Hanukkah is a holiday of light during the winter season when we need light the most since the days are short. The story of Hanukkah is one of victories and miracle. It takes place in 164 BCE when the Maccabees defeated the Greeks who has taken over the Jewish temple. As the story goes, there was always a candle lit in the temple but when the Maccabees reclaimed the temple there was only enough oil for one night. Since this was long before the invention of the car, it took 8 nights for them to travel to get more oil for the temple. Despite the small amount of remaining oil it lasted for the entire 8 days until they returned with more oil. In memory of this miracle we light candles for 8 nights and eat foods fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil.
We are excited to share our potato latkes with you simply because they are such a delicious treat. People eat them in many different ways. Some people use sour cream and / or applesauce. Others use the latke as a base and will put something more substantial like cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon) on it.
Growing up we all have fond memories of making and enjoying latkes with our families and our communities. Making latkes is a truly wonderful sensory experience. Listening to the latkes sizzle as they fry in the oil. The smell of fried deliciousness wafting through the air. Knowing that soon you will get to bite into the delicious latka, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. No Hanukkah party is complete with out some deliciously fried treats.
