Do any of you know the Hanukkah story? Did you know there IS a Hanukkah story? It’s one of my favorites…
In the tradition of Cliff’s Notes and Reader’s Digest, here’s the short version:
Way back when, there was a group of soldiers in Israel called the Maccabees. When the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, the Maccabees went back to the site to rededicate the altar with the eternal light (an oil lamp that continuously burns) and could only find enough oil to light the lamp for one day. But, miracle of miracles (cue earworm…now) the small amount of oil lasted for 8 nights, more than enough time for a soldier to go to the next town to get more oil. So, Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 nights to celebrate the miracle of that little lamp not going out.
Since the tradition of Hanukkah revolves around oil, many traditional foods for Hanukkah are fried in oil, my favorite being potato latkes. When my mom asked me to come over to help her cook for our annual family Hanukkah party on Saturday, I of course obliged!
I walked into my mom’s house at about 10 a.m. on Saturday morning to find her already hard at work, and these already finished:
- latkes
- teriyaki chicken wings
- cookie meatballs
- hot dogs
- baked beans
- broccoli and mozzarella salad
- applesauce and sour cream for dipping the latkes
- Tarte tatin for dessert (I’ll try to get my sister to part with the recipe)
- Chocolate chip cookie dough truffles (which I made WAY too big
And my plate:
In all, it was a stellar evening in which we exchanged gifts, ate well, and truly enjoyed each other’s company. This was the first post-wedding get together of all the new family on both Adam’s and my side, and I think we all truly had a great time! And just another glimpse into how quirky we all are: my sister and her boyfriend bought Adam and I the Bacon of the Month Club!
ALSO! I know many of you have asked, so I thought I’d share: our wedding photos are online! Go to www.photosbydale.net and click on Mara & Adam Wedding. The password is rosenbloom and there are 1190 pictures!
Back to normal cooking posts tomorrow, and don’t forget to enter the amazing cookbook giveaway!
Oh man that looks delicious,Mara! You would pretend not to notice an extra person at the table, right?
LOVE the puppy’s outfit! Soo adorable! And I seriously considered cashing in some of my credit card reward points for the bacon of the month club (I can get any of the month clubs through them) for my parents! hehe They already have a wine one and they complain about it, so I didn’t know how the bacon one would be received. Oh! Come comment on my blog’s latest post I’m doing cans for comment.
Christina´s last blog ..Christmas came early!
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Vegan latkes? Sign me up! Wedding pics? Sign me up again!
Mama Pea´s last blog ..Nacho Mama
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Mara @ What's For Dinner? Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 8:18 am
The vegan latkes followed a regular recipe, omitting the egg and just about doubling the flour. The potato starch does a pretty good job of holding the mixture together! I’ll get the real recipe from my mom later today
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I AM the Latke queen… what a fun Chanukah…
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I want some of those latkes!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is´s last blog ..Workout Excuses + 30 Min Total Body Workout.
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LOVE LATKES!!!!!
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I think the only Hanukkah story I recall is the one from the Rugrats episode!
Wow, looks like a sensational time. I am diggin those latkes!
Happy Hanukkah sweetheart!
Lauren´s last blog ..Back to Work Back to Work
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I’m with Lauren, The Rugrats taught me about Hanukkah
Those latkes look divine!! I LOVE latkes! The festive pupper – how cute!
I can’t look at your wedding pictures at the moment but you better BELIEVE I will be when I get home! Can’t wait!!
K´s last blog ..Last Christmas
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Mara @ What's For Dinner? Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 8:16 am
I completely forgot about that Rugrats Hanukkah Special! I’m going to have to watch it on Hulu or something soon; it was a good one!
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YUM!!!!
you’ve inspired me to make sweet potato latkes this week. i actually celebrated many jewish holidays with friends because the food is SO good and the traditions are so beautiful
have a great day!
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I love potato pancakes! Totally grew up on those except I dipped mine in ketchup. I know, I know, don’t hate!
This was a great post and naturally I want latkes now!
Andrea (Off Her Cork)´s last blog ..December 14th, 2009: impromptu date night
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importanat addendum from the Latke Queen..DON”T FORGET THE ONIONS!!!!! (in the raw shredde potatoes)
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Oh man, latkes. Nom nom nom. I don’t like them dipped with anything though, just salted and peppered (same with my hashbrowns). Your plate looks divine! Gonna go surf your wedding pics now (yes, I’m bored at work hehe).
Quix´s last blog ..Second Half Marathon Training: Week 4
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sooo many thoughts.
love the dog picture
your hanukkah post here puts mine for friday to SHIZZZAME
I should just cut and paste this one.
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
MizFit´s last blog ..Holiday kids-at-home workouts.
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I am drewling looking at those latke’s! They look delish! Sounds like a great night with amazing food and family!
:)
p.s love the dogs outfit hehe.
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man! i want a latke!
glidingcalm´s last blog ..Never Knew Sunflower Seeds Could Be So Tasty!
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