soy and ginger glazed salmon
New Media PublishingEvery year when Hanukkah rolls around, we eagerly anticipate devouring a medley of latke recipes, homemade applesauce and chocolate coins -- the surefire culinary indicators that the Festival of Lights is underway. The fried foods -- latkes and sufganiot (doughnuts) -- represent the significance of oil to the holiday's origins, while the coins (or gelt) are meant to inspire charity and good deeds amongst children. Try as we may to subsist on potato pancakes and chocolate, though, we set out to create a Hanukkah menu that would complement these traditional foods, and offer revelers a well-rounded meal to enjoy while lighting candles, spinning the dreidel and opening presents. We're so pleased with the end result, we think we might just make this entire meal eight times. (There's no such thing as too much chocolate cake...right?)

Below, find our six delicious Hanukkah recipes -- from traditional potato latkes to a decadent dessert duo.

Recipes by Melissa Roberts.

More Hanukkah food and latkes:

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Crispy Potato Latkes

This classic recipe keeps it simple, with the main goal being to turn out potato latkes that are crispy on the outside, piping hot on the inside, and just the right amount of "fried." All you need are a few pounds of russet potatoes, fresh lemon juice, onions, all-purpose flour and eggs. Serve with applesauce or sour cream (or both).
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Five Spice Applesauce

Applesauce is meant to be enjoyed atop latkes -- but when you prepare a chunky "sauce" this fragrant and delicious, dining companions will surely take to it with spoons. In this sauce, sweet, crunchy golden delicious apples are given a tangy, savory kick with the addition of orange juice and a Chinese five-spice powder (which contains cinnamon, anise, ginger, fennel and black pepper).
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Soy and Ginger Glazed Salmon

This recipe calls for whole salmon sides, which are easier to work with than individual fillets and result in a dramatic presentation. The combination of medium-dry sherry, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic turn the often cooked fish into a unique, flavorful main dish.
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Winter Salad with Rice Vinaigrette

Brighten up the winter table with a light, crunchy salad containing fennel bulbs, celery stalks and English cucumbers. With a dressing composed of garlic, rice vinegar, shallots and whole grain mustard, this salad is no mild slaw.
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Caramel Oranges

If you've never had caramel oranges, you're in for a treat. The slices are both pleasantly bitter and sweet, and are chocolate's perfect pair. Enjoy them with the rich cake that follows, or handfuls of gelt. (The recipe creator also thinks they're delightful topping French toast in the morning. They'll keep for a couple days.)
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Rich Chocolate Cake

This aptly named cake needs little introduction -- it's moist, rich and requires little garnish (just a sprinkling of cocoa powder, if you'd like). Trust us -- even frosting lovers won't miss the sugary excess.