Happy 2nd Candle of Hanukkah Tonite - Lighting Up Our Menorah in California

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Hope everyone celebrating Chanukah is enjoying our 8-day flight of special nights, now going into Night #2

My Daughter With Last Night's Latkes

Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

We'll soon be lighting two candles on our menorahs here on the West Coast, so wanted to send good wishes to all.  I know we are having a great time here so far.  After we light our candles, we have parties to go to both tonight and over the weekend, so I'll be logging off for awhile to enjoy the festivities with my kids for those events. 

Yes -- in case you want to know -- I'll have my iPhone turned off so I don't get distracted from all the fun I hope to be having with my hubbie and kids.

My Homemade Latkes with Pomegranate & Paper Menorah Table Decorations

Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Last night, I made Latkes (potato pancakes) that are traditionally served for this holiday.  We eat foods fried in oil for Hanukkah because it evokes memories of the single vial of sacred olive oil that the Maccabees found (the rest of the oil for the Temple's official menorah had been smashed by the Greeks when they destroyed the Temple itself).  By a miracle that we believe performed by G-d, the Jews were able to keep the Temple's menorah burning miraculously for eight days and nights.

The latkes I fried in olive oil -- of course -- not only because of the religious historical significance but since it's ALOT lower in cholesterol than other fats.  The patties themselves were made from hand-grated fresh potatoes, chopped onions, and salt and pepper and then spooned into a frying pan with the oil for cooking.  I've always loved the crunchy and yummy homemade ones better eversince my mom made them for me when I was a little girl.  These beat the potato latkes that many people make from a mix that comes in a box.  They're no harder to make, either, you just need a little elbow grease to peel and grate those potatoes.

I served these yummy potato treats on a very special Our Name Is Mud piece made by hand in New York by talented artists that was given to us by EdiblesGiftsPlus.  This platter was last featured in the Best of Memorable Gifts for Hanukkah.  As it says on this beautiful holiday heirloom dish: Get 'em While They're Hot...or else they might be all gone.

Latkes Get 'em While They're Hot

Hand Painted Ceramic Hanukkah Platter by Our Name is Mud

Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com 

Now, I'd love to hear how you make Hanukkah special at your house, either this year or in years past.  Please post your ideas and traditions, happy and silly stories involved little kids or us big kids in the comment section below.  I can't wait to hear all about everyone's own celebrations.

Don't miss these other MommyBlogExpert Hanukkah Posts:

1st Nite: in the Chanukah Mood With Adam Sandler & 8 Crazy Nights Song
Guess what my teen daughter is getting for Chanukah this year
Beyond Thanksgiving Pie: Moving into Hanukkah & the rest of the holidays
Really Memorable Gifts for Celebrating Hanukkah
 

HAG SAMEACH

A Happy Holiday to Everyone!

FTC Disclosure:  Our Name is Mud platter provided by Edible Gifts Plus in conjunction with a previous post.   However, I did not receive payment or any other compensation associated with this particular post.   See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.