Hanukkah Treats for the Whole Family

Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of lamps and oil that is believed to have occurred about 2000 years ago. There was only enough oil, the story goes, for one day; but miraculously, the oil lasted eight days. The oil used at that time for cooking and lighting was olive oil. This healthy oil plays a significant role in many Hanukkah treats.

Here are some ideas and recipes for Hanukkah treats for the whole family.

1. Latkes

These crunchy potato cakes are a favorite with children and adults alike. You can add carrots or sweet potatoes in with the traditional white potatoes. Serve latkes with a dollop of sour cream and a side of applesauce (recipe for the applesauce follows).

Ingredients for 8 latkes:
* 2 cups shredded potatoes (1/4 cup per latke)
* 1/4 cup grated or minced onion
* Olive oil for frying
* Kosher salt to taste

Mix potatoes, onion, and salt. Pour oil in a skillet to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch; heat to medium-high. Place 1/4-cup sized portions of the potato-onion mixture into the hot oil; flatten with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until brown and crisp. Dain on paper plates before serving.

2. Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is a traditional Hanukkah treat, and it’s not hard to make. Here’s how.

Ingredients for 1 quart (4 cups) of applesauce:
* 10 medium-sized apples
* 3/4 cup water or apple juice
* 1/3 cup sugar (optional – if you use a sweet variety of apple and/or sweetened apple juice, you will probably not need the sugar)
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Wash and core the apples (no need to peel). Place them in a large, heavy saucepan with the water or apple juice. Heat to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook slowly until apples are soft. Strain through a strainer or food mill and add cinnamon and sugar, if desired. You can adapt this easily to a pressure cooker or slow cooker, too.

3. Gelts

These foil-wrapped chocolate discs are made to represent coins, and are popular with children. You can buy them or make them yourself. Here’s how.

Ingredients/Supplies:
* 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
* Gold foil squares (such as you use for wrapping homemade candies – check the candy-making section of your local retailer, or go to a specialty store)
* Parchment paper or wax paper
* Cookie sheet
* Double boiler

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler until smooth but still fairly thick. Spoon circles of melted chocolate at intervals onto a wax paper-covered cookie sheet. Place in the freezer. When hard, pry off each chocolate disk and wrap it in gold foil. Store in the refrigerator.