Cooking With Gelt

Barry Williams/ for New York Daily News

Recent article in the NY Daily News shows cooking with gelt! Does it taste different than throwing in a few chocolate chips? I'm not sure. But in theory, I just love the idea. Elite chocolate does have a distinct taste, doesn't it? I'm sure I could distinguish it from other chocolate!

For other recipes and to read about what in the world is a MENURKEY? see the article here.

Thanksgivukkah In The Press

Have you guys seen all the fun articles coming up lately celebrating Thanksgivukkah? I had so many great photoshoots planned and now I might not need to go through with any of them!

Photos from Buzzfeed by Macey Foronda

A menorah made out of squirrel candle holders, and a cornucopia of gelt! I shouldn't start saying "But I thought of that!" because I would be saying it A LOT. But we really have limited symbols for Hanukkah, so it makes sense that we all going in the same direction.

This article from Buzzfeed has it all... styling, recipes, products... it's just great. They even added a pilgrim buckle to a yalmuke! That's all I need to say, just go look.

Thanks for the inspiration Buzzfeed!

Rum Raisin Cranberry Kugel from The Shiksa

Yep, you read it right: rum raisin cranberry kugel. I feel like this could be great addition for a Thanksgivukkah meal, no?? This recipe is from The Shiksa In The Kitchen and she says, "This kugel definitely has an autumn/ winter holiday vibe." She plumps the raisins in rum! But I'm not telling you any more, you'll have to read her blog to find out.

Photo by The Shiksa

Tackling Sides For Your Thanksgiving-Hanukkah Meal

I can't wait to integrate two traditional meals, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, now dubbed Thanksgivukkah!

Traditional Thanksgiving sides: stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, 

roasted root vegetable, roasted brussel sprouts, rolls.

Families keep their own Hanukkah food traditions, there are usually a lot of dairy dishes and, of course LATKES. Kugel, vegetables and challah.

So what are we putting together?

photo courtesy Food Network

Food Network's Apple Raisin Stuffing sounds to me a little like charoset and tzimmes.

Every family has their own latke recipe, so we wouldn't dare reference one here for you to try. But if you feel like planning something that's not traditional, these are our picks: sweet potato and apple latkes with cranberry sauce, gingered carrot latkes, which I think would be great topped with a honey greek yogurt sauce, and zucchini latkes.

One of my picks for a side dish this year that is fun for Hanukkah and has warm Thanksgiving flavors? Grapes pickled with cinnamon and pepper! I know it sounds strange, but it is delicious, and makes a perfect starter or light side dish. Anyway, if we're going to do Thanksgivukkah, we're going to have to think a little outside the box!

As for rolls, we'll just replace them with challah rolls. But... stay tuned to see what we have planned to fancy up those challah rolls!

Latkes With Cranberry Sauce

For our Thanksgivukkah, I've decided that latkes with cranberry sauce are the way to go! It's really the perfect marriage of the symbol of each holiday. And, it sounds delish to me.

So here are some of my favorite cranberry sauce recipes I think will go perfect with latkes:

photo courtesy The Picky Apple

My favorite cranberry dish goes into the blender with cranberries and oranges, sugar and pecans, and comes out delicious. Get the how-to on The Picky Apple.

This recipe from Emeril is cooked stove top and has port wine in it. I think I'll swap the port for Manischewitz!

And one more, from an amazing Jewish lady, Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, Cranberry Fruit Conserve, which combines cranberries, apples and citrus.

What is your favorite cranberry sauce, and do you think it'll taste good on latkes?