During the holidays in 2013 we discovered that one of my children had a rare and aggressive brain cancer. She was only two years old. Since 2013 I have lived in a bubble. Here are six ideas on making your Hanukkah special for those who are either housebound or who have a family member who needs to be protected.
1. Hold a Photoshoot. Spend some time getting all dolled up and take staged photos of you and the kids to send to friends and family. Just the act of showering and dressing will make you feel better. The pictures are things you and your family will cherish for years to come. Pro tips: use natural lighting or download preset filters to use on the Lightroom app; this will help your cell phone pictures come to life.
2. Tune into the Synagogue Live. Most Synagogue will have a live stream of their Hanukkah celebrations; this was the case before Covid times. For years we have watched the services from the safety of our home. Pro tip: Do your photoshoot right before you watch so you are dressed for service, and you feel like you are there participating.
3. Bake…a lot! Even if you are not a Master Chef, get in the kitchen and try something new! Include the kids. Research recipes to try; start with simple items like latkes if you are new to the stove. If you have some experience, try out my favorite gluten-free and dairy-free Challah Bread recipe. Even if everything comes out inedible, you will have a funny story to share for years to come. Pro tip: Chinese restaurants are typically open on holidays.
4. Dance Party. Create a Hanukkah playlist on Apple Music. Mine has a full range from traditional Ner Li, to the hip Maccabeats, to the funny Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukah Song.” I let the playlist repeat while we bake; typically, this causes a dance-off in the middle of the kitchen. You might be surprised how much music will lift your spirits. Pro tip: connect your Apple Music to your Alexa so you can tell her to turn it up while your hands are covered in challah dough.
5. Zoom or FaceTime Games. Set a date and call Bubbe and Zayde to have them tune in for some virtual dreidel. You can set up multiple windows on Zoom. This platform works better if you have multiple family members tune in to play. Increase your fun by holding an Ugly Sweater contest! Pro tips: make sure everyone has their own gelt.
6. Send cards or play Holiday Elf. Have the kids make homemade cards for friends and family to send through the mail. Another idea is to create extra baked treats with the cards and drop them on friends and family’s porches as a surprise! Pro tip: wear something silly when you deliver; if they are watching you on their doorbell camera, it will give them something funny to watch.
Your holiday may look different, but the heart of the holiday remains; the lights of Hanukkah remind us never to be afraid to do what is right and increase in matters of goodness. May the light and hope of Hanukkah live in your hearts year around.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Challah Bread
Ingredients
3½ cups Gluten-Free flour blend
¼ cup white sugar
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
3 eggs
½ cup coconut cream (mixed, the cream will rise naturally)
½ cup warm water
¼ cup plant butter (I prefer Melt Organic)
1 egg yolk for egg wash (optional)
The recipe will make two modest loaves or a larger loaf and three bread designs from the imaginations of little helpers.
Directions
1. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (not a dough hook), mix your dry ingredients of flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add wet ingredients of eggs, milk, warm water, and melted butter and mix on low until combined. Increase the speed to medium for three minutes. It will seem too wet but do not be alarmed because we will pipe it.
3. Divide your dough into piping bags or zip lock bags. There are many ways to pipe designs, from a swirl to a braid. Have fun looking up different techniques online with the kids. I prefer to divide the dough into three bags and pipe a braid; then, I let the kids have the rest of the dough to pipe their designs.
4. Let your dough rise for at least an hour uncovered; I typically let them rise in my oven, turned off but with the door closed.
5. Once they rise, brush each loaf with an egg yolk. At this point, you can add toppings. I love to add poppyseed and pink salt.
6. Bake at 350 for about an hour. Pro tip: loosely cover your loaf with foil to prevent it from getting too brown or move it to a lower rack in your oven.
Anya Heidenberg is the owner of a gluten-free bakery, a children’s cancer advocate and author of Through Emma’s Eye. She is a 20-year resident of Monterey and lives on a modern-day homestead with her husband and three daughters.
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