Recipes for Chanukah

When celebrating Chanukah, Jewish people eat special recipes that signify their traditional faith, so they use particular recipes for Chanukah. Here are some of the most traditional recipes and how to serve them for worship.

Bimuelos

2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1/6 cup soft unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
Flour (enough to make a soft dough)
Oil for frying

Combine yeast and warm water until yeast begins to bubble. Add butter and salt. Gradually add enough flour to make a soft dough. Let stand in warm place for 3 hours to allow to rise. Drop by spoonful in hot oil about 1/4-inch in depth. Fry to golden brown on both sides. The dough should puff up into irregular shapes as it cooks. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot, dipped in orange syrup (recipe below).

Orange Syrup

2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice
2 cups water
Pinch sugar
1 Tbsp. brandy

Combine all ingredients. Simmer for 15 minutes and serve with bimuelos.

Chanukah Latkes (Potato Cakes)

5 large potatoes, peeled and grated
1 large onion, grated
3 eggs
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
3/4 cup oil for frying

Strain grated potatoes and onion through a colander or wrap in a clean kitchen towel, pressing out excess water. Place potato mixture in a bowl. Add eggs, flour, and seasoning. Mix well. Heat 1/2 cup oil in skillet. Lower flame and place 1 large tablespoon batter at a time into hot sizzling oil and fry on one side for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown. Turn over and fry on other side 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue with remaining batter until used up, adding more oil if necessary. Serve with applesauce on the side.

Chanukah-Shaped Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs
2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 cup sugar
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Chanukah cookie cutters (shaped like menorah, dreidel, candle, etc.)
Sprinkles (optional)

Mix all ingredients well. Wrap in waxed paper and chill for at least an hour. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Roll out dough until 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Cut with Chanukah cookie cutters. Decorate with sprinkles (optional). Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned.

Use these recipes for Chanukah and experience traditional Jewish foods this holiday season.