10 Festive Foods For A Hanukkah Celebration

Every yearHanukkahbrings together family and friends to commemorate a miraculous event in ancient times, when after the Maccabean revolt, there was only enough holy oil left for a lamp in the temple to burn for one day -- but it burned for eight. All around the world Jews celebrate with eight nights of festivities, including the lighting of the menorah each night, playing games of dreidel, and of course lots of food. What would Hanukkah be without the food?

Since it is the festival of lights, traditional foods include those that are fried in oil, representing the holy oil in the temple. Potato latkes and doughnuts (sufganiyot) are requirements. And brisket is a traditional main course. Browse our collection of recipes, perfect for a holiday feast. You'll find all your favorite Hanukkah foods, including brisket, short ribs, noodle kugel and, of course, latkes and doughnuts.

Easy Short Ribs Braised In Red Wine

This easy dish of short ribs is your answer to holiday dinner. The beef is braised in red wine and veal stock, which lends extra-deep flavor. You could substitute chicken stock. Serve with egg noodles and a glass of Cabernet.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/easy-short-ribs-braised-i_n_1059518.html" target="_hplink">Easy Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine</a> recipe</strong>

Buckwheat-Cheddar Blini With Smoked Salmon

These appetizers will keep everyone appeased while they're waiting for the main course to come to the table. Buckwheat flour gives the blinis (mini pancakes) a hearty texture. Top each with sour cream and smoked salmon. Garnish with chives or dill.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/buckwheat-cheddar-blini-w_n_1058256.html" target="_hplink">Buckwheat-Cheddar Blini with Smoked Salmon</a> recipe</strong>

Five-Spice Applesauce

Applesauce is not just for dessert. This recipe puts a savory twist on the classic recipe with the addition of Chinese five-spice powder (a blend of cinnamon, anise, ginger, fennel and black pepper). Use the applesauce to top latkes or serve alongside roast meat.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/five-spice-applesauce_n_1059383.html" target="_hplink">Five-Spice Applesauce</a> recipe</strong>

Crispy Potato Latkes

Hanukkah wouldn't be complete without potato latkes, brown and crispy right out of the frying pan. Make a big batch of latkes for your family and guests and keep them warm in the oven for up to 1 hour. Serve with applesauce, sour cream or both.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/crispy-potato-latkes_n_1059382.html" target="_hplink">Crispy Potato Latkes</a> recipe</strong>

Hazelnut-And-Chocolate Meringue Cake

This cake will make a memorable end to your holiday dinner party. Bake the chocolate-hazelnut meringue layers a day ahead of your party (since they'll need a long bake time). Assemble them with whipped cream the night before and freeze to ensure the cake keeps its shape. Bring it to room temperature before serving.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/hazelnut-and-chocolate-me_n_1059523.html" target="_hplink">Hazelnut-and-Chocolate Meringue Cake</a> recipe</strong>

Soy And Ginger-Glazed Salmon

Roasted salmon is a great alternative to beef or other meats during the holidays. Brush the entire side of salmon with a glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger before roasting and once during. Your guests will be impressed when you bring this dish to the table.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/soy-and-ginger-glazed-sal_n_1059380.html" target="_hplink">Soy and Ginger-Glazed Salmon</a> recipe</strong>

Rich Chocolate Cake

This dense chocolate cake gets even more flavorful when made a day ahead, making it an ideal, simple dessert for a holiday party. It's so rich it doesn't even need frosting. A dusting of cocoa powder is all the finishing needed.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/rich-chocolate-cake_n_1059384.html" target="_hplink">Rich Chocolate Cake</a> recipe</strong>

Braised Brisket And Creamy Mushrooms

A classic brisket recipe will please everyone to no end. Here, the beef roasts slowly in the oven under tight cover with vegetables and wine until absolutely tender. Cook down the pan juices to make a rich sauce and add sauteed mixed mushrooms and sour cream (optional if you're keeping kosher). Serve with mashed potatoes.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/braised-brisket-and-cream_n_1055088.html" target="_hplink">Braised Brisket and Creamy Mushrooms</a> recipe</strong>

Cinnamon-Sugared Doughnut Holes With Green Apple Compote

Doughnuts or sufganiyot (filled with jelly) are a traditional sweet treat for Hanukkah. This recipe uses a pate a choux base (made without leavening) to create little doughnut holes. Fry in a copious amount of peanut oil in a Dutch oven or a deep fryer for best results. Roll the fried doughnuts in cinnamon and sugar and serve with apple compote (also a nice topping for latkes).    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/cinnamon-sugared-doughnut_n_1057279.html" target="_hplink">Cinnamon-Sugared Doughnut Holes with Green Apple Compote</a> recipe</strong>

Sweet Noodle Kugel With Dried Cherries

This traditional Jewish recipe can go from side dish to dessert. It's made with cottage cheese, which turns into a custard-like filling once baked. The crunchy topping includes corn flakes and pecans, which lend a seasonal touch. If you don't like dried cherries, substitute dried cranberries or raisins. The casserole can be made in advance and reheated before dinner.    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/sweet-noodle-kugel-with-d_n_1059615.html" target="_hplink">Sweet Noodle Kugel with Dried Cherries</a> recipe</strong>

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.