Happy Hanukkah!

    Remember that the holidays are all about tradition; take time to reflect on the story of Hanukkah.

    Each of the eight nights of Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting a candle on the menorah, playing games, giving gifts, and enjoying the company of friends and family over traditional Kosher dishes.

    What are some of your favorite Hanukkah meals?

    A friend of mine who celebrates Hanukkah says her traditional dinner includes a braised brisket, kasha and bowtie noodles, latkes, and, of course, kugel. Though delicious, sometimes the traditional recipes can get… well, boring and a bit heavy.

    Since we’re both dietitians, we brainstormed on some easy and delicious ways to create a healthier version of her favorites.

    Healthy Hanukkah tips:

    • Use less oil and a variety of root vegetables, like zucchini and carrot, in your latkes! Serve them with Greek yogurt and homemade applesauce for more nutrition
    • Roast chicken with plenty of fresh, warming herbs, like rosemary, thyme and sage
    • Cook your brisket in a sweet and sour sauce, like chili sauce
    • Include mushrooms in your kasha and bowtie noodle recipe
    • Add dried fruits and nuts, like apricots, pecans or golden raisins, to stuffing or rice dishes

    Sweet Potato and Apple Latkes with Ginger Orange Dipping Sauce

    Instead of frying these latkes, we pan sear and then finish them off in the oven to save on fat and calories!

    Ingredients:

    For Latkes:

    • 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled
    • 1 Sweet potato, peeled
    • 1 large egg, blended
    • 1-½ tablespoons chopped thyme leaves
    • 1-teaspoon curry
    • 1 tablespoon flour
    • ½ cup panko
    • Canola oil (for pan sear)

    Ginger orange dipping sauce:

    • ½ cup orange marmalade
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • 2 teaspoon lime juice
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
    • 1teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    2. Using coarse grater blade on box grater, shred apple. Transfer to paper towels; squeeze very dry. Transfer to large bowl. Shred potato; add to apple. Mix in next 4 ingredients, then Panko and a sprinkle of black pepper.
    3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    4. Place 1/4 cupful of the latke mix into skillet; flatten with spatula to 1/2-inch thickness. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer latkes to prepared baking sheet; bake until fully cooked, about 10 minutes.
    5. Serve warm with dipping sauce.

    For Ginger Orange Dipping Sauce:

    Purée all ingredients in a blender until smooth.