Holiday recipes
Chanukah 2025
Dec. 14-22 (First candle: Sunday, Dec. 14)
Wishing you and your family lots of light and joy during the week of Chanukah and beyond! On this page, Chef Melinda shares some delicious recipes for you to enjoy!
Chanukah in Italy: Join the EVJCC for an Italian-style Chanukah celebration, 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Pasta buffet, music from DJ Tyler Sherman and doughnuts. A menorah lighting and children’s performance starts at 6. Register by Dec. 11.
‘Chanukah: Light, Courage and Celebration’: Rabbi Levi Minsky of Chabad of Ahwatukee is the featured speaker at Tuesdays at the J on Dec. 2. Register here.
Order Chanukah cookies: Chef Melinda is making and decorating festive Chanukah cookies. Order from the Challah Factory here. Order by Dec. 3 for Dec. 10 and by Dec. 10 for Dec. 19.
Learn more about Chanukah: My Jewish Learning covers the holiday’s history, symbols and more. Read here.
Other Holiday Content
Double Miracle: Finding the Light in Chanukah: Chanukah celebrates a powerful double miracle, which underscores the balance between courageous human effort and sustaining faith.
8 Ways to Celebrate the 8 Days: Early Learning Center director Pam Morris shares a variety of ways young families can celebrate Chanukah. (2024 edition)
Activities to bring Chanukah to life for children: The Jewish Grandparents Network presents Chanukah activities for ages 3-8.
Recipes
Holiday recipes
Try some new recipes this Chanukah!
Chanukah Pasta
Pasta with capers, garlic, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Olive Oil Chocolate Cake
A delicious chocolate treat for your holiday table.
Little Chefs series
Recipe for Young Chefs
Do you have a budding chef in your home? Here are recipes for young chefs (adult supervision recommended).
Veggie Latkes
A different twist on this traditional holiday meal.
About Chef Melinda
Chef Melinda McNeil honed her skills as a chef and baker at the Scottsdale Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School and has worked at the Phoenician Resort, Simply Bread bakery and the Olive & Ivy restaurant. She has baked challah and other baked goods at the East Valley JCC’s Challah Factory since fall 2016.