Imagine friends and family gathered around a long table filled with dreidels, menorahs, candles and gifts. The Hanukkah season has officially begun, a time to be with loved ones and have fun while eating the delicious food that brings the celebration to life. While receiving gifts is a fun surprise, one highlight of the holiday is the eight days of food, so here are a few traditional food options for your table this upcoming Hanukkah.
Jelly Doughnuts (Sufganiyot) – 3/5
Jelly doughnuts, or sufganiyot in Hebrew, are a traditional dessert that originated in Germany. They symbolize the miracle of oil that lasted eight days in the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean revolt. This treat is best known for its powdered sugar displayed on top and the jelly injected inside. While it’s hard to resist a doughnut, Safeway’s sufganiyot had a generous amount of sweet jelly inside, making the ratio of dough to filling feel a bit too heavy. I would have preferred less jelly so more dough could be incorporated into each bite. Despite these downsides, the dough was not too sugary, allowing for a good balance considering how much jelly was inside. Sufganiyot will forever be a staple for all families to enjoy and involve a sense of remembrance as we celebrate Hanukkah.
Latkes – 4/5
Do you love fried potatoes and onions? If so, you will not want to miss this savory Hanukkah dish. Latkes are one of the most well-known foods served during Hanukkah that can be paired with whichever topping is desired. The most popular is a touch of sour cream or applesauce, offering a sweet or savory option depending on one’s preference. Some other toppings that are often found with latkes are cream cheese, salmon, caviar and fresh dill. The Trader Joe’s latka had a well-balanced amount of onion and potatoes, making it just the right amount of crisp without being too overpowering. This option was not my favorite, but will always be a classic for every Hanukkah meal.
Babka – 5/5
A symbol of joy and sweetness, babka celebrates Jewish heritage and is commonly served during Hanukkah. However, babka is also a go-to dessert year-round due to its flavorful taste and engaging look. Inside the babka are sheets of bread with chocolate coats in between each fold. This babka from Trader Joe’s had chocolate chips sprinkled on top and throughout the dessert to add an extra layer of crunch. The chocolate was rich and paired nicely with the bread, making it not too sweet or savory. It also had just the right amount of chocolate while not being too dry. I have been eating babka almost every Hanukkah and each time it never fails as a delicious end to each dinner or a taste of perfection before opening gifts. Whether fried or coated with chocolate, each delicacy brings an abundance of flavor that symbolizes a key moment in history and celebrates the festival of Hanukkah.
