Hanukkah Recipes

Main Dishes

Cold Pan Seared Steak

Perfectly cooked steaks with a gorgeous crust and tender, juicy insides are easy to achieve with this unorthodox method. No smoky, splattered mess on your stovetop either!   Steak night isn’t a weekly occurrence in our house – although the guys likely wish it were! So, when steaks are on the menu, they should really…

Main Dishes

Slow Roasted Whole Chicken

This longtime reader and family favorite effortlessly produces tender, juicy chicken every single time. It’s wholesome comfort food that never grows old!   Modern cuisine so often focuses on the latest trends and off-the-grid ingredients. New ideas keep things interesting, but in the process, it’s easy to overlook more unassuming fare. A new year seemed…

Appetizers, Side Dishes

Crispy Latkes

There’s no draining or soaking in this recipe for the crispiest latkes this Hanukkah season, which come together quickly and easily, and are enjoyed by all members of the family. Serve with Ann’s homemade applesauce, creamy horseradish dill sauce, or simply sprinkled salt!   I grew up in Pennsylvania (for those who are local –…

Candies, Desserts

Mamie’s Million Dollar Fudge

Ultra-creamy with a delightful chocolate flavor, this foolproof fudge sets up beautifully without the need for a candy thermometer.  Perfect for holiday cookie platter and sharing with family and friends.    Aunt Peggy came over for an afternoon of cooking yesterday. She wanted to make Party Salmon with Creamy Horseradish Dill Sauce for a holiday potluck…

Appetizers, Soups and Stews

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup may be new to you, or it could be an old favorite you haven’t had in a while. Either way, I’m excited to introduce you to an adaptation of my family’s recipe. Besides the use of duck fat – which makes for an extra scrumptious matzo ball – this classic take on…

Main Dishes

Beef Short Ribs

A low and slow stint in the oven yields flavorful, fork tender meat that will warm your soul. Optional day-ahead prep offers added benefits and convenience.    Certain foods smell as good as they taste. And I’ve noticed that special memories are often tightly linked to the intersection of these two senses. What comes to…

Cookies, Desserts

Grandma’s Rugelach

This two-bite cookie is hearty, subtly sweet, and can be filled with a variety of jam, chocolate, and/or nut fillings. It’s easy to make and perfect to bring to a Hanukkah party or any gathering!   When Ann and I first started working together she asked me if wanted to share any of my own…

Desserts, Snacks

Cracker Toffee

Easy to make and quick to disappear, this family-favorite treat is salty, sweet, crispy, buttery, and chocolatey. A variety of optional toppings ramp up the flavor and seasonal appeal!   Old recipes have a way of bringing back special memories. And when those old recipes are also very good recipes, they seem to create new memories!…

Appetizers, Side Dishes, Snacks

Crispy Potato Peels

Instead of tossing the peels when preparing potatoes for mashing, save them. They make a fun snack that’s crisp and flavorful–and nothing goes to waste!     The first time I roasted what were essentially the mashed potato scraps, I did it as an experiment and had low expectations. Little did I know the crispy…

Desserts, Snacks

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Decadent, fudgy brownies score big points in flavor and texture while delivering a filling dose of fiber and protein. A total dessert win!        “I love these brownies because you think they are going to be gross, but they are delicious and nutritious.”  Those words, from “Chef E.” age 9, sum up these…

Beverages, Cocktails

Apple Bourbon Smash

Warm notes of bourbon complement the sweetness of apples in this lightly effervescent cocktail that takes a mere minute to make. Prefer a mocktail? Just skip the bourbon!     Over the years, I’ve tended towards a simple glass of wine over a mixed drink. But an occasional cocktail can be a fun mealtime addition,…

Side Dishes

Olive Oil Smashed Potatoes

Light and creamy mashed potatoes can be dairy-free, fuss-free, and utterly delicious. A sprig of optional rosemary adds a little something extra!   Do mashed potatoes make infrequent appearances on your dinner plate because they feel like a hassle to make? Or do you steer away from some of the customary ingredients? This spin on…

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