Last year, I tried making zucchini latkes using my regular formula: main ingredient, a few eggs, seasoning, and fry! But it didn’t work. While I don’t normally add a starch or grain to my latkes (it doesn’t need it!) zucchini latkes do. It’s a very watery unstarchy vegetable, while my other vegetables I’ve made latkes with in the past were starchy.

So while I really wanted this as a no-carb alternative to potato latkes for Hanukkah, I ended up with a lower-carb alternative.

When I make regular potato latkes (as well as potato kugel), I usually put in a zucchini just to add to the creamy texture of it. Here, it’s just zucchini, and it is my absolute favorite potato latke alternative. Fresh out of the pan, it really feels like that comfort food that is just Chanukah through and through. Because zucchini does not have a strong flavor, and the texture is just creamy deliciousness, it’s a great option for when you want to feel like you’re eating junk food.

Variations on making Zucchini latkes

I wanted to answer some questions on making these gluten free zucchini latkes based on my experimentation.

Shred Size

I don’t have a fine shred food processor (and in fact, I actually really like a coarse shred for latkes) so I used that for the zucchini. To avoid that oniony feel, I did pulse the onion with an S blade. It adds a ton of flavor, but that way you have it blended in.

Frankly, had I thought of it, I may have added sauteed onion for even more flavor.

Cooking Oil

My recipe uses extra light olive oil. I try to use healthier oils when cooking (I know, fried foods are far from healthy, but we try where we can…) Avocado oil is another great substitute. You can use any neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point.

Swapping out the starch

Here’s the biggie: I used corn starch. Your question is “can I use xxxx instead?” and the question is – as long as it’s starchy! Almond flour, which was my first choice, leaves it too crumbly. You really need the starch binder.

Some alternatives to try (I haven’t tried them myself but I imagine they’d work) – breadcrumbs, traditional matzah meal, or flour for non-gluten free options, potato starch, gluten free flours mixes that ARE starchy…

Making Zucchini Latkes in Advance

We all know that latkes are best fresh – like anything fried! But CAN they be made in advance? The answer is if you need to you can. You’re best off prepping the batter a few hours or up to a day in advance rather than cooking it in advance (they won’t brown like potatoes do) but here are some tips for prepping the actual latkes in advance.

How long do zucchini latkes last in the fridge?

They can last 3-5 days in the fridge if you store them properly in an airtight container. I recommend patting off as much oil as you can before storing them.

Can you freeze zucchini latkes?

Yes you can freeze zucchini latkes! You’ll want to double seal them in an airtight bag or container. If you want to freeze a lot, I recommend doing so on a sheet pan and then once it’s frozen transferring them to Ziploc bags. They can be a bit delicate and soft and you don’t want them turning into a mushy heap.

The best way to reheat any latkes

The biggest trick to making latkes in advance is going to be how you reheat them. Reheat them directly from the freezer (they get soggy when you defrost them.)

You can do this on a sheetpan in the oven – high and fast rather than low and slow. I’d recommend doing it at 425 for 15 minutes and flipping halfway through.

My favorite way to reheat latkes (frozen or fresh) is by refrying them. You don’t even usually need to add more oil – the oils inside the latke usually are enough. If it sticks, just spray/lightly grease your pan.

And another cool way is in the air fryer (try it at 400 for 10 minutes).

Gluten Free Zucchini Latkes Recipe

A printable recipe card is at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients

• 2 small onions
• 3 large-ish zucchini peel on
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup corn starch
• 2 tsp salt
• Pinch pepper
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Extra light olive oil (or other neutral oil) for frying

Equipment

• Food processor (I just upgraded to this one)
• Frying pan

Process

1. Process your onions using the S blade.
2. Shred your zucchini using the coarse shredding blade.
3. Let it sit for a bit (10-20 minutes) so that water can come out of it. Pour off that excess water. You can use a cheesecloth to strain it if you want.
4. Mix the zucchini and onion in a bowl with the eggs, corn starch, and seasoning until well combined.
5. Heat light olive oil in a pan.
6. Take spoons of batter without accumulating liquid. There will be extra liquid at end. 
7. Fry on medium heat around 3-5 minutes per side, till crispy and brown.

It makes about 30 but it will greatly vary on the size and thickness of your latkes, how large your zucchini was, and similar factors.

Serve it with your favorite things to eat with latkes!

Yield: 30

Gluten Free Zucchini Latkes Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

These delicious gluten free latkes are so good, you'll almost think they're a comfort food! They are a low carb alternative to potato latkes and are delicious fresh - but can be made in advance.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 small onions
• 3 large-ish zucchini peel on
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup corn starch
• 2 tsp salt
• Pinch pepper
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Extra light olive oil (or other neutral oil) for frying

Instructions

1. Process your onions in a food processor using the S blade.
2. Shred your zucchini using the coarse shredding blade.
3. Let it sit for a bit (10-20 minutes) so that water can come out of it. Pour off that excess water. You can use a cheesecloth to strain it if you want.
4. Mix the zucchini and onion in a bowl with the eggs, corn starch, and seasoning until well combined.
5. Heat light olive oil in a pan.
6. Take spoons of batter without accumulating liquid. There will be extra liquid at end. 
7. Fry on medium heat around 3-5 minutes per side, till crispy and brown.

Notes

Makes about 30 but it will greatly vary on the size and thickness of your latkes, how large your zucchini was, and similar factors.

You can swap out the corn starch for readcrumbs, traditional matzah meal, or flour for non-gluten free options, potato starch, gluten free flours mixes.... It should be starchy (avoid almond flour)

You can swap out the extra light olive oil for other neutral oils with a high smoke point.

These are much better fresh, but you can prep them in advance and freeze or fridge for a few days. Freeze flat on a sheet pan and then transfer to an airtight container or ziploc (I recommend double wrapping).

Reheat directly from the freezer (don't defrost or it'll turn to mush).

To reheat, I recommend popping them back in the frying pan for a bit. You can do this on a sheetpan in the oven - high and fast rather than low and slow. I'd recommend doing it at 425 for 15 minutes and flipping halfway through.

And another cool way is in the air fryer (try it at 400 for 10 minutes).

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The post Zucchini Latkes (Gluten Free) appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

The highlight of every Chanukah party in our house is the kids’ craft or activity table. We always have something fun to do to keep the kids happy, away from lit Menorahs, and not just eating junk.

Hanukkah party activities can also serve as bonding experiences when people don’t know each other so well. Instead of just milling around, it provides a conversation starter. And yes, these Hanukkah party activities are great for adult parties too. In-fact, the icebreaker element is stronger at adult parties!

And a final note: craft activities done at parties can double as a fun take-home activity too.

Different types of parties and choosing activities

A Chanukah party can be so many different things – and so while I categorized the ideas below by activity type, I figured I’d also share some pointers for how to choose, which categories to look at based on who’s attending.

The small, intimate family party

For smaller family parties, gift-giving games can be a hit – especially if you’re not the type of family where everyone is exchanging gifts anyway.

You can also do slightly more involved crafts that require supervision or instruction. Choose ones that are good for multiple age groups and have parents help. Dry time shouldn’t be a big issue if all family is local – it can stay at the host’s house until pickup time. If family traveled in, look for crafts that dry within an hour, and close down the activity early enough for things to dry.

For very small families, Hanukkah-themed (or not!) board games can really be a win.

The “friends and family” party where not everyone knows each other

For parties where not necessarily does everyone know each other, activities serve as ice-breakers too. Avoid games (like those gift-giving ones I mentioned above) where knowing each other is more necessary. Stick to open-ended crafts that can be put out and enjoyed without much instruction.

Things like decorating crafts that don’t require assembly – you’re just decorating an item – work best. Opt for those with minimal dry time so that they can be brought home the same day. We also like non-craft activities like coloring pages, activity sheets, sensory bins, etc for this type of event.

The large extended family party

When the crowd is very big, the activity needs to be staggered and very simple. Each family member can contribute for a larger activity (I have one super cool idea that our extended family has been doing below) or keep it to a simple puzzle that people can do individually.

Another idea is once again to have a very simple no-explanation-needed tabletop decorating activity. Avoid food for this (it’ll make such a mess and get chaotic fast) but coloring, decorate-your-owns, etc work well for this. Printables work well here too as they are super cheap and self-explanatory.

If doing a craft, make sure there’s no dry time at all – parents should be able to tuck it right into their bags to take home.

The classroom party

Classroom parties can be hyper-targeted towards the age group you’re working with. That means you can do much cooler things as it’s a naturally calm setting, where oversight is the norm.

Dry time won’t be an issue with crafts done in the classroom – that’s the norm.

The shul or school-wide party

When working with a very large group with various ages, activities that work best are passive entertainers – like magicians, game shows, or similar receptive activities. If you want something the kids (or adults) can actually do, follow the model of the large family.

For schools, if it’s for students only (and not families), you’ll want something kids can do totally independently, with a staff member or two there for oversight. If you want to do something more involved, you’ll need a few helpers and to do it in batches.

Since shul parties are usually family parties, you can work with things that parents can oversee for their own kids, just avoid crafts that require dry time if you can.

An Adults-only (work, shul, etc) party

Here’s where I highly recommend that you work with the workshop model. You can do a real cool take-home project that teaches a DIY skill.

You can also do gifting games in this setting but a workshop is really a cool thing to have.

The Big List of 32 Hanukkah Party Activities

Ready for some actual ideas? Choose the ones that work best for the crowd that you’re hosting! Some of these are ideas I’ve shared in this space, some are fresh ones, and some are more generic or third-party ideas. For those that I have a more involved tutorial, I’ll share a link with more info.

Kids Crafts and Craftivities

Crafts and craft-type activities are always a win with kids. I try to have a craft table at any get-together with kids, but for a Chanukah party, let’s give it a Chanukah theme!

Tip: cover your craft table with a colorable tablecloth! We do this most years and the kids ask about it year after year.

Low-Supervision Crafts for Kids

These are crafts that can be set up for kids to do. Some require more supervision than others – especially for the toddler and preschool age, but all can be supervised by a parent. None of these need any real instruction.

Hint: for items that require dry time, choose fast-dry supplies. Tempera paint sticks are my go-to for younger kids, and paint markers are great for kids who are old enough for it. Both dry in minutes.

Color and craft projects are really fun for this category – bonus points if they can be pre-cut to avoid mess.

• Decorate Dreidels – simply decorating wooden dreidels is a fun on-theme project with a take-home end product.
• Clothespin Menorahs – this color & craft project is fun for toddlers and preschoolers. Provide cut out, ready-to-go elements (base, clothespins with candles attached) and coloring supplies.
• Hanukkah suncatchers – While this does require some prep-work, it’s a really fun one for any age group. Just cut the black cardstock frames, attach them to clear contact paper, and have kids toddler and up tack on tissue paper squares.
• Hanukkah puppets – Another fun color & craft project! When I do stick puppet crafts at parties, I always prep the craft sticks with some double-sided tapes/glue lines with backing. That way, when the puppet is colored, the stick is self-adhesive and ready to tack on.
• Black glue watercolor painting – you’ll need to prep it, but once you do, all you need is watercolors for everyone to make artwork they’re proud of! Watercolors are washable and dry relatively quickly so they’re party-friendly if you can allow for some dry time.
• Dreidel making STEM challenge – this is a really fun any-age activity where you set out supplies and challenge kids to make their own dreidels that are playable! It’s super creative and great for a school setting.
• Dreidel lacing craft – I provide the template and you can do dreidel lacing two ways: either as flat lacing cards, or as a felt plushie.

Coloring Pages

While coloring pages don’t make for high profile Hanukkah party activities, they are one of the easiest things you can set out, especially in mixed adult/kid gatherings, just so that there’s something to do.

In years where I had low energy, low patience, or just didn’t get to it, I still set out a pile of coloring pages and art supplies.

• Dreidel coloring page – a really pretty adult coloring page that’s fun for big kids too
• Hanukkah coloring pages for Kids
• Hanukkah coloring pages for adults (great for kids7+)
• Dreidel Game Rules Coloring Page – This any-age coloring page features a fun poem with the dreidel rules. Put it alongside dreidels and coins for a 2-in-1 activity.

Printable Activity Pages

Activity or “fun” pages are grea tfor kids who might not strictly enjoy coloring but will enjoy pen-to-paper activities. They are low key and easy to set up – some are even easier than coloring pages!

• Hanukkah Mazes – I designed these with my son in mind and they are a classic fun activity.
• Hanukkah Dot to Dot – my son had also been asking for dot to dots so I created this set as well. Kids can color them in when they’re done the drawing.
• Hanukkah Do a Dot – Bingo markers are always a hit, but you can also do this super fun activity with dot stickers! These are ideal for toddler, preschool, and maybe early elementary aged kids.

Family Games

When you get together with family, games are often a hit! These require more face to face interaction than craft tables so go ahead and give them a shot. Some are only for smaller crowds, some can work for bigger crowds.

Just as an FYI: “Jewish” versions of games should always be vetted in advance of giving it to kids – sometimes there are some cards that are a bit off, you may want to remove.

• White Elephant – this is a popular gift exchange game. Full rules here, but in a nutshell: Everyone brings a wrapped gift within a budget (you can choose a theme too.) It’s placed in the center. First player chooses a gift, unwraps it. Next player can choose a new gift or steal a previous one (and then the one who it’s stolen from chooses or steals again.) Find some favorite white elephant gift ideas here.
• Dreidel Game – Of course you can simply put out supplies to play some rounds of dreidel! Bonus points if you play with something real that the can take home. Pennies are a bit obscure right now, but you can do nickels, chocolate coins, jelly beans…
• Dreidel Roulette – a twist on the dreidel game where you need to knock the balls into the slots.
• Hanukkah Mad Libs – classic mad libs but in a Hanukkah theme! This top-rated game comes with 21 pages that can be done as teams or individually.
• Hanukkah would you rather – Would you rather always makes for some fun and hilarious conversation, and this one is in a Hanukkah theme.

Guided Craft Workshops

Craft workshops have their time and place – especially in an adult setting, or with older kids. For a more structured party format with a timeline, a craft workshop offers not only a cool way to fill the time – but an incredible take-home project. These tend to lean pricier (but these types of parties are also often fundraising events with a fee). Here are some favorite guided workshops to do at a party for ages tween through adult.

Most (but not all) of these require finishing and/or dry time rather than immediate take-home.

• Resin Menorah Trays – resin is a popular workshop type, just make sure you have the proper protective gear for each participant, as well as good ventilation. Menorah trays are a fun spin on Chanukah crafts – they’re so popular but you don’t see them a lot! I put Chanukah candles in mine.
• Mosaic Menorah Trays – if you don’t have the ability to work with resin, these mosaic trays are even cooler! I made mine on a sheet pan base!
• Clay dreidel making – Go with the popular song, and make dreidels out of polymer clay!
• Clay Menorah making – This craft is one of my most popular Chanukah crafts and it’s a classic. Always use non-flammable materials when making Menorahs.
• Hanukkah stained glass – a classic that can be done on cheap frames. You an provide a few templates and work with Gallery Glass supplies for easy results.
• Easy Hanukkah Pillow Craft – perfect for tweens, this classic summer camp craft spinoff requires no sewing and can be taken home the same day.
• Beaded star of David – as trivets or as pendants. This easy beading tutorial requires no dry time at all.
• Clay star of David – Use air dry clay or polymer but the air dry clay does do best with an after-it’s-dry layer of paint.
• Hanukkah candle making – and finally, grab a candle making kit and craft some candles! Allow participants to make 9 candles for a full menorah rather than the 44 required for the full Hanukkah.

More fun Hanukkah Party Activities

Looking for even more ideas? Try these!

• Carnival – my mother’s parents hold a party every year for the very large extended family, including lots of kids. Last year, we did a mini carnival at the party (usually held in a synagogue or school lunch room, with plenty of space).
  Each set of siblings takes on a booth and man it. Kids can swap off with sibling so that they get to play too.
  Tickets are provided by the grandparents, and prizes are provided by families (mainly things like closed toys they don’t really need, regifted duplicates, or even good condition pass-ons of toys they really love, depending on the family vibe. You can also ask each family to contribute an actual purchased toy with a budget. It’s a bit hit – and something we’re repeating because the kids loved it.
• Scavenger hunts – I’m not a pro at this, but it’s always a fun idea! Make it Chanukah-themed of course.
• Donut Decorating – The easiest way to do this is to go to your local bakery and ask for unfrosted donuts. Provide 2-3 “flavors” or colors of frosting and some sprinkles (themed or not). Bonus points for mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, and other toppings. Kids hardly finish it before they eat it!
• Hanukkah Sensory Bin – this was possibly our most successful Hanukkah activity ever, but there is a germ factor to consider.
• Cookie or Cupcake decorating – at last year’s party, my sister-in-law got some simple Hanukkah cookie decorating kits and the kids went to town with it. You can DIY this by baking cookies using Chanukah shaped cookie cutters and putting out prepared icing in piping bags, and of course loads of toppings.

Got any favorite Hanukkah party activities to add to the list? Comment below!

The post Hanukkah Party Activities: Fun Ideas For Kids, Families, And Classrooms appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

This project creates a flat, textured dreidel that you can use as decor, an applique, a gift accent, or even turn into a lightly stuffed bag charm – by crocheting two and sewing them together. It uses simple stitches, is easy to resize, and works in both traditional and nontraditional Hanukkah color schemes.

While I had originally planned mine as a sweater applique, it has been dangling proudly from A’s backpack since even before Rosh Chodesh as she kidnapped it right off the bat.

In this post, you’ll get a deep explanation of how this is made rather than a flat pattern – so that you can really understand the construction of it, what supplies and skills you need, and practical tips to help you follow along with the pattern more confidently. If you like to learn visually, there is a video tutorial too.

You can also pair this with other Hanukkah projects from the big Hanukkah crafts for all ages collection to round out your holiday prep.

Tips for Success, Safety, and Creative Variations

The dreidel in the tutorial is flat and fairly small, with a contrasting border that gives it a crisp outline. You can keep yours simple, or play with color, size, and finishing to match your style and who will be using it. The border is optional but adds so much character.

Fun Ways to Use a Crochet Dreidel

This little flat dreidel motif is surprisingly versatile. Here are some fun and easy ideas for how to use your crochet dreidel:

• Make a whole string of them for a garland and hang them across a mantle, window, or bookshelf – or the front of your Menorah table.
• Tie one onto a wrapped present as a reusable “gift tag” that the recipient can keep.
• Sew a dreidel onto a sweater, tote bag, or backpack as a soft and textured applique.
• Make two of the same size, place them wrong sides together, stitch around the edge, lightly stuff, and turn it into a flat plush or bag charm (this is what I did with mine!)
• Skip the border and make a smaller version to glue to a headband or hair clip.

If you want more dreidel-themed decor that goes well with this project, the origami dreidel craft tutorial is a fun paper option to mix in for garlands and table decor.

Beginner-Friendly Tips for a Neat Crochet Dreidel

A clean shape comes down to consistency more than perfection.

• Keep your tension on the firm side so the edges stay straight and the triangle stays crisp.
• Count stitches at the end of each row, especially while you are shaping the triangle and then working the straight “body” rows.
• Use a locking stitch marker if you tend to get confused with where your first stitch is.
• If the tip or sides look a little lopsided, pause and recount your stitches. If everything is good, it may just need some blocking.

The border can feel misplaced around tight edges – that’s normal. Go slowly, place your hook between rows where the yarn naturally wants to go, and add an extra stitch or two in corners (depending how sharp it is) so the border is sharp instead of curved.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Dreidel

If you are making this for babies or toddlers as a plush toy or teether, think safety first:

• Avoid beads, buttons, or hard plastic pieces as embellishments.
• Secure every end firmly and weave tails well into the fabric.
• If you add letters or a face, embroider them or crochet them in, instead of gluing on anything small.

Then have fun with the design:

• Use a single color for the body and a contrasting border, or flip that scheme for a whole set.
• Work a rainbow set of dreidels or match family colors so each person has “their” tone.
• Try rich jewel tones instead of only blue and white, just like the purple and yellow version in the video.
• Add simple embroidered letters on one or both sides if you like.

For another soft, kid-friendly dreidel idea that pairs nicely with this, try the dreidel sewing and lacing craft for kids – a craft that kids can make too!

Supplies and Skills You Need to Crochet a Dreidel

This project uses basic materials that many crocheters already have on hand. You do not need fancy yarn or tools.

You will see the following in the video:

• A worsted weight (medium, category 4) acrylic yarn for the main color
• A second color for the border
• A 4-5 mm crochet hook (labeled as size G-H)
• Scissors
• A yarn or tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Optional: pins and a blocking board or foam pad for shaping at the end

Skill-wise, this crochet dreidel is very friendly for advanced beginners. You should know how to:

• Make a slip knot
• Work foundation chains
• Single crochet back and forth in rows
• Increase in single crochet by placing two stitches into one space
• Slip stitch across an edge to move to the center without adding height (I show you how to do this very clearly)
• Single crochet around an edge as a border

You will not see complex stitch patterns. Almost all the shaping by increasing or decreasing single crochets.

Yarn, Hook, and Stuffing: Choosing the Right Materials

The video uses standard acrylic worsted yarn, specifically Red Heart Super Saver. This is a practical choice: it is sturdy, easy to wash, and it’s affordable.

A 4 mm hook works well with most worsted yarns and gives a firm fabric. If your stitches are very tight, you can go up to 4.5 mm, as long as the fabric does not become floppy. My mom worked it with a 5mm hook when testing the project and recommends that.

If you want to turn it into a stuffie, you’ll need something to fill it with. A small amount of polyester fiberfill is enough. I don’t recommend poly pellets for this, as they can “leak” through the holes between the crochet.

Color-wise, you are not locked into blue and white. The purple and yellow version in the tutorial shows how bold contrast makes the shape pop. I love the nontraditional take and it’s quite bold. I originally chose the yellow because it just shows well in tutorials and the purple because of the contrast, but overall I’m happy with that choice.

Step-by-Step Overview of the Crochet Dreidel Pattern

Basic Crochet Stitches and Techniques for This Project

Here is what you will use, in plain language:

• Chain (ch): The starting “string” that you build the first row into and the turning chain at the start of each row.
• Single crochet (sc): The main stitch of the entire dreidel. It creates a dense, sturdy fabric.
• Increase: Work two single crochets into the same stitch to make the row wider. This builds the triangle base and rounds the tip.
• Straight rows: Work one single crochet into each stitch to keep the width the same. This creates the straight sides of the “body.”
• Slip stitch (sl st): Insert the hook, yarn over, and pull straight through both loops. This moves you along the edge or joins the border without adding height.
• Border: Single crochet around the whole outside, placing extra stitches at corners and points so the border can bend.

Watch the video

The YouTube video shows every motion in close-up, so if you know these stitch names but forget the exact hand movement, you can just copy what you see.

How to crochet a flat dreidel – Step by Step

This is not a “properly” written pattern. Instead, think of it as a step by step tutorial to help you understand what is happening in each section while you watch the tutorial. You can also find a printable “recipe card” version of this in pattern format at the end of this post.

The flat dreidel has three main parts:

1. The triangle base, which forms the point.
2. The square or rectangle body, which is the main middle section.
3. The top “stem”, worked as a small rectangle off the upper edge.

Then the contrasting border ties it all together and cleans up any small uneven spots.

For more dreidel crafts once you are done, try the fuse bead dreidel templates for a fun and functional project with kids.

Shaping the Body of the Dreidel

You start with a short foundation chain and work single crochet into it to create the very bottom edge. From there:

• For the first few rows, you increase at both ends of each row, which quickly builds a soft triangle point.
• After that, you still increase, but only every other row, which keeps the triangle from becoming too long and pointy.

Once the triangle is as wide as you like, you stop increasing and simply:

• Chain 1 to turn.
• Work one single crochet in each stitch across.
• Do this for 8 rows (or until you’re happy with the proportions).

Those straight rows stack up into a square or slightly taller rectangle. The height is not fixed; you gauge it visually so the body feels balanced with the triangle. If you want a bigger dreidel, you repeat the same pattern of one increase row and one straight row for longer before you switch to straight-only rows.

You can gently tug on the edges as you go to encourage the fabric to sit flat and look like a natural dreidel shape.

Crocheting the Stem

The top stem is not made separately. Instead, you:

1. Slip stitch part of the way across that top edge to reach the center two, since you want the stem to sit in the middle.
2. Once you are at the right spot, start working single crochets again to form a small block of stitches that sticks up from the top edge.

You go back and forth over that small set of stitches to make a short, flat stem. After a few rows (end on the opposite side where you started), you slip stitch back down the side of the stem to rejoin the top edge of the body. Then you slip stitch across any remaining unworked stitches so the entire top edge has the same finished height.

This clever technique keeps everything in one piece, with no extra sewing steps after.

Adding Hebrew Letters and Finishing Touches

The crochet in the video focuses on shape and border, and not detail, so you can choose how detailed you want to go.

Some simple options:

• Use a yarn needle and a contrasting yarn to embroider nun, gimel, hey, shin as thick, straight lines on the front.
• Cut felt letters and hand stitch them on.
• Keep the crochet plain and let the familiar shape speak for itself.

If you want a deeper dive into the letters and their meaning, the clay dreidel making tutorial explains what each one stands for and how it connects to the Hanukkah story. You can also check out this dreidel rules printable coloring page where I share how to play in a fun poem format.

To finish the crochet part:

• Attach your border color at the very tip of the dreidel.
• Single crochet around the entire edge, placing stitches between rows up the sides and across the top.
• Work two or three stitches into sharp corners and into the bottom point so they form points and not rounded edges.
• Join to the first border stitch with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Finally, weave in all your ends. If the shape looks a little wonky, pin it to a board, lightly wet it, and let it dry in the ideal shape. This blocking step makes a big difference, especially for the stem.

Finalizing your crochet dreidel

A flat crochet dreidel is a small project with a lot of heart. It uses simple stitches, just one main shape, and a tidy border, yet it can become a garland, a soft applique, a keepsake bag charm, or a gentle toy for little hands.

If you are ready to try it, follow along with the video tutorial, grab your worsted yarn and 4 mm hook, and keep this guide nearby as your roadmap. The video will show you every stitch, and these notes will help you understand what you are building at each stage so you can adjust size and details with confidence.

When you are done, explore more Jewish and Hanukkah projects in the comprehensive Hanukkah crafts list and keep adding handmade touches to your home. A soft, handmade dreidel adds warmth to the holiday, invites conversation, and gives kids a safe, cozy symbol of a story they love.

Happy crocheting, and may your handmade crochet dreidels bring extra joy to your Hanukkah this year.

Yield: 1

Crochet Dreidel Printable Pattern

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Make this crochet dreidel to use as an applique for a Hanukkah sweater, turn into a mini plushie, use as gift tags or decor... It's an easy beginner-level flat dreidel

Print

Materials

• Suggested yarn: Medium weight (worsted)
• Hook: Size G-H (4-5mm)

Tools

Instructions

Gauge is not important; just keep your stitches even. Foundation Row: ch 3

Row 1: Sc into second st from hook, sc, ch1, turn (3 st in row

Row 2: (Begin increase rows): 2 sc into second st from hook, 2 sc into next st, ch1, turn.

Rows 3, 5, and 7: 2 sc into second st from hook, sc to last st, 2 sc into last st on the row, ch1, turn.

Rows 4 and 6: Starting from second st from hook, sc to end of row, ch1, turn. 

Rows 8-14: (Body of dreidel) Starting from the second st from hook, sc across the row, ch1, turn. (10 st in row)

Stem

Row 1: Starting from second st from hook, 4 sl st, 3 sc, ch1, turn.

Row 2, until desired height, ending with an odd-numbered row:  Starting from second st from hook, 3 sc, ch1, turn.

Sl st down the side of the stem and across to the end of row 14 of the body. Pull yarn through loop and cut.

Border

In a contrasting color, starting from the bottom point, sc into the ends of each row. Make two sc into the sts at the two lower angles and at the top corners of the stem. Make 3 sc into the top two corners or the body (the “shoulders” of the dreidel).

When you’re back at the point, add another sc into the point, cut the yarn, pull through, weave in loose ends.

Notes

Follow the trend to enlarge your crochet dreidel or to make it smaller. Make two and sew them back to back, stuff for a little plushie. Add a keychain for a bag charm.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post How to Make a Flat Crochet Dreidel for Hanukkah (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial) appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

I’m always looking for ways to entertain kids who don’t love very structured activities and this one is a win! As the mom of some boys who are very into STEM, anything that brings those kinds of elements usually go over very well.

A while ago, we threw M a Dog Man themed birthday party and as one of the activities, we had a “robot making workshop”. I put out all sorts of supplies and told the kids to go to town with it. Really, that’s all.

It entertained them for longer than I’ve ever managed to keep boys busy at a tabletop activity.

I wanted to replicate that with a dreidel making workshop – as really fun and open ended Hanukkah STEM challenge. The main difference? In this case it actually needs to work!

M wasn’t around when we did it but me, Y (9 year old boy) and A (5 year old girl) all had fun with it. A didn’t actually make anything that worked but Y and I did. She still had lots of fun with it.

How to Set up a Dreidel Making Workshop for a Hanukkah STEM Challenge

I’m going to walk you through different ways to run this workshop. First, we’ll start with the actual setup. Then I’ll share some tips for different age groups, settings, and group sizes.

I will, of course, also share what we made!

Choosing Supplies

The core of this Hanukkah STEM challenge is to offer the correct tools. Offer supplies with dreidel structure in mind, but don’t tell kids what to do or how to use them. Let them figure all that out.

I’ve categorized it for your convenience but I don’t recommend categorizing it for them – just put it all out!

How many you choose should depend on your group size – for smaller groups, go for a few choices in each category, and for larger groups do more. We didn’t put out all of this because we were a small group – I’m including ideas that I can simply recommend.

A fabulous place to start is simply to walk around your house (or explore your craft closet) and see what can be used. Then fill in where you think it can help. Tip: if doing this in a school setting, send home a list of materials kids can bring in – the “found” ones from the list especially.

I included some ideas with a specific use in mind and some to let them just experiment with.

Basic Craft Supplies

You’ll want to have some basic tools out to support their crafting. These aren’t specific to any part of the dreidel, and some are more essential than others.

• Scissors
• Glue – something like tacky glue can work with different materials. Older kids (12+) should be able to handle hot glue which might be needed for some things.
• Paper Tape such as washi, masking tape
• Air dry clay – this can be used in so many ways, definitely have it there
• Paint Markers
• Cardboard scraps
• Pom Poms
• Chenille stems
• Face stickers – just for fun

Dreidel Body

• Wood Cubes
• CDs and DVDs
• Wooden wheel – and similar wood turnings
• Wheels from old toy cars or LEGO wheels
• Large buttons
• Bottle caps
• Plastic shot glasses – we didn’t make a successful dreidel with it, but it can be played more with making a cone base, etc.
• Other recyclables like small boxes, bottles, etc. for jumbo dreidels

Stem & Base

Some things in what we crafted worked for both since it’ll often spin on a stick-like item, so I’ve combined these sections.

• Wood spools (works on larger dreidels)
• Toothpicks, skewers
• Old crayons
• Pencil stubs
• Paperclips
• Mini and full size clothespins
• Marbles
• Wood beads
• Half-ball wood pieces
• If you can find shapes like cylinders, pyramids and cones from wood – go for that.
• Toy pieces – like snowflake toys, etc
• LEGO bits and pieces – don’t give too many of these, unless you want them just building LEGO! Stick to 1-2 shapes to offer – like cylinders and cones

Letters

You don’t need to provide anything for letters. On this wood dreidel craft, we used Cricut letters. I had planned to do the same for this dreidel making workshop but didn’t get to it, so we just wrote it on with paint markers.

• Aleph-bet stickers
• Nun, Gimmel, Hey, Shin/Pey stickers cut on a Cricut
• Small Aleph bet stencils
• Preprinted letters cut from paper that they can glue on.

Laying it out

You want to have everything laid out in a way that kids can easily see what they have and choose their materials.

Place smaller items that roll in bowls. Especially if crafting with a larger group, clear bowls or jars can help them see it easier. Larger items should be on plates.

Place tools like scissors and glue in easy reach.

Items that you have only a few of should be combined.

You can organize it for larger groups into “choose a body” and “add a stem” etc. This works for groups that need more direction and support. My preferred way to run this is to let kids totally work it out on their own.

Tips for running this Hanukkah STEM Challenge

When running any group activity, coordination is everything – here are some favorite settings for a dreidel making workshop, as well as tips for doing it based on different circumstances.

Different Settings & Different ways to run a dreidel making workshop

• Family – since it works so well with different age groups, you can do this as a family activity. Set it up after Menorah lighting as a bonding activity. If you’re the type of family that does different themed nights or activities each night, this one is a unique one that they’ll want to repeat! Follow it up with a game of dreidel.
• School – My kids often have PTA events or crafts on Chanukah in school and this activity is perfect for that. You’re dealing with kids close in age so you’ll be able to offer more targeted supplies.
  You’ll want to set up a long table with the supplies (as opposed to doing it at desks) so kids can choose, pass, etc. Kids can have more help here, as it’ll be a highly supervised activity.
  You can also divide kids into smaller groups and turn it into a contest with an impartial set of judges. Judge based on functionality, fairness (does it fall on all the letters a good amount of time), how well it spins, how creative it is, how well constructed, etc.
• Family parties – I always like to set up a craft or activity table at a family party, and no, there is no one there to run it. The kids do their own thing. In this setup, you want it as easy as possible. You’ll have kids from lots of different age groups here. Set out a few samples that they can learn from and keep supplies basic. If it’s the kind of crowd where parents will supervise, you can go a little further with it. And you can also do a contest for this one.

This is also a fun Hanukkah STEM challenge for Sunday workshops, shul parties, and virtually any setting – you’ll just need to adapt.

Adapting it by age

If you’re targeting a specific age group, you can really get much more specific with you you set up your dreidel making workshop. Here are some age-based pointers:

• For younger kids, I’d recommend aleph-bet stickers. You won’t be able to use a glue gun, of course, but you can have an adult there to glue things on as kids instruct. You may want to stick to lightweight, porous materials to avoid the need for a hot glue gun.
• For older kids, you can provide more options – and a hot glue gun. Skip the more “classic” craft supplies like pom poms but go double on the paper and cardboard- they’ll know how to use it better. They can form stems by rolling it, bases by forming a cone, etc.

The outcome of our dreidel making workshop

Ready to see our results?

Our favorites (Y copied me on these) were the CD dreidel – with a clothespin shoved through the center and a bead glued to the base. The wooden wheel with a straw through the center was hands down the best.

We also used clay to make bases for wooden blocks. Y’s straw stem worked better than my clay stem. The clay does need to be reglued after it dries.

This Hanukkah STEM challenge is one that really anyone can enjoy. It’s fun, it’s cool, and it is so satisfying.

Got any more ideas for a dreidel making workshop? Did you try it yourself? Comment below!

The post Hanukkah STEM Challenge – Dreidel Making Workshop appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Last year at this time of year, I was running Sunday craft groups for preschoolers. One of our hit Chanukah crafts were these adorable lacing dreidels! I modified the craft this year to make a template and to make it more versatile.

I created a single free dreidel template (download at the end of this post) and share two creative ways to use it.

One is a soft felt dreidel plushy that you “sew” using simple lacing stitches that preschoolers can do – and stuff with poly fil.

The other is a flat lacing card dreidel, perfect for little kids who are not ready for real sewing yet. A lacing card is simply a sturdy shape with holes around the edge that kids “sew” through with yarn or laces.

Both versions work beautifully in the classroom, at home, or at a family party, and they sneak in a lot of fine motor practice and hand-eye coordination while kids just think they are having fun.

Why a Dreidel Sewing and Lacing Craft Is Perfect for Chanukah

This project gives kids something to touch, hold, and work on while they hear the Chanukah story, instead of just sitting and listening. It is low prep for adults, but it feels very special for kids, like their own tiny Chanukah keepsake. It’s low-mess, low guidance needed, and a real skill-building craft for preschoolers.

And since it uses a single template, you can decide on the spot whether today is a felt day or a lacing card day, or set up both as stations.

A hands-on way to teach dreidel and Chanukah

There is something about building the dreidel shape with your hands that helps the idea “stick” for younger kids. While they sew or lace, you can talk about the Hebrew letters on the dreidel and what they stand for, or about the miracle of the oil that lasted eight nights.

It is a nice time to share the rules of the dreidel game, and how it’s played.

Just like with the Hanukkah Menorah Crown printable craft, the project itself becomes a little teaching tool. You are not only talking about Chanukah, you are giving kids something they made that connects to the holiday.

Fine motor practice that feels like play

Sewing and dreidel lacing give kids a chance to practice:

• Holding a needle or lace in a steady hand
• Finding the next hole and going in order
• Pulling the thread through without yanking

The lacing card version is especially friendly for preschool and early elementary kids. It gives them the feeling of sewing, but the holes are big, the yarn is chunky, and nothing can really go wrong – even if they miss some spots.

For Hebrew school teachers and busy parents, this is the kind of low prep, high impact activity you can use again each year. Print a stack of templates once, keep them with your Chanukah supplies, and you are ready every time the menorahs come out.

Tips for Using This Dreidel Craft in Classrooms and at Home

You can keep this project very simple, or turn it into a more detailed hand-stitching lesson for older kids. A little planning makes it easy to run with a whole group.

Adjusting the project for different ages and skill levels

For preschoolers, treat the lacing card as the main project. Pre-punch the holes, give them thicker laces or yarn wrapped with tape at the end, and let them go in any order they like. They do not have to follow a pattern to get the benefit.

For older kids, the felt dreidel can be much more detailed. You can:

• Encourage them to make smaller, closer stitches. Punch extra holes in my templates
• Have them sew two colors of felt together
• Add felt letters or decorations on top

Very young kids can “sew” with a plastic needle and no knot at the end. Even if they pull the yarn all the way through with each stitch, they are still learning the motion and building confidence. Tie on a starting bit of yarn for easier crafting. A (age 5) did make a copy of this on her own – the felt pillow version – and she nailed it.

You an also adapt the felt project for younger kids as follows: hot glue the two pieces and pre-stuff it inside the stitches. They an then “sew” the edges together on a premade pillow.

Ways to send the craft home and extend the Chanukah fun

In a classroom, it helps to think about what happens after the bell rings. You can:

• Laminate the lacing cards before they craft it. Slip finished lacing cards into a folder, along with extra yarn so kids can relace at home. Make it a “lacing toy” that can be repeated.
• Let children take home their stuffed felt dreidels to keep near the menorah or on their pillow. Add googly eyes and a mouth for more of a “plush toy”.
• Attach a tiny note explaining what they practiced and how families can talk about the dreidel letters together.

This is similar to sending home the extra candles from the Menorah crown project so kids can keep adding pieces with their family each night. The idea is the same, you are stretching the activity into home time.

Supplies for making your Sewn Dreidels

The best part here is that you get two projects that use the exact same dreidel template. Print it once, and either turn it into a lacing card or use it as a pattern for felt.

If you plan to use it as a lacing card, print directly on cardstock. If you are making stuffed felt dreidels, print on regular paper and cut it out to trace onto the felt.

What you need for the felt dreidel sewing project

Here is a simple supply list for the soft felt version:

• Printed dreidel template (download at the end of this post)
• Soft felt fabric sheets in your choice of colors
• Embroidery floss or yarn. Use embroidery floss is if you’ll be skipping the holes and sewing it more properly. Yarn if you’re punching holes and lacing.
• Large blunt needle – metal embroidery needle if not punching holes, plastic for younger kids, if punching.
• Good fabric scissors
• Recommended: Power punch 1/16mm hole punch for pre-punching holes for kids.
• I also used a hot glue gun to glue on the letter.
• Sewing clips (optional) makes it easer for kids and adults.
• Optional fabric marker or chalk to trace the template
• Small amount of poly fil stuffing per dreidel

You can match your colors to your other Chanukah decor, or let kids choose from a pile of felt and make wild, fun color combos. For group settings, adults or older kids can pre-cut the felt dreidels from the template.

What you need for the dreidel lacing card

For the flat dreidel lacing card, you will need:

• Printed dreidel template on cardstock – I printed it directly onto colorful cardstock, but you can also go with white and allow kids to decorate it.
• Scissors
• Standard hole punch
• Optional: craft knife and cutting mat (adults only)
• Yarn, ribbon, or colorful shoelaces
• Optional laminating sheets, clear contact paper, or thermal laminator and 5mil sheets

Laminating or covering with contact paper makes the cards sturdier, especially useful if you want this as a “toy” to keep. This version is very flat, so it travels well in a backpack or folder.

How to Make the Felt Dreidel Sewing Craft (With Free Template)

This is a relaxed project that kids can handle with a little support. Adults can help with cutting, tying knots, and threading needles, then let kids do most of the sewing.

I did cut mine using the SVG file and my Cricut. However, I found that it took a really long time for the machine to cut each hole using the rotary blade (which is what I like to use for soft felt).

Step 1: Print, cut, and trace your dreidel template

Print your free dreidel template and cut out the shape as neatly as you can. Place the paper dreidel on your felt and trace around it.

Cut out two matching felt dreidels. They do not have to be perfect twins. A loose cut still works and it all comes together once it is sewn and stuffed.

Punch your holes through both halves of the dreidel at once.

Step 2: Add any decorations or letters before you sew

Before you sew the two pieces together, decorate the front one. This is the time to:

• Embroider the dreidel letter if you want
• Glue on felt letters (I used a hot glue gun for this)
• Add a simple happy face with fabric paint, googly eyes, or whatever.

Doing the details now is so much easier than trying to sew or glue on a stuffed shape that keeps rolling away. Let kids decide whether they want a simple classic dreidel, or one with lots of personality.

Step 3: Sew around the dreidel and stuff it

Clip the two sides together, matching up the holes.

Thread your blunt needle with yarn or embroidery floss and tie a knot at the end. Alternatively, you can tie the end to the first holes.

Stack your two felt dreidels so the edges match and start sewing around the sides with a basic whip stitch (around the edge of the dreidel) or running stitch (in and out). Keep sewing, leaving the top open.

Leave a small opening, then gently push in some poly fil. Use a pencil to push it all the way to the point if needed. Don’t overstuff – since the edges are not fully sealed, you’ll get some leakage. The holes are close enough that it will hold it if not overstuffed.

Close the opening with a few more stitches and tie a good knot. Imperfect stitches are part of the charm here, the goal is for kids to feel proud and a bit more confident.

How to Make a Dreidel Lacing Card for Kids

Now let us turn that same template into a quick dreidel lacing activity. This is fast to prep and great to set out as a calm table task.

Step 1: Print, cut, and prepare your lacing card

Print the dreidel template on cardstock and cut it out. If you want it to last through many classes or siblings, cover it with clear contact paper or run it through a laminator.

You can leave the card plain, write “Happy Chanukah,” or add each child’s name.

The template has a plain dreidel and one with a gimmel. These can be used on their own, but I decided to layer them.

I cut the gimmel out of the top layer using a craft knife so that it shows the darker blue bottom layer through.

Step 2: Punch lacing holes around the dreidel

If making a double layered lacing dreidel, tape the two layers together.

Use a standard hole punch to create holes around the edge of the dreidel. I’ve marked the spots for the holes at decent increments to make it easier.

Adults can prep this step before class so kids can start lacing right away.

Step 3: Show kids how to lace the dreidel

Cut a length of yarn and tape one end to the back of the dreidel, or tie it around the first holes.

Show kids how to go in and out of the holes. A bright yarn color makes the “stitches” stand out nicely.

There is no wrong way for them to lace, as long as they are going through the holes and practicing the motion. It makes a quiet, calming activity for a Chanukah party, circle time, or early finishers who need something meaningful to do at their seat.

When they are done, you can either tie it shut and trim, or make it “reusable” and leave it untied.

Download your free dreidel lacing craft templates

With one free template, you get two Chanukah projects in one, a soft felt dreidel to sew and stuff, and a simple dreidel lacing card for younger kids. Both are easy to prep, build fine motor skills, and give children a hands-on way to connect with the holiday story. Download the template, try it with your class or family, and then peek around for more Jewish holiday projects to keep little hands busy and happy all season long.

Download your free template! It’ll arrive right in your inbox. By downloading, you’re subscribing to our FREE newsletter with updates on cool printables like this, ideas to simplify Jewish life, and more. Unsubscribe at any time at the bottom my emails. I respect your privacy and the law, and won’t share or sell your email address.

The post Dreidel Sewing and Lacing Craft for Kids – Free Templates appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

If you’re looking for a fun Hanukkah craft and activity for kids try these color-in Hanukkah cards! When you’re done, you can try this clothespin Menorah craft too. This post contains affiliate links.

I am thrilled to share with you these color-in Hanukkah cards that are super fun to color and use for gifts! I had in mind that it’s a fun activity to incorporate into a classroom gift swap or just to personalize gifts. It’s a fusion of “handmade card” with “anyone can do it”.

You can get the set here, or scroll down for more info.

About the Color-in Hanukkah Cards

My goal with these Hanukkah cards was to keep them fun and modern. I wanted something that anyone can color. There’s no real age on this. While not exactly toddler-friendly images, I did keep it playful but still mature.

Younger kids can color these in but older kids won’t find them too childish.

There are four styles:

• Horizontal English “Happy Chanukah” card – with loads of little doodles around it.
• Vertical English “Happy Chanukah” card – I made this postage-stamp style with modern cutout dreidels. I love this design so much that I’m working on an SVG version to turn it into a “real” card

• Horizontal Hebrew “Chanukah Sameach” card – with a simple Menorah and branches
• Vertical Hebrew “Chanukah Sameach” card with a star of David wall hanging with Hamsa and dreidel beads and charms

These are a really fun one for teens and adults to color using alcohol or direct ink markers, since they have plenty of space to play with shading and shape. Younger kids can use colored pencils for smaller designs, and crayons or markers for larger ones. And for tweens, gel pens and fineliners are fabulous choices!

Download the Color-in Hanukkah Cards

The color-in Hanukkah cards are available for a few bucks in my shop, on Etsy, and on TpT. Purchasing premium products from me enables me to keep doing what I do, to give more focus to my Jewish blog, creating authentically Jewish resources for homes, educators, and parents.

How to assemble your Color-in Hanukkah Cards

Supplies

• Cardstock paper
• Scissors
• Markers, crayons, etc.

Process

1. Print the cards on cardstock paper.

3. Cut them out, color them in, and fold them in half. Add your name to the back. If you want, you can also cut out just the image part of the card and paste it onto a base card.

In case you missed it, you can download your color-in Hanukkah cards here!

The post Color-in Hanukkah Cards for Kids & Adults appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

For some reason preschoolers just love crowns, and I figured, why not design one for Chanukah?

A had lots of fun with this one (yes, I colored it, and then she refused to take it off!) There are so many ways that you can use this on Hanukkah or before and I’ll share them below. The printable files are free and available at the end of this post.

Tips for using the Hanukkah Menorah Crown Craft

Variations

I wanted this crown to be cool for everyone to use. Normally I get out of control writing a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Chanukah, Chanukah Sameach in Hebrew and English… this time I decided to simply offer a blank crown in addition to the Happy Chanukah one.

You can choose which one you use, and even add your school’s logo or family name if doing it at a family party…

The blank version has a variation on the candles, that has a number on each candle to add a counting element to it.

Assembly all at once or a candle a day

I designed this Hanukkah Menorah crown craft with the candles as a separate cutout so that it can be used different ways. Kids can cut out the candles and then add another one each day!

This can be done by prepping it in advance with double sided tape/glue lines (leave the adhesive backing on until it’s ready to use). Kids can take the candles home in a ziploc bag on the first day of to finish off each day as the family lights.

Or, just put them all on at once and have a ready crown!

The exact shape of the candles can be challenging for young kids to cut – but they really don’t need to cut it exactly. It can be cut loosely and it’ll still work.

I included strips, but you can also cut out the full Menorah and paste it on premade crown strips.

How to make a Hanukkah Menorah Crown Craft

Supplies used

• The crown, download at the end of this post, printed on cardstock
• Crayons or markers
• Scissors
• Recommended: double sided tape

Process

1. Print your crowns and choose which one you want to use. The Shammash is already in place. It looks equal to the other candles, but they will be placed a bit lower over the edge of the Menorah branch.

2. Color it in.

3. Cut out the hat and hat strips. Cut out each candle.

4. Add some double sided tape to the bottom back of each table. On the correct day (or all at once) add a candle to the crown.

Enjoy your Hanukkah Menorah crown craft and Chanukah Sameach!

Download the free printable Hanukkah Menorah Crown Craft

Download your free template! It’ll arrive right in your inbox. By downloading, you’re subscribing to our FREE newsletter with updates on cool printables like this, ideas to simplify Jewish life, and more. Unsubscribe at any time at the bottom my emails. I respect your privacy and the law, and won’t share or sell your email address.

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Potato latkes are a staple of Chanukah, but unless you’re serving it completely on its own, you’re probably wondering what to serve with potato latkes.

Ideas are endless, but I will share some of my favorites. And FYI yes, I can eat a whole pile of latkes just like that, but I have some reasons for mixing it up, so we’re going to spend some time discussing what to serve with potato latkes in case you’re not just pounding them plain.

What to serve with Potato Latkes as Dips and toppers

Ever seen a latke board? Place some latkes on the board and include all sorts of toppings. It’s a way to make things a bit classier and allow people to personalize the food to their flavor. I also find that serving it this way means you have to fry up less of a pile. Both slate and wooden boards look gorgeous.

Granted, I’m a latke purist. But not everyone is. And even among those of us who are, sometimes, around the sixth or seventh or eighth night of Hanukkah we’re willing to switch it up a bit. Plus, latkes DO make a fabulous appetizer, so if you’re serving it at a seated meal as the app, you’ll want to dress it up a bit and plate it.

So here are some ideas for toppings to serve with latkes, whether plated, boarded, or casually.

• Applesauce – I never really got it until I got older. Who would dip latkes into applesauce? But now I get it. The sweet cuts the salty. This is the most traditional topping and it works.

• Sour cream – My personal favorite, I find that the cold creaminess of sour cream cuts the mealier, grainier texture of the hot latkes. So hot ‘n cold fans, this one is for you. Plus, you get a bit of protein in to help the body process the carbs.
• Melted cheese – It’s really simple: just melt a bit of cheese right on top of the fresh latkes! It’s kind of like cheesy fries. Yes, you’re upping the salt factor, but it’s purely in the Chanukah spirit as cheese is a lesser known Hanukkah food too.
• Lox – I’ve served smoked salmon with cauliflower rice patties, so why not with potato latkes? The smoky flavor goes beautifully with the earthy flavor of latkes, the texture complements it, and it adds a pop of color.

• Bacon Pieces (kosher) – If you love the idea of some smoke but don’t want lox, you can try McCormick’s bacon pieces. They are not actually bacon – just flavored – and they also tie into the Hanukkah story… in totally the wrong way. This is best if you have another topping, such as sour cream, in between. Yes, they’re parve.
• Salsa – Opt for a mild one, since it’ll really help cut the saltiness too.

• Scallions – Add that gorgeous green to your latkes – yes, as a topping. Personally, I don’t mix scallions in my latkes (way to guarantee my kids won’t touch it) but as a latke topping it’s spot on. Mix with lox for the perfect, gorgeous, colorful mashup.
• Herbs – Herbs as latke toppings are another fun way to add some green! I’d go for parsley but you do you.
• Tehina – bring a taste of Israel into your Chanukah and dip it into tehina dip. It’s so healthy and protein rich.
• Sauteed Onions – I always have a stash of sauteed onions in my freezer, and using it as a latke topping is the ultimate kitchen hack!
• Sauteed Mushrooms – If you want even more savory to top your latkes, try sautéing mushrooms with garlic too!
• Garlic aioli – Even better, try dipping it into a garlic aioli for a delicious touch.
• Relishes and pickled vegetables (such as saurkraut) – these work fabulously with latkes, giving them that deli vibe.
• Ketchup – you can eat your latkes with ketchup, but I might not talk to you ever again.

And FYI, don’t finish off this post with at least popping in to check out my post on how to make oven baked latkes in a muffin tin! And since they’re not quite as tasty as the real deal (though MUCH easier) you’ll have wanted these toppings to go along.

What to serve with potato latkes to make it a meal

So you’re going all supermom and frying fresh latkes for dinner because you don’t have anything better to do than stand over a frying pan and oh, the cleanup. But there’s nothing quite like it, and so once a year… (or eight times) yes, we make it work.

But then people also need other stuff to eat. Or so they say. You can really serve anything with latkes – anything that you’d serve potatoes with as a side.

I find that keeping things fresh, avoiding overly salty foods, and yes, treating the latkes like fries, work the best. I’m also inclined to go heavy on the protein, as a prediabetic who loves latkes. Proteins before carbs can help the body handle it better, preventing sugar spikes, so let’s do this.

Here are some actual ideas that follow my self-imposed structure – or don’t.

• Israeli salad – this is one of the most refreshing salads in my opinion, and it really helps cut the saltiness of latkes
• Light citrusy, leafy salad – If you prefer a leafy salad, keep it light to balance the latkes and make the dressing lemony or orange juicy.
• Quinoa Tabbouleh – While this does include another grain, it’s a protein-y grain and the herbiness goes so well with latkes.
• Shnitzel – If you’re really in the frying zone, you can pair it with schnitzel. Consider the latkes to be the fries. Or, oven bake your schitzel.
• Hot dogs or hamburgers – You can always BBQ and serve up the latkes instead of your fries.
• Fish sticks – Again, as one of my go-to kid-friendly proteins to go with fries, I’d serve this up with latkes in a pinch.
• Salmon – This is the one I spring for the most, because it’s really healthy and protein rich to balance the fries. Broil or make a side of salmon if hosting a bit party.
• Eggs – think of it as “breakfast for dinner” because they’re kind of like hash browns)

Got any other ideas for what to serve with potato latkes? Comment below!

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If you’re reading this Chanukah gift post the day before Chanukah (or maybe even on Chanukah?) I bet you could probably use a great last-minute idea that doesn’t require any extra errands. Maybe even one that won’t cost you any money if you don’t want it to, but is still fun to open and enjoy.

This Hanukkah coupon jar is perfect for you!

Why the Hankkah Coupon Jar is a fun solution!

Let’s talk for a minute about Chanukah gifts. It seems like that’s what everyone’s talking about anyway. On one hand, who doesn’t love getting gifts? What a fun way to show your love and spread the joy of Judaism and our survival, right?

On the other hand, sometimes I worry. All this gifting can get expensive – especially if your kids are hoping for another treat on each of the 8 nights! And do I really want my kids to associate a religious holiday with THAT much consumerism? And clutter my home with stuff?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, holiday-spirited, wholesome way to fill your Chanukah gifting needs, read on – because the Hanukkah coupon jar is the solution you need.

The way it works is that each night, each family member gets to pick one thing to unwrap – but instead of being material gifts, each one is a coupon for a different type of treat. Some may lead to a gift or gelt, while others could be privileges or maybe even pranks! I’ll share some ideas below to get you started.

This is a fabulous idea for teachers too.

For a fun Chanukah spin (see what I did there?) we’ll fold the coupons into dreidel shapes before tossing them into the jar. If you’re really, really short on time, you don’t HAVE to do this, but it’s not hard at all once you get into a rhythm and it makes the “gifts” exponentially more exciting to open up.

You can, of course, also decorate the jar with stickers (or DIY decals if you have a Cricut).

I can see this becoming a beloved family tradition that we’ll enjoy every year. I wonder if my kids will even continue it with their kids someday! It’s simple, sweet, festive, and fun – really, everything you need in a Chanukah gift.

Ideas for Hanukkah coupon jar rewards

Here are some ideas to include in your coupon jar just to get you started! You can create your own spinoffs of these ideas, make multiples of some – and just have fun with it.

The ones that I did include:

• No chores for you tomorrow! – or pick a day
• Ice cream for breakfast
• Doubles of dessert
• Date with mom/dad (can be separate coupons or a choice)
• Different (modest) amounts of “gelt” (they trade the coupon to you for $1, $5, whatever the coupon says)
• Stay up ½ hour past bedtime
• Movie night
• Game night
• Craft night
• Favorite dinner (kids’ choice)
• Sleep in/go to school late
• An outing/trip
• Specific gifts

You can also mix in some Chanukah-themed treats:

• You get the first latke out of the pan!
• Get an extra free spin when it’s your turn in dreidel
• Amount of gelt = how many candles were lit tonight

Or if you’re a teacher:

• Eat in class
• Free homework
• Help with homework
• Extra credit in varying amounts

How to make a Hanukkah coupon jar

Supplies

• Origami paper (or other lightweight paper)
• Jar – get a cute one or clean a food jar well
• Ultra fine tip permanent marker

Steps

1. Cut your paper into squares. I cut sheets of origami paper into fourths and the size felt just right.

2. Write a “prize” on each one. The key is to mix in different types of prizes because the fun is in the variety and surprise. Prizes can include things you were planning to do anyway (e.g. doughnuts for everyone), and this makes it feel like even more of a treat. See my list above for more inspiration and make sure to watch the tutorial video.

3. Follow my origami dreidel tutorial to fold each coupon into a dreidel shape (use the flat version).

4. Toss all the dreidels into a spacious jar.

5. Shake it up and have each family member pick a dreidel to open up after menorah lighting each night! Or just do this on one or two nights where you want a filler.

Got any other ideas for a Hanukkah coupon jar? Comment below with your favorite coupons!

The post Hanukkah Coupon Jars – Last Minute Gift! appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

A has been crazy bored on Sundays, so I decided to start running preschool-age “craft & play” sessions. We start with a main craft, do a fun sensory activity too, and usually have time for one or two more craft activities.

This past Sunday, I decided to take the templates I designed for my stained glass Menorah tray and turn one of them into a watercolor Hanukkah art activity. I did modify the final version that you’ll download at the end of this post to not be reversed, but you’ll see my template is reversed.

We also did these Hanukkah do a dot activities and made air dry clay Menorahs.

The kids had fun painting it in bright pops of colors and yes, the following images are kids’ actual projects.

Black Glue & Watercolors Hanukkah Art Activity

Black glue art is such a simple activity to do with kids, with results that are pretty much foolproof. You make the black glue by simply mixing some black acrylic craft paint into white school glue.

You do need to prepare the templates in advance but it literally took a minute per template, according to my video recordings. The rest of the craft the kids complete totally on their own.

Watercolors are a fabulous medium for preschoolers – they really can use them fully, and blend the colors well. The glue keeps the paint somewhat “in the lines” and they can be creative within the guidelines.

You can give the kids the project to trace on their own. If you do, I recommend preparing the glue in squeeze bottles, and only doing it with kids who know how to be careful with glue.

The biggest challenge with this Hanukkah art activity is tracing. You do want to use cardstock (or even better, watercolor paper) to give the water somewhere to go without tearing the paper. If you have a light board it’ll be a breeze, and I know many classrooms have something they can use to backlight the paper. I used my Cricut Brightpad Go.

How to do this watercolor Hanukkah art activity

Materials

• School glue (a bottle with some missing is ideal – otherwise mix it in a condiment squeeze bottle)
• Black acrylic paint
• A dowel or similar long stick to stir with
• Cardstock or watercolor paper
• Watercolor brushes or any brush that’s very absorbent
• Watercolor paints
• Recommended: a light board such as the Cricut BrightPad Go. If you have a craft projector such as the Smart Sketcher, you can use that instead (just upload an image to project to the app).
• The template printed on paper – download it at the end of this post.

Process

1. Pour some black paint into your glue. I added maybe a tablespoon or two. Mix it well. Test it on a random surface.

2. Place your template on a surface that’ll be easy to trace on. I used a light board. Place a sheet of cardstock on top.

3. Trace the image using the black glue.

4. Allow it to dry completely.

5. Start painting!

You can do all sorts of watercolor exercises with this. I played with blending similar colors within each shape. I did a thinner wash for the background. With the younger kids, I didn’t give any instruction – I just taught them how to activate the paint and use it.

Download the free Hanukkah art activity templates

Download your free template! It’ll arrive right in your inbox. By downloading, you’re subscribing to our FREE newsletter with updates on cool printables like this, ideas to simplify Jewish life, and more. Unsubscribe at any time at the bottom my emails. I respect your privacy and the law, and won’t share or sell your email address.

I hope you enjoyed this Hanukkah watercolor art project! Want more black glue templates? Comment below with any questions or ideas!

The post Hanukkah Art Activity – Black Glue & Watercolor Resist appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.