During Hanukkah, fried foods remind Jewish celebrants of the 2,000-year-old miracle that turned one day's worth of candle oil into the eight days of light. Centuries later, we can recommend latkes, blintzes and jelly doughnuts to keep you full for eight days straight, plus one hearty and festive dinner.

Hanukkah Recipes

Latkes and Applesauce

Fried Savory Snacks

Fritters

Hanukkah Dinner

Doughnuts

Sweet and Creamy

Hanukkah | A memoir by Lorna Sass

When I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Long Island, the focal point of Hanukkah was always the presents, and I eagerly looked forward to receiving eight of them — one each night. It was only when I was older, became a food reporter and began interviewing Jewish cooks that Hanukkah took on its deeper meaning of miracles, freedom and survival.

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Perfect Latkes

Eight tips and techniques for the best fried foods

1. Fry latkes in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature as much as possible. Otherwise, everything will end up soggy.

2. For frying, nothing beats a cast iron pan. It maintains a constant temperature and its weight anchors it to the burner, reducing the risk of accidents.

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