Every year, people around the world gather to celebrate Chanukah with family, friends, and loved ones.  As one of the most beloved and joyous Jewish holidays, Chanukah is a historic celebration honoring the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Temple of Jerusalem.  Many families have their own traditions to commemorate the Festival of Lights, including dreidel games, menorah lightings, and homemade latke recipes that rival the finest 5-star chefs.

Keeping kosher is an important, religiously symbolic task for many Jewish families, which is why brands like Manischewitz take care to provide kosher-friendly products for all occasions.  From their Chanukah House Cookie Kit to their Gluten-Free Potato Pancake Mix, Manischewitz helps families celebrate Chanukah with flavor and flair.

“Manischewitz has been the comfort food for the soul for over 133 years and is woven into so many family traditions,” said Shani Seidman, CMO of Kayco Kosher Food Brands.  “These beloved products are an inclusive and joyful way for families to create experiences that last a lifetime.  They also make for delicious desserts and great gifts!”

Manischewitz Holiday Favorites And Staples

This year, Chanukah begins at nightfall on Sunday, December 14th, continuing for eight nights until Monday, December 22nd.  Families that wish to celebrate with homemade, flavorful meals and snacks can do so with several of Manischewitz’s most beloved products.

The Manischewitz Chanukah House Cookie Kit is a DIY decorating kit that puts a kosher spin on the classic gingerbread house.  With four icing colors, a six-point star, menorah sugar decorations, and more, this cookie kit gives parents and their children a fun, edible activity to celebrate the spirit of Chanukah (and the joy of sweets).

The Manischewitz Gluten-Free Potato Pancake Mix is a crucial ingredient in any crispy, golden-brown latke recipe.  Grain-free, certified gluten-free, and irresistibly delicious, this potato pancake mix offers all the flavor of homemade latkes with no artificial ingredients or added MSG.

In addition to the Chanukah House Cookie Kit, Manischewitz also offers a Ready-to-Decorate Pre-Baked Sugar Cookie Kit for extra sugary fun.  The Sugar Cookie Kit includes 12 pre-baked sugar cookies, each cut into shapes that celebrate the history of Chanukah.  From the Star of David and Dreidels to Wine Glasses and Menorahs, these cookies present another baking opportunity the whole family can enjoy.  

The Manischewitz Donut Mix Kit is another cultural staple that helps families make sufganiyot (jelly donuts) in a flash.  Douse them with powdered sugar and blue and white sprinkles to bring out the spirit of Chanukah in this sweet holiday favorite.

Holiday Recipes That Put A New Spin On Latkes

No Chanukah is complete without delicious, homemade food.  While latkes often serve as the centerpiece of the holiday feast, there are several latke-adjacent recipes that incorporate Manischewitz’s products in a whole new way.

Manischewitz Latke-Coated Cheese Sticks

Ingredients:

• Oil for frying

• 1 tbsp milk

• 1 egg

• 1 (6 oz) box Manischewitz Potato Pancake Mix

• 8 oz string cheese

• Tuscanini Crushed Tomatoes, for dipping

Directions:

1. Fill a large frying pan with 2 inches of oil and heat to 365°F.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and egg. In another, pour the latke mix.

3. Cut each string cheese stick in half. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat with latke mix. Repeat for a double coating.

4. Fry in batches until golden brown (about one minute).

5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with Tuscanini Crushed Tomatoes.

Crispy and cheesy, these bites bring together the best of mozzarella sticks and latkes for a whole new fusion of flavor!

Latke-Crusted Chicken with Apple Cider, Mushroom & Rosemary Sauce

Ingredients:

Latke-Crusted Chicken

• 1½ lbs chicken breasts (4 medium, butterflied and split into 8 thin pieces)

• 1 (6 oz) box Manischewitz Homestyle Latke Mix

• ¼ cup + 2 tbsp oil, divided

Sauce

• 2 large shallots, chopped

• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced

• ½ cup apple cider

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 cups Manischewitz Low Sodium Chicken Broth

• 2 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Dredge chicken in the latke mix until well coated. Heat ¼ cup oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Keep warm in a 200°F oven.

2. Make the Sauce: Discard residue from the pan, add 2 tbsp oil and shallots. Sauté until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes until browned. Deglaze with apple cider and reduce for 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle in flour, stir for 1 minute, then whisk in chicken broth and chopped rosemary. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened. Season to taste.

3. Serve: Arrange chicken on a platter, pour sauce over the top, and garnish with rosemary sprigs.

This dish brings comfort food to a whole new level, with chicken that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and dripping with mouth-watering flavor.

Check Out More Holiday Recipes

There’s no shortage of holiday recipes that incorporate kosher ingredients in bold and exciting new ways.  For more Chanukah inspiration this holiday season, visit Kosher.com.  It features everything from authentic Jewish recipes and food culture to how-to guides for beginners.  No matter one’s skill level, brands like Manischewitz make kosher cooking accessible to everyone.