As the Festival of Lights approaches, I find myself feeling a bit overwhelmed. It feels like Hanukkah has arrived far too soon this year—just last week we were enjoying turkey, and now it’s time to think about gifts? With my kids constantly chatting about presents, I can only imagine how spoiled they’ll be by the end of the eight-night celebration, which just so happens to coincide with Ava’s birthday next week. Oy vey!
In the spirit of this festive season, I’d like to share my favorite kugel recipe with you. It’s a gift that’s much easier for me to give than wrapping a present, which I must say, I’m terrible at!
Now, if you’re not familiar with Jewish cuisine, there are a few dishes you might want to skip, like gefilte fish and chopped liver—trust me, you won’t miss them. On the other hand, matzo ball soup, crispy potato latkes, and warm challah are absolute must-tries. Kugel, however, is a bit of an enigma. While every Jewish friend I’ve shared my kugel with raves about it, many non-Jews find the sweet noodle pudding perplexing, often unsure whether it’s dessert or a side dish. I think you might just fall in love with it.
Here’s how to make my best kugel recipe ever:
Ingredients:
- 1 package egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 pint Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 stick melted butter
- ½ lb cottage cheese
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Graham cracker crumbs for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the graham cracker crumbs.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Bake for about an hour, or until the kugel is bubbly and the top is crispy.
The final product might not win any beauty contests, but trust me, it’s delicious!
Happy Hanukkah, everyone! If you’re interested in learning more about the emotional journey of trying to conceive, check out this blog post on the mental health impact of trying to conceive. For those considering home insemination, you can find excellent resources at Mayo Clinic and visit Make a Mom for reliable products to assist you in your journey.
In summary, kugel is a unique and beloved dish that transcends cultural boundaries. It’s a delightful addition to any holiday meal, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!