Let's get ready for Chanukah!

Hello there my friend,

It's fair to say that I love the traditional foods that are associated with Jewish holidays - all the delicious dishes that make an appearance once or twice a year for special occasions. But while a day or two of feasting is the norm for most of our festivals, Chanukah lasts a full EIGHT days. So going all in with the festive foods can be a bit overwhelming!

To save stress to both the cook, and the family's waistlines, I like to take a few minutes in advance of Chanukah to make a meal plan. This allows us to enjoy traditional foods and treats, without overdoing it. It also ensures we don't get 'festive burnout' and are sick of the sight of latkes halfway through the week!

Close up image of mince pie doughnuts, liberally covered in sugar, on a blue plate lined with baking parchment. Tiny glowing string lights are in the background.

Chanukah meal planning

If you'd like to try this approach, here are my top tips, plus my own outline plan for Chanukah dinners this year.

First, base your meal plan around the sorts of things that you'd eat even if it wasn't Chanukah. This ensures that you're eating a (hopefully!) balanced and nutritious diet with plenty of protein, carbs, healthy fats and fibre.
Second, see where you can make seasonal swaps. For instance, if you'd normally have potato wedges, swap them for potato latkes. Planning a pasta bake? Make it extra cheesy in memory of Yehudit and her dairy-based exploits.
Also, a set of Chanukah cookie cutters can add a festive dimension to even the most mundane of foods. Dreidel-shaped sandwich, anyone?
Third, add in some Chanukah extras! We don't usually have much apart from fruit for dessert, but we can definitely indulge for one week of the year! We'll have doughnuts one night, sweet noodle latkes another, and most likely some gelt-based treats too! Try to space your sweets across the week and offer fruit or something lighter alongside if you're worried about overdoing it.

Chanukah trifle seen from overhead, showing the decoration of chocolate Chanukah gelt and chocolate shavings in the shape of a menorah.

My proposed Chanukah meal plan

Here's my provisional plan for our Chanukah dinners. It's a mix of easier and more involved recipes, and several are made with an eye on leftovers for lunch the next day. I'll try and do as much of the baking in advance as possible - the gingerbread, zimtsterne and homemade gelt will all keep in an airtight box for a week at least.

And of course, all of these menus are subject to change at a moment's notice! I doubt that everything will be served up exactly as planned, on the nights I'd planned. But at least we have a starting point! So here it is...

Sunday 14/12
Broccoli, cheese and leek pasta bake - extra cheesy!
Gingerbread Chanukah gelt cookies and fruit.

Monday 15/12
Beetroot risotto with herby feta cheese and extra olive oil to drizzle.
Fruit salad, homemade chocolate gelt.

Tuesday 16/12
Thick onion soup with grains and melty cheese. (Also great reheated for lunch on Wednesday.)
Warm mince pie soufganiot.

Wednesday 17/12
Bubble and squeak latkes with poached eggs and steamed greens.
Spiced olive oil cupcakes with berry compote.

Thursday 18/12
Veggie sausage traybake served with Chanukah focaccia.
Fruit and Chanukah mince pies.

Friday 19/12
Jam donut pull-apart challah.
Smoked salmon dauphinoise with roasted vegetables and salads.
Chocolate Chanukah gelt cupcakes - probably with ice cream and chocolate sauce, since it's also Shabbat.

Saturday 20/12
Baked salmon (possibly with sun-dried tomatoes), oven fried potato latkes and salads.
Gingerbread gelt cookies or zimtsterne (and fruit).

Sunday 21/12
Brussels tops and root veg stir fry with rice.
Romanian noodle latkes.
Plus, since it's the final night of the festival, we'll also have all the leftover cookies, cakes, pies, gelt and anything else that 'needs eating up'!

If you'd like to have a go at making your own Chanukah meal plan, you'll find all of my Chanukah recipes and ideas here.

Golden potato latkes cooking in bubbling oil in a frying pan - close up.

Quick links if you're short on time

If you want to learn more about global Chanukah food traditions, and browse a curated list of delicious festive recipes from across the web, take a look at this guide to Chanukah foods, including 50+ seasonal recipes.

Looking for fun food that's a hit with both kids and adults? Check out my edible dreidels recipe roundup! It includes both sweet and savoury nibbles, all made to resemble our favourite festive game.

Nothing beats a homemade gift when it comes to showing how much you care. You'll find all manner of delicious Chanukah foodie gifts here, perfect for saying a heartfelt Happy Chanukah!

Need basic background info, candle lighting instructions (including brachot), easy recipes, games, family activities, and more besides? Get an instant download of my Chanukah ebook here for as little as £1!

And finally, if you're ready to relax and put your feet up, why not treat yourself to a Chanukah Gelt Cocktail? This festive tipple is spicy, chocolatey, and adorned with glittering real gold! L'chaim!

A glass of chanukah cocktail, topped with gold flakes, held aloft in front of an array of vintage glassware.

Shabbat Shalom

As Chanukah approaches, may we too be blessed with miracles! (If I could have one hour that last for eight, that would be amazing!!)

Wishing you a peaceful, happy and enjoyable Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom - a Good Shabbos! - to one and all.

With love, Helen x.

PS Don't forget your instant download of my Ultimate Family Chanukah ebook. Pay as you feel for a limited time, and get recipes, crafts, games, printables, family activities and more!

More delicious recipes and ideas this way ->

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