When it came time to photograph the creme and raspberry-filled doughnuts, only two were left. To balance the photo, chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons, also available at Viktor Benes, were added.
Hanukkah “Doughnuts” from Gelson’s
Hanukkah, which is referred to as the Festival of Lights, began on sundown on Sunday, December 2 and will continue eight days through December 9.
The holiday commemorates the Jewish people’s successful rebellion against the Greeks in the Maccabean War. After the victory, the Temple was cleansed and rededicated. It was believed that there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the lamp burning for one day—but the small bottle of oil lasted eight days.
The celebration includes lighting the menorah, gift giving, family gatherings and children playing with the dreidel.
When my children attended Circle of Children preschool, the director Phyllis (Simon) Klein made the children latkes (potato pancakes). Pronounced “the best” by all three children, no one has been able to replicate her recipe in the 19 years since the last child attended the preschool.
But only yesterday, December 4, I discovered sufganiyot—jam-filled doughnuts–at Viktor Benes Bakery at Gelson’s. They are made from challah bread dough, fried one at a time, and filled with cream or raspberry jam.
The yummy doughnuts ($3.25) are only available during Hanukkah and if you’ve never had one, this is the perfect piece of decadence. They are chewy and delicious with flavor, with just the right amount of oil and sugar.
This is a once-a-year opportunity—and I’m already dreading that after Hanukkah, I’ll have to wait a full year before I can buy and eat one again.
The donuts are the best ever – I’ve had two so far.
Thanks Sue! I’ll try one (1!)