This year, Thanksgiving and the first full day of Hanukkah fall on the same day. It is an awesome occasion, in more ways than one, and creates within me a feeling  that ‘this might be meant to be’. Two very important family holidays linked together for the same cause: Jews and Christians united for 24 hours to celebrate with their families and respect the different religious beliefs and customs of others might God be sending a message!

The last time this happened was in 1888. It will not happen again for another 70,000 years. So, take note, and discuss religious freedom at your holiday dinner table with family and friends. Grammas, speak as the matriarch of your family to your children and grandchildren and make your difference while you savor a delicious “Thanksgivukkah” recipe:

CHALLAH (HANUKKAH)-APPLE STUFFING (THANKSGIVING)

As a Jewish matriarch, I can vow for challah, a Jewish bread. It is most delicious. How could it not be: It was conceived almost 4,000 years ago and still exists. Combined with an apple stuffing, it makes for a great way to honor both Thanksgiving and Hanukkah.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 loaves challah

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

2 cups diced celery

2 cups diced green onion

2 cups peeled and diced yellow delicious apples

8 sprigs thyme, leaves picked and finely chopped

3 sprigs rosemary, leaves picked and finely chopped

6 sprigs marjoram, leaves picked and finely chopped

3 cups vegetable broth

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper to taste

9×13 inch baking dish

Directions:

Cut challah into 1-inch cubes and sit out on a baking tray, uncovered, for 6 hours to make them stale.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery. Add 3 teaspoons of salt and ground pepper to taste and simmer about 8 minutes until onions are soft. Then add apples and herbs and cook until apples are soft, about 5 minutes more.

In a large bowl, combine challah cubes with the rest of the ingredients. Mix until the bread is saturated with liquid and everything is mixed. Press stuffing into a 9×13 baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, then remove the foil, raise your oven to 450°F and cook stuffing uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the top becomes slightly browned.

Cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Do Something GOOD Today: Teach your grandchildren the significance of your family customs and traditions. Tell them stories about when you were a child.

–Gramma Good