Do you know that Christmas is not the only festival celebrated on 25th, December? Hanukkah or the Jewish festival of lights is also celebrated on that day. The foods eaten on Hanukkah are associated with two legends or should I say two facts. The major food association is dated back to the event that took place before 2200 years. The Jewish had recaptured their temple from the Syrian oppressors, and after entering the temple, they found that there is only enough oil to light the outer court of the temple, but the miracle is that the oil lasted enough to burn the candle for eight days. As per tradition, Hanukkah foods are prepared in lot of oil, to mark the miracle on the Hanukkah day.
Similarly eating diary products on Hanukkah day is also a ritual as it is said that Judith, the daughter of Hasmoneans fed cheese to the Syrians, over-eating of cheese made them thirsty, as a result, they were given wine, enough to make them unconscious and then they were beheaded.
The common foods eaten on the Hanukkah day are Latkes, made out of potatoes, Sufganiyot, a jelly cooked in coconut oil and a variety of cheese either eaten whole or paired with vegetables. This year it will be celebrated after the sundown on 25th, December 2005 until 2nd, January 2006.
The foods show that they are an integral part of the cause of celebration. In other words the foods are parallel to the cause of celebration.
For more Hanukkah recipes goto: Chefs
