by Corrie Plooser

Created on: December 16, 2008

Jewish culture has always invested in the creation and adoption of traditional cuisine, and the case of celebrating Hanukkah is no exception. Hanukkah foods can be categorized into two distinct, yet equally symbolic, groups: the first, foods fried in oil, and the second, foods prepared in shapes that are easily recognizable as associated with Hanukkah.

The story of Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of a small can of oil burning brightly for 8 long days and nights. As a result, frying food in oil is particularly symbolic during the Hanukkah season.

Latkes, or potato pancakes as they are commonly referred to, are the most common food associated with Hanukkah in North America. Traditionally, these pancakes are prepared by shredding potatoes and chopping onions, adding white flour and a touch of baking powder, and frying the batter in a combination of olive and canola oil. For those that prefer a creamy batter, the above ingredients will often be pured to a more fluid consistency before frying. Once prepared, the latkes can be served either warm or cold, but are traditionally accompanied by a variety of toppings which range from applesauce to sour cream. This allowance for topping variety also sanctions that the latkes to be enjoyed at any Hanukah Feast, regardless of the Kosher dietary laws which might apply (meaning that the latkes can be served with either dairy or meat based meals).

Preparing Hanukkah food in oil is equally popular in Israel, the Jewish homeland. While latkes will find themselves on many Israeli Hanukkah Feast tables, deep-fried jelly or jam doughnuts (so-ofganiot) are a Hanukkah delicacy in Israel. In addition to being fried in oil, these doughnuts are shaped to represent the circle of life, a common theme in traditional Jewish cuisine. (For further information, see the Rosh Hashanah Challah, Passover Egg, etc.).

In recent years, Hanukkah shaped food has becoming increasingly popular as a tradition to be adopted by Jewish families. Particularly popular are Hanukkah shaped cookies (often sugar cookies or shortbread shaped as dreidel, menorah and Stars of David). These has been speculation that the newfound popularity of these cookies lies in the growing market of Hanukkah shaped cookie cutters in North American and European markets. Perhaps more likely, however, is that in the ever growing consumerism and marketing of Christmas during the month of December, Jewish families have embraced the opportunity to find an activity that can spark in young children, an interest in their unique cultural heritage and religious background. Preparing a simple batch of cookie dough and engaging children to familiarize themselves with Hanukkah shaped cookie cutters, establishes a new Hanukkah tradition that not only allows parents the chance to share the story of Hanukkah with their children, but also gives the children the chance to prepare a symbolic treat that can be enjoyed through the 8 days of Hanukkah and well into the new year.

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