, turning once, until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel lined plates to drain, and keep warm in low oven until serving time. Repeat until all potato mixture is used. Sprinkle with salt after removing from oil.

  Serve with a dollop of sour cream or apple sauce.

FALAFEL

1-15 oz. can chickpeas, drained

        1 medium onion, finely chopped

         1 tablespoon minced garlic

         2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

         1 teaspoon coriander

         3/4 teaspoon cumin

         1/2 teaspoon salt

         2 tablespoons flour

         oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

Directions: Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour and combine well.
Mash chickpeas, making sure to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste. 
Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Slightly flatten.


Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 degrees until golden brown (2-5 minutes).
Serve falafel by itself, or with hot pita bread with veggies, hummus, or tahini sauce.

FRIED DOUGHNUTS

2 tablespoons clear vinegar
3/8 cup milk
2 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup clear sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 quart oil for deep frying
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions:  Stir the vinegar into the milk, and let stand for a few minutes until thick.  In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well blended. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture alternating with the vinegar and milk. Roll dough out on a floured surface to 1/3 inch thickness. Cut into doughnuts using a donut cutter. Let stand for about 10 minutes. 


Heat the oil in a large deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry doughnuts in the hot oil until golden, turning over once. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar while they are still warm, and serve immediately.

When I put these delectable treats out on the table, along with veggies, dips, salads, and chocolates, I can’t hold people back! And yes, we feel stuffed to the gills when we’re done, but we have no control when it comes to these wonderful main dishes above. I hope you’ll give them a try. At the very least, the Potato Pancakes.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter and joy!

**In the spirit of the holidays, I’m offering a present of my own to one lucky commenter! I’m offering to buy you two 1-NS stories from Decadent Publishing! 

Count ‘em… 1…2... All you have to do is tell me YOUR favorite holiday dish in the comment area and leave your email addy, too!**

Hugs,
Deena Remiel

P.S. If you’re looking for a holiday gift, why not give the gift of reading? Decadent Publishing has an entire catalog of delectable treats for you including my offerings: TRINITY and GHOST OF A CHANCE! www.decadentpublishing.com