Hanukkah, which translates as “dedication,” is also known as the Festival of Lights. The name harks back to the story retold in the Talmud of a single vial of oil left to light the Second Temple — enough for a single day. Yet, the lamp miraculously burned for eight days.
Jews today commemorate that miracle during the holiday first by lighting candles on a special candelabra called a menorah for eight consecutive days and, second, by preparing and eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes. The recipes that follow (courtesy of PJ Library) all involve frying, which should be left to the adult in your house, though children can assist with decorating and other aspects of preparation. Steps suitable for kiddies are highlighted in blue.
Mini Donut Holes
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- 1 package of prepared pizza dough
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- Melted and cooled chocolate chips (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Directions
- In a large fry pan, add oil to a depth of about one inch deep. Heat over medium high heat till it registers a temperature of between 375 and 400 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
- Roll out pizza dough until it is 1/2 inch thick. Cut rounds of dough using a cookie or biscuit cutter.
- Carefully place each dough round in the oil, and cook about 1 minute per side or until golden.
- Remove the rounds from the oil, and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to cool.
- Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. While pastries are still warm, but cool enough to handle, roll them in the mixture to coat.
- If desired, donut holes can alternatively be dipped in melted and cooled chocolate chips or powdered sugar.
- Serve immediately.
Note: Optional child-friendly toppings might include melted and cooled chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
Nutella Pockets
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- Wonton wrappers
- Chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella)
- Banana, sliced in rounds to make coins
- 1 egg, beaten
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Directions
- In a large fry pan, add oil to a depth of about one inch deep. Heat over medium high heat till it registers a temperature of between 375 and 400 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
- Lay wonton wrapper flat. Add 1 teaspoon of Nutella, and top with a banana coin.
- Dip your finger in the egg and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle. Push down the edges to seal.
- Fry each wonton packet in oil, about one minute per side, and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- If desired, dip the surface of each warm pastry in powdered sugar to coat.
- Serve immediately.
