Would you like to serve a fried treat that is delicious and beautiful this Hanukkah? Surprise your family and friends with a delicate rose, created from batter, shaped by a metal cookie cutter, and cooked in olive oil. This ethereal treat harks back to ancient Persia, medieval German woodcutters, and the Ottoman Empire.

Have you ever felt underwhelmed by the Hanukkah “miracle of the juglet of oil”? I have, and if you have too, it is probably because most of us are so disconnected from the land. We do not appreciate what an amazing accomplishment it was for the Maccabees to press all the olive oil they needed for the Menorah in only eight days.

Hanukkah is a celebration of olive oil. Traditionally the oil is used as a medium for frying other foods. I think that the more appropriate way to savor the subtleties of olive oil is by making some of the most premium olive oil from Israel the main event. Served cold, with Israeli spices and warm pita, this oil brings us the fresh flavors of the Israeli olive fruit. When eating this oil, we can taste the foods that fortified Judah the Maccabee.

The story of Hanukkah is often portrayed with images of brave, muscular male warriors. However, it is acknowledged that the Maccabee victory would not have been possible without the support of the brave Jewish women. It is the tradition in parts of the Sephardic world that the seventh day of Hanukkah is reserved especially to celebrate the women and girls of the community.

Who is responsible for the foods we serve for Hanukkah today? The answer might surprise you.

Sephardic Hanukkah specialties, many of which consist of deep fried dough flavored with honey and sesame seeds, all originate from a special honey cake introduced to the Levant by Alexander the Great.

Two thousand years ago, a group of Judean rebels called the Maccabees waged a guerrilla war against the Seleucid Empire. This war was sparked by a decree issued by King Antiochus that forbade Jewish religious practice. Hanukkah is the celebration of the Maccabees’ military victory. “Hanukkah” means “dedication,” in honor of the purification and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees celebrated the rededication with a victory feast.

The Maccabee victory over the Greek- Syrian soldiers would not have been possible without the support of the brave Jewish women. It is the tradition in parts of the Sephardic world that the seventh day of Hanukkah is reserved especially to celebrate the women and girls of the community. The women study Torah, bless their daughters, and enjoy cheese sambusak prepared for them by the men.

Did you know that the Hasmoneans minted the first Jewish coins in history?

Those ancient bronze coins have been reinvented as Chanukah Gelt, chocolate treats we eat during Chanukah. These mass-marketed Chanukah coins are beautifully molded and add a festive touch to the festivities. This year, you can get creative and have fun making your own gourmet chocolate gelt for your Chanukah celebration.

You and your family can pretend to be Maccabee warriors. Fight the Seleucids with homemade swords and shields.

It is traditional to celebrate the miracle of the cruse of oil by eating foods fried in olive oil. One of the most familiar Hanukkah foods is the latke, or potato pancake.

A hanukkiah is a candelabra that holds nine candles. With the right materials, you can make your own!