...first day of hanukkah...

As mentioned here, Mikis and I are in an interfaith marriage, which means a lot of things throughout the year, but in December it means we celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. Yep, we get the best of both worlds and traditions. Unlike traditional Hanukkah celebrations, we don't celebrate all 8 day's with family, but do light our menorah each night. Tonight, we will be lighting our first candle, and wishing our family and friend's across the U.S. a very happy and joyous Hanukkah. We invite you to celebrate with us by making this Hanukkah must-have, Potato Latkes. Enjoy with Applesauce, they are delish!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of canola oil
• 2 pounds of 5 medium peeled potatoes
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• applesauce and sour cream, for serving

Directions  

1. Heat oven to 450° F. Brush 2 baking sheets with 1 tablespoon of the oil and set aside.
2. Using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a shredding blade, coarsely grate the potatoes. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl with the onion, flour, salt, pepper, eggs, and the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss to mix well.
3. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and press lightly to make patties. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom. Turn the latkes with a metal spatula and rotate the baking sheets. Bake another 5 minutes or until golden.
4. Transfer to a platter and serve with the applesauce and sour cream.
    This recipe makes 2 dozen latkes.

Enjoy!

xoxo,

R+M

...happy rosh hashanana...

Society likes to define our marriage as an "interfaith" one (he is jewish and I was raised catholic), but we look at it as two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. Initially when we started dating it was definitely different being with someone who didn't celebrate the same holiday's as you, or even have similar church memories. I can recall the first time I was going to meet Mikis' parents, and was scared to death they were going to hate the blonde haired catholic girl, thankfully I was over-reacting and they couldn't have been more lovely and accepting. Now we look at it as a just another attribute that makes our relationship unique. We think of it as a positive; it allows us the opportunity to participate in many different religious and cultural holiday's, and truly let's us experience the best of two worlds. Today we are celebrating the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanana.We will be celebrating by enjoying dinner with the Troyan family and close friends. We thought you could join the celebration with us by making one of my fav Rosh Hashanana sides-Noodle Kugel.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound wide egg noodles
• 1/2 stick butter, melted
• 1 pound cottage cheese
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 6 eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions  

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Boil noodles in salted water for 4 minutes. 

Strain noodles from water. 

In large mixing bowl, combine noodles with remaining ingredients 

and pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. 

Bake for about 30-45 minutes, when custard is set and top is golden brown.

Enjoy!

xoxo,

R+M