(editor’s note- Gwen has written with us many times, and always gives us fantastic ideas for Hanukkah, Chanukkah, however the heck you spell it!)
Do you have a “Chosen” friend in your circle of nerds and geeks? A member of the Tribe that you care about dearly? We are here to help! We have compiled a list of awesomely nerdy Hanukkah Gifts for all of you, to get for yourself or your favorite Jewish person. Show your Hanukkah spirit, or pass along the gifts, gelt and guilt to your loved ones at sundown December 6th.
(Thanks SNL for this classic sketch from s15, in 1989)
If you are unsure what all this candle lighting and eating of fried food is about, and maybe think this is “Jewish Christmas,” then History has a helpful crash course in the story and traditions of Hanukkah. And also the 16 different ways to spell the Festival of Lights.
Did you click on that link and discover this holiday has amazing food? Would you like to make Sufganiyot (Traditional Jelly Donuts) or Latkes (Potato Pancakes) for your next D&D game?
We all know you want Thanksgiving to last a little bit longer, so here’s a cranberry twist on the traditional recipe!
When it comes to Latkes, everyone will insist that their Mother’s or Bubbe’s are the absolute best in the world, and of course I agree because MY mother’s Latkes are the best in the world! Feel privileged Aggressors, because I am including my family recipe for the crispiest latkes you’ve ever had.
Gwendolyn’s Family’s Latkes:
Ingredients
- 6 Medium Potatoes
- I small Onion
- 1/4 cup Matzoh Meal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
Peel and quarter the potatoes and the onion, Run the potatoes through a food processor to grate. Set aside in a colander set above a bowl or sink. Put 1/2 of the grated potatoes back into the processor and puree along with the onion. Add the last 1/2 of the grated potatoes and puree again. Pour your mixture into a fine mesh colander and drain for 10-15 minutes. Mix the potato mixture with the salt, matzoh meal and beaten egg. Drop large spoonfuls into hot oil (Olive or Vegetable). The oil must be deep enough in the pan to cover the latkes 3/4 of the way. Brown on both sides and drain on paper grocery bags. Serve with applesauce and sour cream to taste.
Below are a few modern variations on the traditional recipe!
Parsnip-Zucchini-Potato Latkes
When it comes to gifts, here are 8 ideas for 8 nights:
- Ugly Chanukah Sweaters
- Menorah Leggings from Poprageous
- Artisan Kosher Chocolate
- Working Lego Chanukiah
- Woot.com has an excellent selection of pop culture-related Hanukkah gifts!
- Award Winning Kosher Wine available at Trader Joe’s
- T-shirts for your nerdy and Sci-Fi loving Jews:
- And Finally, Hanukkah is famous for the traditional gifts of socks and school supplies, so here’s some amazing socks!
Keep this collection in mind for next year, all 150,000 are now sold out!
Hanukkah begins at Sundown on December 6th, 2015 and continues until sunset on Monday December 14th. Happy Chanukkah!
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