Feasting without Fuss: Hanukkah Hosting Hacks with Jason Goldstein

On today's episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, host Adina Oberman, talks to Jason Goldstein about Hanukkah and holiday hosting. Jason Goldstein is a chiropractor by day and a food Blogger by night for his culinary blog, shop Happy. Jason shares his love of easy comfort food recipes, showcasing rich flavors, inventive ideas, and unique cooking tips and advice. He was a finalist on the next Food Network Star season 14 and finished in the top ten in Rachel Raye's cookbook contest. His recipes have been featured on The Chew and the Kitchen, and he has appeared on Good Morning America living in New York City in Hamptons. Jason enjoys testing recipes on his husband Tom's and grabbing French fries by the handful.

 

Episode Highlights

01:46 Jason emphasizes the importance of minimizing effort in holiday hosting. He recommends a combination of homemade and store-bought appetizers. He shares his love for puff pastry appetizers, highlighting how they can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.
02:39 For the main meal, Jason suggests making it yourself but delegating the responsibility of bringing wine and desserts to guests. This not only shares the load but also helps cut down on expenses and dishwashing.
03:47 Jason's second favorite dish for Hanukkah is brisket made in a slow cooker. This method not only saves oven space but also simplifies the cooking process. The brisket simmers all day, resulting in a tender and delicious main dish that seems effort-intensive but is easy to prepare.
04:29 Jason declares himself to be on team applesauce but acknowledges the strong divide between sour cream and applesauce enthusiasts. He emphasizes the importance of having both condiments available at the table.
04:50 Adina expresses appreciation for the idea of making a sheet pan potato latka instead of individual ones. She comments on the tediousness of shredding potatoes and onions for preparation.
05:18 Jason touches upon dietary preferences, recommending vegan cheese for those following stricter dietary laws. He talks about the simplicity of the dish using shredded potatoes, grated onion, and cheese, emphasizing the ease of preparation and baking.
07:21 Jason describes the brisket's final texture as melt-in-the-mouth, resulting from slow cooking that breaks down the fat and connective tissues. Jason fondly mentions that brisket pairs perfectly with potato pancakes.
08:00 Jason explains the traditional significance of frying foods during Hanukkah, referencing the eight days the oil miraculously burned.
09:33 Adina appreciates Jason's ideas and highlights how Hanukkah is a fun holiday, especially for kids. She asks if he uses a deep fryer for the frying process.
09:44: Jason confirms that one can use a deep fryer or simply a pan filled with oil. He also gives a tip to avoid overcrowding the pan while frying, as it can reduce the oil's temperature, leading to uneven cooking.
11:29 Jason shares a personal anecdote from his wedding where he had a large table dedicated to various versions of "pigs in a blanket" — underscoring his love for the dish and its significance to him.
12:17 Adina talks about attending a party where the pigs in a blanket had everything bagel seasoning on the puff pastry, adding a unique flavor.
14:10 Jason emphasizes the importance of being a part of the party and not getting too stressed out. Advises sticking to familiar recipes and prepping in advance. He also recommends having a variety of dishes like salmon for those who don't eat beef. Mentions the idea of a sheet pan salmon.
15:21 Jason suggests that if you're not into cooking, make one dish and have others bring dishes. Recommends people bring dishes from their childhood for a touch of nostalgia.
16:02 Adina talks about the comfort guests feel with familiar flavors and the importance of childhood flavors during the holidays.

3 Key Points

Jason Goldstein emphasizes the importance of minimizing effort in holiday hosting. He shares his love for puff pastry appetizers, highlighting how they can be prepared a day ahead.
Jason recommends brisket made in a slow cooker for Hanukkah. The method simplifies the cooking process, resulting in a tender dish.
Jason touches upon dietary preferences, recommending vegan cheese. He explains the dish's simplicity using shredded potatoes, grated onion, and cheese.

Tweetable Quotes

"Minimize holiday hosting effort with a mix of homemade and store-bought appetizers. Puff pastry delights can be prepped a day ahead!" - Jason 
"For a melt-in-the-mouth Hanukkah delight, try brisket in a slow cooker. Effortless yet tastes like hours in the kitchen!" - Jason 
"Whether you're #TeamApplesauce or #TeamSourCream, ensure both are at the Hanukkah table. Harmony in condiments, harmony in life!" - Jason 
"Not into cooking? No worries. Host with one dish and let guests bring nostalgic flavors from their childhood. A holiday feast everyone cherishes!" - Jason 

 

Resources Mentioned

Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
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