Tu B'Shvat activity

So now that the Chanukah celebrations are over, what next? Well, Tu B'Shvat, of course. Nevermind that we haven't seen the ground in a while... The first activity I've seen so far is part of the Women's Philanthropy group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and its young families programming. On January 31, at 10 am, there will be a visit to a retirement home for a holiday celebration. Details will be available on their web site in the near future.

A Day to Play - Dec 25 at the JCC

Assuming the weather doesn't act up, come to the JCC this Friday for a Day to Play from 11am - 1pm. There will be a movie (don't know which one), a pancake and egg brunch, organized activities in the gym, and Israeli dancing. It should be fun for all ages. The cost is $10 per family for members and $15 per family for nonmembers. Call the JCC for more information or to register (or just show up). Hope to see you there!

crafts and more

A friend of mine who is crafty but isn't Jewish brought this neat blog to my attention: Creative Jewish Mom. There are crafty activities for kids, for kids & adults, and for adults, as well as good descriptions and lots of photos. Some of the ideas require a trip to the craft store, others require a crochet hook (plus knowing how to crochet), but others are DIY at its easiest and best. There are ideas that are holiday-specific, but also a lot that can be used year-round (like wrapping paper and bow ideas). Stock up on some felt and colored contact paper and you'll be ready to be snowed in with the kids one of these days.

Recipe for sufganiyot

Why is that so many of my posts are about food? Hmm...

Besides latkes, I also like to make sufganiyot - Israeli-style jelly doughnuts - for Chanukah. I've tried several recipes and found a lot of variation - but none that I really didn't like. This year I used a recipe I found on Epicurious.com. I like it because it only makes a dozen doughnuts, and I always find it easier to make a double-batch than a half-batch. (It just feels wrong to make less than a full batch of anything but some of the recipes I've seen make at least 2 dozen.) I made one major change - instead of waiting for the dough to rise overnight in the fridge (doesn't that sound odd?) I just let it rise for a few hours at room temperature. They turned out fine!

Making doughnuts can be a family activity, though obviously the frying really isn't something I want my preschooler to be doing. But mixing and rolling and even shaping and pinching the doughnuts closed can be helpful.

Enjoy!

Legos and Menorahs - great combination

Join Chabad of Northern Virginia to build a GIANT (7 feet tall!) Chanukah menorah at Fairfax Corner on Sunday December 13. The "lighting" will take place at 5:30 pm. Come as early as 4:30 to help build it. There will be refreshments, music, and an opportunity to sponsor a bucket of Legos for menorah building. More info is on the Chabad web site.

Kosher Chinese Food - Dec 17

Chabad Lubavitch of Northern Virginia (on Prince William Drive and Little River Turnpike) is organizing dinner from Royal Dragon on Thursday December 17. Call Royal Dragon to place your order (see the menu) and say that you are with the Virginia group. Orders will be delivered to Chabad. I'm not sure what time, but if you are interested, you can either check the Chabad web site or call them at 703-426-1980 for details.

Chanukah Happening Sunday at the JCC

Just in case you forgot to put it on your calendar, come to the JCC this Sunday (December 13) from 2-5 for a Chanukah Happening with fun for kids and adults! There will be holiday food, activities for toddlers, face painting, a moon bounce, and more! Register in advance (check the JCC web site) or just show up. The fee is $10/family for members and $18/family for nonmembers.

Don't forget to bring nonperishable items for the local food bank.

Tasty Latke Recipe

Well, we've all had potato latkes, but have you ever tried beet latkes? I've seen numerous recipes and tried a few. This may not be one to make with your kids - not unless you were planning on doing some major cleaning anyway - but it is a neat way to introduce them to "exotic" latkes. Here's a version borrowed from Edible Finger Lakes Magazine:

Ingredients
2 medium beets, coarsely grated
2 medium carrots, coarsely grated
1 medium onion, coarsely grated
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
coarse salt and pepper to taste
sour cream or creme fraiche, plus chopped chives, for serving

Directions

Combine the grated vegetables in a bowl. Add the beaten eggs, stir to combine, then stir in the flour and salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F, and set a cooling rack on a sheet pan. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, scoop 1/3 cup of the latke mixture into the skillet, and flatten to 1/4 inch thick. Scoop 3 more latkes into the skillet. Cook the 4 latkes until golden brown, about 4-6 minutes per side. Remove the latkes to the cooling rack on the sheet pan, and place them in the oven to keep the latkes warm while you cook the remaining four.

Add another 1 1/2 tablespoons oil to the skillet and cook the remaining latkes. When all the latkes are done, serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche and a sprinkling of chives.

Makes 8.

Chanukah Wonderland in Tysons area

Chabad Tysons Jewish Center has announced its Grand Chanukah Wonderland. There will be events from December 12-20. It kicks off with an outdoor menorah lighting at 7:30 on the 12th. After that, hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10-6 and Friday from 10-12. It'll be held at 8100 Oak Street in Vienna. Every day features at least one craft event - sometimes two! There is a Chanukah toy drive where you can dropped off unwrapped new toys. There is a carnival with lots of Chanukah-themed games (e.g., Toss the Latke), a Chanukah superstore, and even a holiday-themed Lego Land. It looks like a lot of fun! Admission is free.