This holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, occurs in December usually around the same time as Christmas (it starts on December 1 this year). More than 2,000 years ago, the Maccabees defeated the Syrian army in Jerusalem. When the Temple was clean, the Jews wanted to rekindle the light in the Temple with oil. Although there was only enough oil for one day, the flame lasted for eight days. For this reason, Hanukkah lasts eight days, in celebration of religious freedom.

Many traditional foods are cooked during Hanukkah: potato latkes (pancakes), pot roast, applesauce, soofganiyot (Israeli doughnuts), and many kinds of cakes.

Cinnamon Apple Cake is usually served at Hanukkah. The cream cheese in the batter gives the cake lots of moisture. Because it's so tender, use a serrated knife for cutting.