For many, the holiday season is a special time of year; a time shared with family and friends. There are parties, get-togethers and weekends away. Receiving invitations to these events, for some people, instantly creates anxiety and panic. We anticipate that there will be lots of food. Our minds begin racing with thoughts as to whether we should partake or abstain. Can we celebrate Chanukah without sufganiyot, latkes and chocolate gelt?

I am in a place on my journey where I enjoy healthier versions of traditional foods. I’d like to share two fantastic latke recipes that are so delicious they can even be served to your guests.

Spinach Latkes

Make creamed spinach, which is absolutely wonderful served on its own as a side dish.

2 bags of frozen spinach, defrosted and excess liquid squeezed out

1 can of coconut milk

1 onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, crushed

Salt and pepper

Saute onion and garlic and then add all the remaining ingredients to a saucepan. Let simmer on low for about 10 minutes.

Let the creamed spinach cool and add 6 eggs, salt and pepper to taste. Form latkes.

These can be lightly fried or baked. See below for baking instructions.

Spaghetti Squash Latkes

1 large spaghetti squash, baked until soft, about 40 minutes at 350. Then cut the squash in half, remove seeds and scrape out strands of squash using a fork.

1 large onion, diced and sauteed

4 eggs

1 tsp. garlic powder

Salt and pepper

Add all the ingredients to a large bowl, mix well and lightly fry or bake.

Preheat your oven to 375. Use muffin pans to make sure your latkes don’t flatten out too much on the baking sheet. Spray the muffin pans well (my go-to spray is avocado oil spray). Only fill the muffin pans halfway so they resemble latkes and not muffins. Spray the tops of your latkes again. Bake in the oven for approximately 35 minutes until your latkes are browned and look crispy. After they cool, you may need to use a spoon to go around the edges to lift the latkes out of the muffin pan.

May your kindling of lights brighten a path to your health. Wishing you all a Happy Chanukah!

xoxo, Coach Gila

Coach Gila is excited to share that she has launched her first online group program, “Kosher Whole30 with Coach Gila.” To learn more about this program, sign up for a FREE webinar or register for the “Kosher Whole30” at www.mainassethealth.com.

By Gila Guzman