My Best Hanukkah Recipes

The Festival of Lights refers to a lamp in the temple that had only enough oil to last the Maccabees one night but instead lasted for eight. The holiday celebrates the miracle of the oil, so fried foods are the perfect Hanukkah metaphor. If you’re sick of latkes and donuts, think outside of the box and try these bouncy and delectable Thai fish cakes or crispy garlic short ribs. Beyond deep-fried wonders, I always serve my grandmother’s chopped chicken liver, a braised brisket and my favorite holiday dessert, matzoh toffee.

Learn how to deep-fry like a pro with these easy tips >>>

 

Grandma Zimmern’s Chopped Chicken Liver

When I was a kid, I would spend hours upon hours in my Jewish grandmother’s kitchen, watching her cook for a small army. She made this to-die-for dish for every holiday. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Andrew Zimmern Cooks: Chopped Chicken Liver

 

 

The Best Potato Latkes

You want to know the secret to my latkes? I mix mashed potatoes with raw grated potatoes, which allows them to be thin and crispy while holding their shape. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Andrew Zimmern Cooks: Potato Latkes Topped with Brisket

 

 

Salmon Gravlax

This gravlax works well on bagels or toasted and buttered brioche, as a plated appetizer, or cubed and toothpicked as hors d’oeuvres. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Fried Eggplant with Rosemary & Honey

The salty-sweet crunch of this dish makes it the ideal appetizer for any meal. The rosemary leaves bridge the savory bite of eggplant with the sweetness of honey. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Zimmern Family Noodle Kugel

Studded with raisins and apricots, creamy and rich with cottage cheese and sour cream, my family’s noodle kugel is the best one around. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Hanukkah Brisket

I can feed an army with this brisket. The meat freezes well when cooked and bagged with the vegetables and liquid so even a small family can make this recipe. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Andrew Zimmern Cooks: Braised Brisket

 

Sephardic Eggplant Salad

This festive Sephardic eggplant salad is almost more of a chunky dip than what we would traditionally call a salad. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Perfectly Roasted Root Vegetables

I like a variety of texture, flavor and color in my roasted vegetables, so I use a mix of root vegetables along with shallots and pearl onions. Get the recipe >>>

 

 

Fried Apple Hand Pies

Try these addictive apple hand pies…a flaky pastry crust coated in cinnamon and sugar with a luscious apple filling, what’s not to love? Plus, it’s a hand pie, so you won’t have to share. Get the recipe >>>

 

Matzoh Toffee

This treat is an easy, simple mind-blower that makes for the perfect gift or potluck course. Or do as we do in our house and keep a big tin on hand for when guests come by. Get the recipe >>>