HAPPY CHANUKAH (HANUKKAH)

An American, Dad, Vet, Clinton Legacy Cookbook Chef, an all around good guy..LOL ^ | Dec 9 2001 | Carlo3b

[carlo3b]

". . . and May This Festival of Lights bring Blessings
upon you and All Your Loved Ones for Happiness,
for Health, and for Spiritual and Material Wealth,
and May the Lights of Chanukah Usher in the Light of Moshiach
and a Better World for All of Humankind."

The Victory over Antiochus

More than 2000 years ago, the land of Judea was ruled by Antiochus, a tyrannical Syrian king. Even today, people fight wars over their gods, despite claims to value "religious tolerance." But a couple of thousand years ago, religious tolerance didn't exist at all. Religion was as good an excuse as any to oppress a people.

That's precisely what Antiochus did to the Jews: he forbade them to observe the Sabbath or study their religious text, the Torah, and he erected a statue of Zeus in their sacred temple of Jerusalem. Many Jews followed his decrees, because they had no choice; those who resisted were executed.

In 167 B.C., the Jews -- driven to desperation -- rose up against Antiochus. Mattathias, a well-respected priest, gathered together an army and put his five sons in charge. Judah and his brothers wanted a name for their battalion that would signify force and strength; "Maccabee", meaning "hammer", fit the bill. It took three years of fighting, but eventually the Maccabees drove the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem.

Naturally, the Maccabees quickly got rid of the statue of Zeus. Then they cleansed and purified the temple, and rekindled the menorah, a candelabra that symbolized God's Divine Presence. Oddly enough, although it only held enough oil to burn for a single day, the menorah burned for eight. This was the miracle.

 HANUKKAH CUSTOMS: THE MENORAH

About the Menorah
To Jews and non-Jews alike, the menorah, or Hanukkiya, is the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah. It's usually a nine-branch candelabrum whose candles are lit by a "shamash" or service candle which then takes its own place at the centre of the menorah. The menorah itself is placed in a window or anywhere it can be seen by passers-by.

Lighting the Menorah
On the first night of Hanukkah, a single candle (or oil wick) is lit on the far right side of the menorah. A candle is added, from right to left, each night, and the newest candle is always lit first. Ideally, the candles should be lit as soon as stars become visible in the night sky, but they can be lit late into the night. While the candles are being lit and the blessing given, the whole family and any guests gather to witness the ceremony; everyone is encouraged to participate. By the eighth night, with all eight candles lit, the menorah makes a spectacular sight. And as they did the previous evenings, the candles will continue to shine until they burn themselves out.

The Blessing
The first blessing thanks God for the commandment to "kindle the Hanukkah lights."

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-olam Asher Kidshanu B'mitzvotav V'tzivanu L'hadlik Ner Shel Hanukkah.
Blessed is Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, who commands us to kindle the Hanukkah lights. 

The second blessing praises God for the miracle the candles symbolize; it's said as the candles are being lit.
  Baruch Atah Adonia Elohenu Melech Ha-olam She-asa Nissim L'votenu Bayamim Ha-hem Ba-ZmanHa-zeh.
Blessed is Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.
On the first night of Hanukkah the "shehechiyanu" blessing is included, to signify that this is the first time the Hanukkah lights have been lit this season.
 

 Hanukkah is a "Festival of Lights" to celebrate the victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Syrians, and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The holiday also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
 

[ken21]

the potato latkes are ok, the donuts obviously better. we're spoiled today.

people of previous centuries took pride in latkes because they didn't have our affluence, which blinds us to the simple joys in life.

but it's the gifilte fish in the spring that i cannot stomach. my jewish girlfriend fed me those.

[nopardons]

Hey Laz, HAPPY HANUKKA, sweety !

[Budge]

Thank you, Carol3b! and a Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas to you!

[carlo3b]

This is just a teaser, for all of my friends but not Kosher Fer Sur!
Oh, sorry Lady GOP, austinTparty, not for you two, just talk amongst yourselves .......Ha!

NORMANDY TOAST au CREME BRULEE
Image two comfort foods rolled into one; ohhhmagoodness--be still my heart!
Imagine this on a crisp autumn morning along with a pot of steaming hot coffee or tea! Although large slices from a round loaf of bread (crust removed) are traditional, we also tried the recipe with a baguette, leaving the crust on, and found it just as delicious

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 c light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbs. corn syrup
• one 8- to 9-inch round loaf country-style bread
• 5 large eggs
• 1-1/2 c half-and-half
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. Grand Marnier
• 1/4 tsp. salt

In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour
into a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another
use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.
In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread.
Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 4 hours and up to 1 day.
Preheat oven to 350°F and bring bread to room temperature. Bake bread mixture, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed
and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

[carlo3b]

MANDLESCHNITT .....Yummmmmmm, that sounds wonderful, this is a recipe from Chicago's Pump RoomHOMEMADE APPLESAUCE
Don't kid yourself, fresh is sooooooooo much better no matter how much you paid for that bottle!!! ....LOLOL

• Apples
• Optional: Water, Sugar, Cinnamon

Method: In a large enamel pan, place a selection of peeled, unpeeled, cored, and sliced apples. I like to use a combination of green and red apples with one or two yellow apples thrown in for good measure. If you like things "natural", do not add anything else. but cover and cook very carefully, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon over low heat until the apples begin to give up their liquid. Mash the apples slightly if you like chunky applesauce. Process with a hand held blender or food processor if you prefer yours smooth.

If you have a good selection of apples, the apples are really fresh and you have the patience to keep a close watch on the fruit, this produces a wonderful applesauce. If you are less of a purist, in a hurry, or like a little more zing, add sugar,and/or water and/or cinnamon to the mixture. Adjust amounts to your taste. When cooled slightly, the applesauce is great eaten immediately. It will keep in the refrigerator for a about a week. Or proceed with your favorite hot water canning method.

[A CA Guy]

All these feasts in the way of various foods have me laughing. At first blush it is made to look like an Octoberfest on this thread.

A peacefull, fun and healthy Hanukkah to you all.

You folks have got me soooooooo hungry reading this stuff. Darn it, it's everyones fault here that I am going to leave and go to a buffet with a variety of foods. Right now! LOL

[Simcha7]

SHALOM!

AND HANUKKAH BLESSINGS TO ALL!

Yeshua HaMoshiach said..."I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!"

While HE was Celebrating The Festival Of Lights, in HIS HOLY LAND...THE SHAMASH took the Shamash Candle and Lit The Hanukkiyah!

Baruch HaShem!

Amen & Amen! Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim!

PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM!

[Valin]

For those that like Klezmer I'd like to recomend the band "Hasidic new wave", think of them as Jimi Hendricks meets Klezmer.

[nopardons]

Ooooooo... YUMMY ! I used to make applesauce, when I was a kid. My grandmother had a Chinoire ( sp ? ) and I used the large, pointed, woiiden pestle, to smash the mixture through . My family lokes smooth applesauce. LOL

A little dusting of cinnamon, on top, works as well as addingingot to the mixture !

I HAVE had this , at the PUMP ROOM ! Many thanks for a revived taste memory, dear friend.

HAPPY HANUKKA TO ALL OF MY JEWISH FREEPERS FRIENDS !

[summer]

Great thread, and terrific recipes, carlo! Thanks for the flag!!!! :) PS Happy Holidays!

[Jeremiah Jr]

Happy Chanukah! The candles are lit. Blue and White this year. [two blue ones tonight]

A most excellent Chanukah Lecture by Rabbi Daniel Lapin

[backhoe]

Gee, that sounds delicious!

[Prodigal Daughter]

Have a joyous Chanukah!

[daisyscarlett]

Happy Hannukah...

Here is Martha Stewarts vision of jelly donuts, only she call them Hanukkah Sufganiyot

Makes 20

2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, plus more for rolling
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons salt
3 cups vegetable oil, plus more for bowl
1 cup seedless raspberry jam

1. In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes.
2. Place flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center; add eggs, yeast mixture, 1/4 cup sugar, butter, nutmeg, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a sticky dough forms. On a well-floured work surface, knead until dough is smooth, soft, and bounces back when poked with a finger, about 8 minutes (add more flour if necessary). Place in an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place to rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2-inch-round cutter or drinking glass, cut 20 rounds. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise 15 minutes.
4. In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil until a deep-frying thermometer registers 370°. Using a slotted spoon, carefully slip 4 rounds into oil. Fry until golden, about 40 seconds. Turn doughnuts over; fry until golden on other side, another 40 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Roll in sugar while warm. Fry all dough, and roll in sugar.
5. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a #4 tip with jam. Using a wooden skewer or toothpick, make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fit the pastry tip into a hole, pipe about 2 teaspoons jam into doughnut. Repeat with remaining doughnuts.

[Prodigal Daughter]

Why is Chanukah eight days? If there was only a miracle for seven days, why do we light for eight?

The lights of Chanukah celebrate a little miracle: After a small band of Jews had beaten the might of Greece, one small flask of oil for the Menorah was discovered in the Holy Temple - One small flask, un-defiled by the Greeks... That flask contained enough oil to last just one short day. But it burned and burned for eight days... To commemorate that little miracle we kindle the lights of Chanukah for eight days.

But if you think about it - we should really only light the lights for seven days, because on that first day the lights burned completely naturally - there was enough oil for one day!

So why do we light candles for eight nights - one of those nights was no miracle at all!

That eighth candle we light is for the little miracle called the Jewish People. When Louis the XIV asked Pascal for one piece of evidence of G-d's presence in this world, he replied "The Jews, Your Majesty..."

The survival of the Jewish People is like that one pure flask of oil. It seems so frail. You think it will never survive. But it goes on burning and burning and burning... And the reason it goes on burning is because it is pure.

It's just a little miracle...

Just a little miracle

Maoz Tzur - O Mighty Stronghold

The Daily Psalm of Chanukah

[swampfox98]

Hanukkah is a "Festival of Lights"

Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish friends both here and abroad. Peace be with you.

[Jeremiah Jr]

Happy Hanukkah!

[Prodigal Daughter]

I love your recipe posts. Here are some Chanukah recipes from Epicurious.com, latkes, Sephardic and Italian menus

Kosher Korner Chanukah Recipes

Chanukah Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake

Bimuelos, also called Loukomades
a Sephardic Chanukah delicacy

Ingredients:

1-1/3 cups warm water
2 envelopes of yeast (4-1/2 teaspoons)
1 egg
1 Tbsp. oil
3 cups flour
cinnamon
oil for deep frying

Syrup:

24 oz. Honey
1/4 cup of water

Preparation:

Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm water. Add beaten egg and 1 Tbsp. oil to the mixture. Add all the flour and stir, gradually adding the remaining water. Let rise 1 hour in a warm, draft-free area.
Fill an electric fry pan 1/2 to 3/4 full of oil and heat to 375 degrees. Drop dough by the tablespoonful into the hot oil. Let cook until golden brown; turn once and cook the other side. Bimuelos puff up - don’t be surprised! Drain on paper toweling.
As the bimuelos are rising, make the syrup. Combine the honey and 1/4 cup water; bring to a boil.
Dip the bimuelos in the warm syrup and sprinkle with the cinnamon. Serve immediately. Makes approximately 45.
This and other recipes for Sephardic treats can be found in Cooking the Sephardic Way

Chanukah Chocolate Mousse

4 ounces chocolate (milk, semi-sweet or sweet)
4 eggs, separated
1 cup margarine
whipped topping

Melt chocolate in microwave. Add egg yolks and margarine. Mixing with fork, cook over low heat until thick or cook in double boiler over rapidly boiling water, stirring until mixture becomes thick. Set aside to cool. Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into chocolate mixture. Put into serving dishes and refrigerate. Top with whipped cream and serve.

[Lurking Libertarian]

You get a few Jews together to talk about religion, and soon enough, all we're talking about is food!

[carlo3b]

Stay close my dear friends, we and all the wonderful FReeping chefs are just warming up for the Holidays ...it's my pleasure to provide the forum, thank you and peace be with each and every one of you.......O;-)