Bruce Marder’s two-tone potato latkes This year, Chanukah and Thanksgiving coincide: Chanukah is celebrated for eight days by candle-lighting, gift exchanges and eating foods fried in oil, an ancient custom, commemorating a miraculous event at the Temple in Jerusalem, while the Thanksgiving meal reminds us of our American heritage. Both offer a special time to reflect on our traditions and enjoy a family meal. Of course, the favorite Chanukah food is…

Chocolate truffle cupcakes. Photo by Dan Kacvinski Wine is an important part of the observance of Passover — at least four cups are poured during the seder service. I’m sure we all have noticed how our wine tastes have changed since childhood, when only the sweet, syrupy wines were available. But these days, our family and friends may choose from a wide variety of kosher Passover wines, not only from…

Chocolate poppy-seed hamantaschen and chocolate sorbet. Photos by Dan Kacvinski Queen Esther, the heroine of the Purim tale, was quite a woman. Not only did she outwit the evil Haman and save the entire Jewish population of Persia, she did it all as a vegetarian. According to tradition, when she moved into the palace, she became quite a party girl but limited her diet to seeds, vegetables, fruits, nuts and, of…

We began receiving e-mails and telephone calls in early January from family members and friends asking to be included in one of our annual Passover seders. We usually plan a month or two in advance, but this was unusual — although it did make us so happy to think that everyone is looking forward to sharing our seders. We can seat about 25 in our dining room, and this year…

Baking desserts during Passover is a challenge. No leavened foods may be used — nor any leavening ingredients, such as flour, grains, cornstarch, baking powder or baking soda. The baker must substitute matzah meal, potato starch and egg whites to obtain a high-rising dessert. Lemon Meringue Pie. Photos by Dan Kacvinski Dietary laws covering Passover are strict, and some of them make baking complicated, but the good news is that…