Hosting Hanukkah can be a bit of a daunting task, especially if you’re trying to outdo the last outing. As a host, going one better is something we all try to do when the holiday’s come around, but it isn’t exactly friendly on the budget.
This is especially true today when everyone is trying to be a little more money-conscious. Preparing to cater for a number of guests can often feel like there’s a gaping hole on the horizon, just waiting to gobble up your hard-earned pennies. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
On the contrary, there are plenty of things you can do to make this next Hanukkah meal the best yet, whilst simultaneously keeping to a far smaller budget than you’ve ever achieved before.
Investing In Longevity
A common mistake that people make during Hanukkah – or any Jewish holiday for that matter – is going all out on the food whilst keeping your decor on the back burner. Instead of doing this, it can actually be a good idea to reverse your priorities and focus the budget mainly on aesthetics. Going to a jewish silver store and coming away with some beautiful, unique Hanukkah dining sets can be a great way to impress your guests and prepare for all other Hannukahs going forward. An expensive meal disappears after one evening, whilst a beautiful dining set can be enjoyed for years.
Simple Meals Are Often Best
Any professional chef worth their weight in salt – no pun intended – will tell you that less is more, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t apply that to your Hanukkah meal. Oftentimes, a simple roast chicken with a few vegetables can be the perfect main course. So long as it is well cooked and presented with care, it can wow your guests just as easily as a freshly caught, bagel-crusted salmon.
Try Out Some Batch Meals
One of the main recipes of Hanukkah is probably braised brisket, which is good if you’re on a budget, as it’s super cheap and super easy. All you have to do is get enough for your guests, prepare it the way you want and let it stew in its juices until it gets tender. As well as this, batch meals such as a stew or a hot pot can be delicious and far more cost-effective than single-meal prepping.
The Proof Is In The Pudding
Fruit is also a mainstay in many Hanukkah cookbooks, especially when it comes to desserts, so utilise it and don’t get too complicated. It’s a great, cheap idea to simply find a stripped-back, easy recipe which utilises the simplicity of fruit – such as apple cake or coconut macaroons – and leaves a sweet taste in the mouth for all of your guests.
It’s About The Day, Not The Food
Lastly, although it can be easy to fret over your Hanukkah meal – Jewish holidays do tend to revolve heavily around food – it’s important to remember that this holiday is all about community, celebration and commemorating your ancestors. Although a nice meal is a big plus, it’s not the be-all and end-all, and you shouldn’t stress so much that the experience becomes unenjoyable. Just make sure to keep to your budget and try to be as crea
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