CHANUKAH TREATS, GIFTS , IDEAS.

CHANUKAH - FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND MIRACLES.

We all love holidays and Chanukah time is full of stories, miracles, traditions and many doughnuts. Families gather together, sing, light the candles and enjoy eating all the festive doughnuts. We exchange gifts and kids receive "Chanukah Gelt". These lovely ways of celebrating are wonderful. We look forward to the event with a new magic each year.
Take time a few days ahead and make sure you know the safety rules for working with hot oil. {See the blog of Chanukah 13th December 2008}
Have lovely blue, white, silver and gold decorations, candles, many different Chanukahs for the kids to light and an abundance of gifts to make all the kids happy.
The same blog of 13th December , 2008 features many different recipes, and I will give you a few more ideas to create a lovely warm evening.

CHEESE LATKES.

Beat the following: 2 large eggs, 3 tablespoons flour, three tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoons sugar and 1 cup of grated ricotta and cottage cheese mixed together.
I flavor with a grated onion and a large tablespoon of chopped parsley. Beat this all and add a bit of black pepper and vegetable salt.
Fry in hot oil and drain well on a serviette or paper towel. I serve these with apple sauce, or yogurt with a teaspoon of honey and cinnamon in it. They can be made a day ahead and warmed up.

OVEN BAKED LATKES.

These can be made a day ahead. My Mom used to serve these with a few side dishes, like cinnamon mixed with sugar and raisins, custard, apple sauce and whipped cream mixed with fresh chopped fruits.
Use half a cup of flour, 1/2 a teaspoon of baking powder and 1/3 a teaspoon of salt. 3 eggs. 1/4 cup of water.
6 medium potatoes, and one medium onion.1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika. 3 tablespoons oil.
Mix flour, baking powder, salt , eggs and water.
Grate the potatoes and squeeze out the water. Grate the onion and add with the spices. Mix well.
Oil a baking dish and pour in the mixture Bake 230c or 450f , for 25 minutes.
Cut into squares. Serve hot with a little bowl of cinnamon, mixed with brown sugar


DESSERT AND TEA TRAY.
Have these ready on a table or on trays. Let everyone help themselves and you can have time with the guests.
HOT DRINKS.
KIDS. Have Milo, Ovaltine, Carob Powder, Cocoa, and a large thermos of hot milk. The kids can spoon out what they want and add sugar or honey with the ready hot milk.
HOT treats. Cook up a large pot of apple cider drinks with cinnamon sticks and a few bits of mint in it and a grated bit of apple.

Hot green tea with herbs and flavors. Use a few bags of green tea and the appropriate amount of boiling water , a few sliced kumquats, some sliced oranges or peeled mandarins ,lemon slices with four or five cloves, a little cinnamon powder and a teaspoon of agave syrup or honey. Mix well and let it brew. Serve in a coffe mug or large glasses with a long spoon.

Have a camera ready to take pictures next to the Chanukah candles and with the family. You can purchase a lovely Chanukah gift at the local post office for the kids. The set of stamps to celebrate the Festival of light comes with a disc of music of the Chanukah songs.
Have a great week of light and I send you all love and light, joy and happiness.

RONA