Get Your Festive On

We had our family Hanukkah party this weekend, and it was really, really lovely. In previous years, we have gathered at my mum’s apartment and gorged ourselves on latkes and chocolate, and passed around usually homemade gifts. (Hanukkah does not really come with a gift-giving precedent like Christmas, so for us, it was always hand-kinit slippers, some chocolate raisins and a box of our favourite tea.)

However, things have been getting a bit fancier ‘round the holidays, and while latkes, chocolate and fresh-knit goods still take centre stage, we have definitely kicked it up a notch.

For one thing, my little sis and her partner hosted in their new apartment, so not only did my place (finally) get a break from family entertaining, but nobody had to step over children’s toys, cat toys, diaper bags, diapers, or sippy cups to make their way to the kitchen. Nobody had to remove tiny toilet seats from the bowl before they could use it, and most importantly… I DID NOT HAVE TO CLEAN MY HOUSE! WHOOT!

K and G were seriously kick-ass hostesses, insisting that they do the bulk of the cooking. And holy Festival of Lights, batman, can they whip up some good grub. We love going over to their place, because we know we will be fed well – very important for a Jew. Saturday afternoon was no exception. We were served a mainly Mediterranean feast (our family’s fave), and yes, every single thing was made from scratch:

Latkes

Applesauce

Broiled figs with Brie

Mushroom bourekas

Spinach bourekas

Marinated brisket on croissant, with provolone, sprouts and aioli

Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves)

Pumpkin loaf

Gluten-free butter tarts

And my contribution…

White chocolate bark with dried cranberries and almonds (G’s favourite)

Dark chocolate bark with crystallized ginger and almonds (K’s favourite)

Can I get an Oy Vey?

Not to steal my sister’s thunder, but damn! That chocolate bark was good. In fact, it was so good that even a little bastard squirrel stole some right out of the tin from where it was chillin’ on the back porch. Seriously. We tried to get photo documentation, but only ended up with blurry shots of something furry scurrying off with MY CHOCOLATE IN HIS HANDS. Bastard. Luckily, there was plenty left for the rest of us.

Anyway, a good time was had by all, including the rodents, and I’m in such a festive mood, I think I’ll share my chocolate mannafromheaven bark recipe with you too.

Now let’s have some funnakah, and indulge in a little Hanukkah.

Kgirl’s 8-Days a Week Festive Chocolate Bark

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Feeds: Depends if you’re willing to share

2 pkgs white chocolate chips

2 large bars 70% dark chocolate

1 cup dried cranberries, divided

½ cup slivered or sliced almonds, divided

¼ cup crystallized ginger

For white chocolate bark:

• Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper or silpat

• Roughly chop ½ c dried cranberries, set aside with ¼ c almonds

• In a stainless steel bowl over simmering heat, melt white chocolate chips, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir to incorporate any unmelted chips.

• Stir cranberries and almonds into chocolate, spread evenly onto cookie sheet.

• Chill in freezer (or outside if you live in the effing arctic like I do) at least a few hours

• Break into good-sized pieces and put in a pretty container. SERVE TO YOUR GUESTS, BECAUSE YOU WILL BE SICK IF YOU KEEP IT ALL FOR YOURSELF, YOU PIGLET.

For dark chocolate bark:

Do I really need to spell this out? Do the same thing, only with the ginger and almonds.

Happy Hanukkah!

Comments

[No Mother Earth]

Oh, I think I could eat it all myself without getting sick. Challenge on!!

[katie ~ motherbumper]

OY VEY indeedy. Now I got to get my eight days on of chocolate bark.

[blah, blah, blog]

Do feel free to share allllll those recipes. Sounds like it was a great feast...