Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1437729
I was the happy manic Chanukah mom throwing myself into weeks of preparation and high-tailing it to both of my children's classrooms for an elaborate, annual jamboree, during pre-school and the entirety of their elementary school years. Wary about celebrating Chanukah in public school because of separation of church and state issues, I detailed my lesson plan for the teacher and parents, and requested a parental signature granting permission for their child to participate. Grateful for this splendid opportunity, no family ever opted out. In fact, over the years, children, parents and teachers couldn't have been more gracious, receptive and welcoming. Decades later, parents still tell me that they have the dreydl and instructions I sent home with their child. In New York's Catskill Mountains during my childhood, the month of December — abounding with Christmas activities in our classroom, school and community — was difficult for me. While most of my classmates merrily decorated the classroom Christmas tree, crafted bulletin boards trumpeting the arrival of Santa Claus and fashioned popcorn chains to zig- zag across the classroom, I, and the other three-and-a-half Jewish students (one boy had a Catholic mother and Jewish father), huddled in the back corner of the room struggling to find the fun in our holiday. I sang my little heart out in the school chorus at the annual Christmas concert, with no frame of reference for the birth of Baby Jesus, the Three Kings or Good King Wenceslas of whom we sang. Not a single Chanukah tune graced the song list. The Christians in my little world were never mean, Jews were just invisible. Writing about Chanukah evokes sad and happy memories. Clearly, Chanukah Day for my daughter, son and their classmates was overcompensation and an earnest attempt to create the Chanukah celebration I craved as a youngster — joyful, and one in which every child in the classroom could actively participate. Intellectually I've always understood that Chanukah is not the Jewish Christmas. It just took me many years to internalize it. CLASSIC POTATO LATKES 2 large baking potatoes, scrubbed and peeled 1 large onion, peeled 2 large eggs 1/2 cup flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder Oil for frying (any neutral oil like canola or safflower) Coarsely grate the potatoes by hand, or shred in a food processor. Place potatoes in a clean dishtowel to remove as much liquid as possible and place in a large bowl. Grate the onion, or cut it into eighths and finely chop in a food processor. Add the onion to the bowl with the potatoes and combine. Add the eggs, flour, salt and baking powder. Mix well. Pour 1/4 inch oil into a large skillet on set medium-high heat. Carefully drop 1/4 cup potato mixture into the hot oil and fry each side until golden, approximately 4 minutes per side. Drain latkes on slotted rack to allow the oil to drain. Eat immediately, or warm in a 200-degree oven until ready to eat. Serve with sour cream and applesauce. HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE 6 apples, peeled, cored and cut into eighths (I like to mix varieties) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup water Juice of 1/2 lemon Optional: 1/2 cup raspberries (for a pretty pink color and a little tart flavor) Place all ingredients in medium- large pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes or until apples are tender. Spoon hot apples into the bowl of a food processor or blender and pulse until desired consistency (fewer pulses for chunky applesauce, additional pulses for smooth). Allow to cool, then refrigerate. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 81