Holly Days' Blog

We've never been hard-up for good eats at a Hanukkah feast, but if you've misplaced mom's favorite recipes or just want to try something new,Good Housekeeping has put together a list of recipes for sweet Hanukkah favorites including gelt, several types of rugelach, palmiers and sufganiyot. We included the sufganiyot recipe below; click through for more inspiration!

Sufganiyot, the Israeli name for "jelly doughnut," is a popular Hanukkah food in Israel. GH adapted this recipe from The World of Jewish Desserts by Gil Marks, a rabbi and expert in Jewish cookery.

INGREDIENTS

1 package(s)	active dry yeast
1 teaspoon(s)	granulated sugar
1/4 cup(s)	granulated sugar
3 3/4 cup(s)	all-purpose flour
3/4 cup(s)	whole milk
6 tablespoon(s)	margarine, melted and cooled, substitute butter
1 teaspoon(s)	salt
1/2 teaspoon(s)	ground nutmeg
2	large eggs
4 cup(s)	vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup(s)	seedless red raspberry jelly, substitute other favorite jelly
	Confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling

DIRECTIONS

1. In large bowl, mix yeast, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F); let stand until yeast mixture foams, about 5 minutes.
2. With wooden spoon, stir flour, milk, margarine, salt, nutmeg, eggs, and remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar into yeast mixture until evenly blended (dough will be very sticky). Cover bowl with clean cloth towel, and let dough rise in warm place (80 to 85 degrees F) until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
3. With floured hands, punch down dough. Turn dough onto heavily floured surface; let rest 10 minutes. With floured hands, pat dough 1/2-inch thick. With floured 3-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out as many rounds as possible. Place rounds, about 2 inches apart, on lightly floured cookie sheets. Gently press trimmings together; press and cut as above. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat until temperature reaches 375 degrees F on deep-fry thermometer. With wide metal spatula, carefully place 2 or 3 doughnuts in hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes, turning over once. With large slotted spoon, transfer doughnuts to wire racks lined with paper towels to drain; repeat with remaining dough.
5. When doughnuts are cool enough to handle, with small sharp knife, pierce doughnuts from 1 side almost to opposite side. Place jelly in decorating bag fitted with 1/4-inch round tip. Squeeze small amount of jelly into each doughnut through slit. Cool doughnuts completely on wire rack. Sprinkle doughnuts with confectioners' sugar to serve.

   Note: From The World of Jewish Desserts by Gil Marks. Copyright 2000 by Gil Marks. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster Inc.

Related links:

• Hanukkah Sweets
• Make Perfect Potato Latkes
• Dried-Fruit Kugel
• Holiday Etiquette Tips
• How to Resist Holiday Pig-Outs
  

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Read More »

With only six days left until Christmas, it's unlikely you'll get your guns to resemble those of the Queen of Cut before Dec. 25. But still, if you're looking for some last-minute tips to help you look just a teeny bit better in your holiday dress, MarieClaire.com's posted workout tips from fitness guru Tracey Anderson, who coaches clients like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow into lithe, leggy perfection.  At the very least, you can make some progress before your New Year's Eve party. Here are a few tips; click through for 25 exercise moves to tighten and tone!

IF YOU HAVE...
FOUR TO SIX WEEKS
Following Anderson's plan for more than a month guarantees overall weight loss and significantly enhanced muscle definition (as well as compliments aplenty). She also promises that sticking to the regimen that long ensures any future weight gain will be easier to lose since it will be surface fat. For those short on time, Anderson recommends splitting one hour evenly between cardio and toning. If you only have 30 minutes, just focus on one activity a day, alternating days between cardio and toning.

ONE WEEK
Safe weight loss is the priority for those with only a week before an event. No long-term changes can be made in such a short time, but even shedding a few pounds will make clothes fit better. For fast-track results, Anderson suggests working out in a room that is at least 87 degrees (with clients, she turns on four humidifiers as well) or wearing lots of layers and exercising outdoors so you sweat out extra fluids to reduce bloating.

TWO TO THREE DAYS
When you're cramming in some pre-fete fitness, anything is better than nothing. Intensive cardio and toning reduce water weight and temporarily tighten muscles. The slightest changes will make arms, legs, and hips appear leaner and give added confidence to the exerciser. Post-party, Anderson advises taking a day off to recover, then returning to the full regimen (at least 30 minutes, six days a week) the following day.

Related links:

• Madonna's Exercise Routine
• Get Lean, Sexy Legs
• How to Tone Your Upper Body
• Best Workout Songs for Lifting
• From Fat to Fitness

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Read More »

<img alt="" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/2Ek9IwfowRW4/photos/b9e1f5316b291143864f53bf01c7a020/ori_ddce813dd9ebad.jpg?ug_____DPVG0tXff" align="left" height="300" width="300">If the inspiration for a great gift has not yet struck, the chances of it doing so before Dec. 25 are as slim as those of a lightning bolt to your head. To make matters worse, I was doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and noticed that at many stores, today or tomorrow is the last day you can buy and still have the goods show up pre-Dec. 25. <br><br>With that in mind, and as a service to those who&#39;ve waited <em>almost</em> too long, we present you with some not-a-moment-too-soon gift inspiration -- just make sure you check the shipping details if you decide to purchase! <br><br>Check out these best-of-the bunch <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/kid-gift-ideas-2008?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">gifts for your kids</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/geek-gifts-2008">gifts for technology geeks</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/holiday-ideas/super-stocking-stuffers?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=ghk">stocking stuffers under $20</a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/holidays/homemade-food-gift-ideas?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=ghk">pretty homemade food gifts</a> for your neighbors, friends and extended family. <br><br>For even more ideas, we recommend: <br><ul> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/gifts-for-fathers-2008?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">Gifts for Dads and Husbands</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/gift-ideas-for-men-2008?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">Gifts for Single Guys &amp; Boyfriends</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/you/advice/gift-for-boss?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=cos">Gifts for Your Boss</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.marieclaire.com/hair/shopping/products/inexpensive-christmas-gifts?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=mar"><span>Gifts for Your Friends or Sister</span></a></li> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.marieclaire.com/hair/shopping/products/books-christmas-gifts-books?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=mar">Books for Everyone On Your List</a></li> </ul> Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Read More »

A BYOH’D (Bring Your Own Hors d’Oeuvres) party combines a chic cocktail party with a laid-back potluck dinner -- the best of both worlds. Ask everyone to bring their favorite homemade appetizer (or let the cooking-impaired bring store-bought stuff), mix up a few cocktails in punch bowls -- instant party! Promise your friends some stiff drinks and no one will mind chipping in at all. Here’s how to pull it off:

Get Organized

1. To avoid six different kinds of hummus, ask everyone to tell you what they’re making at least a week in advance. That said, don’t get too hung up on having a well-rounded menu. Part of the fun of a potluck is trying new things and seeing what people come up with.

2. For variety’s sake, make sure there are at least three to four different types of hors d’oeuvres. An old catering rule of thumb (although we’ve been known to break this rule a time or two) is that most people can eat about a dozen bite-sized hors d’oeuvres in two hours.

3. Some people might show up with food in plastic containers, so be sure to have large plates or platters on hand, just in case.

Setting Up and Serving

1. If you want to dress things up a bit, pick up some colorful cocktail napkins (IKEA is a good resource for fun prints) and mini cocktail picks (CB2.com has a great selection).

2. Put out cold foods like dips, cheeses, and sliced meats first, so people have something to nibble on if the hot hors d’oeuvres aren’t ready.

3. Try not to plate different types of appetizers on one platter. Keeping items separate looks nicer and prevents flavors from mixing together — no one wants peanut butter on their tapenade.

Serve a Few Drinks That Pack a Punch

Classic cocktails, including old-fashioned punch-bowl drinks, continue to be all the rage at the country’s hottest bars. Think: retro-inspired drinks, not the cough syrup-like concoctions whipped up by your dorm mates freshman year. Serving punch is less expensive and less time-consuming than setting up a full bar or mixing drinks one by one. If you don’t have a punch bowl, use a pitcher or a large, deep serving bowl. You can easily double up your favorite drink recipe (make two for each guest). Some recipe ideas:

Hurricanes

A New Orleans classic, originally created during World War II when rum was one of the only types of liquor readily available.

(Serves 12)

• 24 oz. pineapple juice
• 24 oz. orange juice
• 8 oz. light rum
• 8 oz. grenadine
• 8 oz. dark rum
• Orange slices and maraschino cherries, optional

Combine all ingredients except garnishes in a large pitcher or container. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours. Stir before serving.

Cowboy Punch

A refreshing, citrusy blend of lemon and grapefruit juice and beer.

(Serves 12)

• 9 lemons
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup grapefruit juice
• 3 cans (light-colored) beer, chilled

Zest lemons and set aside. Combine the sugar with 3 cups water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. When the sugar has dissolved, add the zest and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture into a pitcher, throwing out the zest. Juice the peeled lemons into the pitcher, and add the grapefruit juice. Stir well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pour in the punch bowl and add the beer.

Negroni Punch

A fizzy, fruity twist on the Negroni, an Italian cocktail made with Campari, a strong, bitter-tasting aperitif.

(Serves 8)

• 2 cups mixed frozen berries
• 2 cups sliced oranges
• 4 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 cup Campari
• 1 cup sweet vermouth
• 1 cup gin
• 2 bottles chilled sparkling wine

Place fruit in a punch bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Stir, then let stand 10 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and juices form. Add all of the other ingredients. Pour over ice in each person’s glass.

Last but not least, here’s your BYOH’D Menu

If your friends need a little inspiration, here are a few easy and tasty hors d’oeuvres recipes that also go great together.

Deviled Eggs

Like retro-inspired drinks, deviled eggs are once again back in style. Kick up the traditional recipe by adding 2 tablespoons chopped herbs like tarragon, basil, or cilantro. Other variations include adding a tablespoon of curry powder, a handful of chopped scallions, or 1 cup chopped crabmeat.

Mini Caprese Sandwiches

For this dish, all you’ll need is toasted baguette slices topped with mini mozzarella balls, sliced cherry tomatoes, and a few pieces of torn basil. Drizzle with olive oil and serve at room temperature, or warm in the oven until the cheese softens.

Mini Meatballs with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Homemade marinara really makes this dish shine, but use a jarred sauce if you’re crunched for time. A chip-and-dip platter is the ideal vessel for this dish — just pour the sauce into the dip bowl and serve the meatballs with toothpicks to keep things from getting messy.

Related links:

• Cocktail Party Ideas
• Easy Cocktail Party Recipes
• Holiday Party Trends
• Christmas & Holiday Desserts
• Diet-Friendly Christmas Dishes
  

Article by Lisa Cericola. Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

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While our Christmas tree&#39;s been up for a few weeks already in the front window of my Brooklyn brownstone, I consider the decorations themselves a work in progress all the way up to Dec. 25, when my shopping is totally done and any ornaments I may have picked up (or been given!) along the way have been hung on the branches with care. I&#39;m looking everywhere for inspiration, and loved some of the ideas from <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/how-to-get-the-look/trim-christmas-trees-1208?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=clg">Country Living&#39;s &quot;31 Ways to Trim Your Christmas Tree&quot;</a> (which we&#39;ve stolen some pictures from here) -- especially the tree t<span style="" id="fb_captionbox">rimmed with vintage letters found from old signs and printers&#39; type</span>, since I collect old typewriters. <br><br>I&#39;m still trying to figure out my &quot;tree strategy,&quot; if you will. In my house growing up, we had a &quot;country&quot; tree and a &quot;fancy&quot; tree -- the country tree was a freshly cut Frasier fir with colored lights, handmade or kitschy ornaments and all the presents underneath. The (fake) fancy tree sat in our formal living room near the piano and had white lights, gold and silver ornaments and no presents. As I start my own family traditions, I feel as though I&#39;m leaning toward a mixture of the fancy and the country tree -- so far I&#39;ve gone with white lights, but all types of ornaments in every color scheme. <br>&nbsp;<br><strong>Do you decorate your tree according to a theme or color scheme, or do you just throw everything you&#39;ve got up on those branches? </strong><br><br>Related links: <br><ul> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/how-to-get-the-look/trim-christmas-trees-1208?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=clg"><span>31 Ways to Trim Your Christmas Tree</span></a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/how-to-get-the-look/holiday-ornaments-1208?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=clg"><span>Creative Ways to Display Ornaments</span></a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/colors-of-christmas?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=hbu">A New Take on Red &amp; Green</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/photowars-holiday-decorations?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=hbu">Vote on Your Favorite Decorations</a></li> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/gift-guide-08-design-diva?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=hbu">Gifts for the Design Diva</a></li> </ul> Read More »

Normally this time of year we're still focusing solely on buying presents for loved ones But with post-season prices and sales seemingly starting in conjunction with pre-holiday shopping, we're keeping an eye out for great deals for our wardrobe when we're hitting the mall.
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It's T-minus three hours to the first of (about a thousand) holiday parties this season, and I'm feeling woefully under-dressed for the Soho soiree I'm about to attend. I'm resisting the urge to run up to Columbus Circle and tear some jewel-toned, silky frock from the racks -- but I couldn't help going online for some inspiration just in case the feeling overpowers me entirely. Here are 10 I like (one's even under  $60!) from the always-sexy Cosmopolitan.com -- go to their site tosee another 10, plus pricing and purchasing information! Read More »