Charlotte, N.C.: A Joyous Fusion of Festivities this Christmakkah
The holiday season is upon us, and in Charlotte, N.C., it’s time to gather with family and friends, share laughter, and most importantly, indulge in some hearty food! This year, there’s something extra special in the air as the calendars align, creating a delightful celebration known as Christmakkah—a joyful melding of Christmas and Hanukkah! To help us navigate this festive culinary adventure is Chef Ernie Adler, our very own Grill Master!
A Warm Welcome to Christmakkah
Adler beams with excitement when he talks about the overlapping celebrations happening this December 25. “It’s fantastic that people around the world will be celebrating Christmas while Jewish families get to enjoy the first night of Hanukkah at the same time,” he shares. “Whether it’s the savory flavors of Christmas or the traditional delights of Hanukkah, we can bring them together for a matched meal of pure joy.”
Delicious Finger Foods that Reflect Both Cultures
And what better way to celebrate than by creating fun finger foods that everyone can enjoy? Adler kicks things off with a traditional Hanukkah favorite—the mighty latkes! These crispy potato pancakes are a must for any festive table. Here’s how to make them:
- Start by peeling and grating potatoes, plus zucchini and yellow onions. Don’t forget to drain and squeeze the mix to remove excess water!
- Add in an egg, some flour, and season with salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into little patties—think of them as hockey pucks.
- Heat up some vegetable oil and let those patties fry for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Make sure to place them on a paper towel afterwards to soak up the oil!
Perfect Pairings with Grilled Goodness
Next up? It’s time to fire up the grill! Chef Adler recommends tackling both beef loin and salmon for an unforgettable taste experience. Here’s how:
Beef Loin Delight
“For the beef, season it a day ahead with olive oil, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. When you grill it, aim for a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit—either on the grill or in a cast iron pan,” Adler explains, as he advises flipping the meat periodically for even cooking. “When it reaches an internal temp of 145 degrees, you’re all set!” Don’t forget the fresh cranberry sauce on the side, jazzed up with a splash of orange juice and a dash of cinnamon for extra flair.
Salmon Sensation
Don’t forget about the rich and flaky salmon! Adler’s got the perfect approach—season it 6-12 hours ahead. The combo of salt, pepper, onion, garlic, and some brown sugar makes this seafood dish hard to resist. “When grilling at 400 degrees, make sure to oil the grate to avoid sticking. Cook for 3 minutes, then turn 45 degrees and continue for another 2 minutes. Flaking apart with a gentle poke is what you’re looking for, or let it cook longer for a more well-done finish.”
The Final Touches
After grilling, let the meat rest covered in foil for a few minutes before slicing. Here’s the fun part—serve that delicious beef on top of a latke with a dollop of the cranberry sauce! For salmon lovers, try placing it atop a latke with a little apricot spread. Remember, spread beats preserves for flavor and sweetness any day!
Sweet ending Treat
And of course, what’s a holiday meal without dessert? Whether you prefer jelly doughnuts or some creative take on treats, the rule of thumb is simple: enjoy it however you like! That’s what the holidays are all about—creating sweet memories with loved ones.
For more delicious recipes and cooking classes, head on over to Erniesbbq.com!
