Chanukah 2018, Fourth Night Is About FOOD

Tonight we light the 4th candle of Chanukah. Our discussion question tonight should be SUPER FUN:

What four foods are comforting to you (bring you light). They don’t *have* to be Chanukah food, but if that is what comes to mind, all the more perfect.

When I published a Zimmerman Family Cookbook many years ago, I reached out to members on both Ely’s and my side of the family. I asked them to send me the food that was special – the foods you always wanted when you came home from being away, or the dishes traditionally served at holiday dinners, or any foods that had a story that brought comfort or memory.

My Four Comfort Foods of 2018 are*: 

1) Chicken Soup: Of course I love my mom’s, but I also loved Ely’s mom, Pearl’s. She added chicken feet, which make it delicious (I make Ely put them in the pot so I don’t have to touch them.) She also added parsley root, in addition to celery root. I combined those two recipes, and now our boys make MY recipe. It never fails to bring light into my life.

2) Noodle Kugel: Since becoming gluten and dairy-free, this is a memory. Personally, there’s nothing like a sweet kugel, to give me the feeling of home. Ely’s kugel from his mom was savory (not sweet) and of course, that is amazing too. All seems right in the world if kugel is on the menu.

3) Rice Pudding: My beloved friend Beth (may her memory be a blessing) made a rice pudding that was her mom’s: Rose’s Rice Pudding. I loved it so much that Beth would make it for me when I felt sick. Also filled with dairy. Bummer.

4) Aunt Blanche’s Jello-Mold: Our holidays growing up were not complete if they didn’t include Aunt Blanche’s mold. It was a big production to get it out of the mold pan (clear the sink!) but I was the first one at the table to get some.

Now it’s YOUR turn. What are the four foods that bring you comfort and light?

#HappyChanukah

*Honorable mention to Potato Latkes – thin and crispy of course (pictured). AND my Nani Kate’s Chocolate Cake.