WHAT IS HANUKKAH ALL ABOUT
So Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and eight nights. It commemorates the re dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.E.C.
With every holiday all of the world and with all religions it is celebrated with food.
Some tips on what to eat and what not to eat
Latkes. Trader Joes make the very best Latkes. They are frozen, so best is to put them in a high oven on a cookie sheet or a wire rack makes it crisper. Is is usually eaten with apple sauce and sour cream. So another trick buy ready made apple sauce and fat free sour cream. If you want to go the extra mile make your own apple sauce, it will be a much thicker consistency. So bottom line, 2 latkes with apple sauce and sour cream is roughly about 150 calories. If you fry them, your house will smell for days, in addition to piling on the calories. Honestly the baked ones taste better and their is not guilt or weight gain.
Also it is traditional to have “sufganiyot” (jelly filled donuts). That is a hard recipe to lower the calorie content. My best suggestion is that you buy Miss Meringues (available at Trader Joes, Publix,Whole foods) they are 25 calories a piece. Sandwich then together with Cool Whip and strawberries. Its not donuts but a much better option for a slimming, healthier festive Hanukkah holiday.
If you are making a special festive holiday meal. A hearty chicken soup is always a good option. Especially in the cold weather. Making a chicken, turkey or fish main course will also be a lot lower in calories. If you do happen to make a brisket, just make sure you cut off all the fat. Once again sides do not have to be kugels. What about baked sweet potato fries. (Also available at Trader Joes). Just make sure you do not go over the serving portion. Lots of colorful grilled vegetables. Such as asparagus, Look at my pinterst recipe for the best broccoli of your life) Colorful peppers and roast little tomatoes in basil, with a little olive oil, or just olive oil spray.
This way you really get best of both worlds. Delicious traditional foods, tweaked to make it healthier for all.
Happy holidays.
SHERYL