This year Hanukkah starts on December 12, and I’m excited that we can have potato pancakes (latkes) now that my daughter Lucie is no longer allergic to eggs. We’re not Jewish, but the kids learn about Hanukkah at school as part of the Core Knowledge curriculum. (They learn about various Christmas traditions and Kwanzaa as well.)
However, I grew up celebrating Hanukkah since my father was Jewish. Luckily for my family, my French Catholic mother wholeheartedly embraced Jewish cooking. The woman’s chopped liver and chicken soup were to die for! I grew up eating blintzes, gefilte fish, and bagel and lox along with potato pancakes, so Jewish food is one of my favorite cuisines.
As I unpacked our Christmas decorations this year, I realized we’ve amassed quite an assortment of Christmas books, everything from Santa Mouse to President Jimmy Carter’s Christmas in Plains. I love holiday books and hope to share recent releases here at My Readable Feast in the days leading up to Hanukkah and Christmas.
To start off, we have a guest post from Laura Bridgwater, an award-winning journalist and radio commentator from Colorado. Hear Laura’s latest radio spot, Thanksgiving Makeover.
You know I’m giving away 12 cartons of Blue Bunny ice cream right? Well, as a reminder I thought I’d share some terrific holiday recipes from Blue Bunny ice cream.
Here in Colorado it always manages to snow on Halloween. If we’re lucky we don’t get freezing rain instead. But that doesn’t mean your children won’t enjoy some pumpkin popsicles treats from Pops!: Icy Treats for Everyone by Krystina Castell.
Heck, these would be especially nice for a party. Or if your child were getting their tonsils out around Halloween. If you don’t live in warm sunny Florida, Texas or California, put away a few cans of pumpkin puree and make these next summer. Continue Reading »
Many parents are looking for healthy snacks to serve at Halloween parties. One idea is jack-o-lantern sandwiches made on wholesome bread and using low fat ingredients. There are several variations you can try using deli meat slices, spreads, and various types of bread.
Deli style jack-o-lantern sandwiches
Ingredients:
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup mustard or ketchup (or a mixture of half and half of both)
32 slices whole wheat bread (try rye or pumpernickel, too)
16 slices American cheese (try 2% milk or a lower fat version)
16 slices turkey or ham slices (again look for low fat versions)
16 lettuce leaves
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise and mustard/ketchup.
Spread condiments over one side of each slice of bread.
Top half of the slices with meat, lettuce and cheese. (Cheese should be on top.)
Remove top bread slice. Cut out eyes, nose and mouth with a small triangle mini cookie cut or use the tip of the paring knife.
Replace so the orange of the cheese shows through the cut out portions. If you want to get fancy, tear a piece of lettuce to give your jack-o’-latern green eyes.
Tip: supposedly it’s easier to cut the bread if it is slightly toasted.
Variations:
Try PB&J with strawberry jam showing out of the cut eye, ears and mouth. Tired of peanut butter? Try almond or cashew butter instead.
Use pumpkin or orange bread with a cream cheese spread.
For a easy to make, healthy spread try combining no or low fat cream cheese with some canned pumpkin puree. Use organic honey or agave syrup to sweeten. Or combine marmalade or strawberry jam with the cream cheese. Try to find organic jams as they usually don’t have added sugar or corn syrup.
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This year Hanukkah starts on December 12, and I’m excited that we can have potato pancakes (latkes) now that my daughter Lucie is no longer allergic to eggs. We’re not Jewish, but the kids learn about Hanukkah at school as part of the Core Knowledge curriculum. (They learn about various Christmas traditions and Kwanzaa as well.)
As I unpacked our Christmas decorations this year, I realized we’ve amassed quite an assortment of Christmas books, everything from 
to President Jimmy Carter’s 
. I love holiday books and hope to share recent releases here at My Readable Feast in the days leading up to Hanukkah and Christmas.
or use the tip of the paring knife.
to sweeten. Or combine marmalade or strawberry jam with the cream cheese. Try to find organic jams as they usually don’t have added sugar or corn syrup.
