Remember that time when Hanukkah and Thanksgiving collided to form the most epic Jewish American holiday in history, THANKSGIVUKKAH?? It was glorious and produced many, many Jewish-Thanksgiving mash-ups like Thanksgiving knishes and the turkey-shaped challah. Each November I feel a deep sadness due to the lack of prescribed Jewish food as part of Thanksgiving.
But I think I figured out a way to overcome this Thanksgivukkah depression: Add schmaltz to Thanksgiving.
Other recipe sites have already done it! Food52 posted a whipped apple and onion schmaltz, Bon Appetit gifted us a hard cider and schmaltz gravy and Rasa Malaysia gave us crispy leaf potatoes with chicken fat!
All joking aside, schmaltz, or chicken fat, is so versatile in cooking, and it’s cheap and readily available to anyone who regularly cooks with chicken (just save bits of extra chicken skin and freeze them until ready to use). And another secret: Many butchers will give you a bag of chicken skin for free if you ask.
The Nosher celebrates the traditions and recipes that have brought Jews together for centuries. Donate today to keep The Nosher's stories and recipes accessible to all.
So get your schmaltz ready and try one of these perfect Thanksgiving recipes this year to infuse some chicken fatty goodness to your holiday. That’s something worthy of gratitude.
Chicken Skin Chips
So much better than regular chips.
Deb Perelman’s Slow-Roasted Chicken with Schmaltzy Croutons
This slow roasted method ensures super moist chicken and crispy skin.
Chicken Gribenes ‘n Waffles Cupcake
Don’t get me wrong: I love fresh fruits and veggies. But I also love schmaltz.
Chopped Liver
This classic recipe is surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
Schmaltzy Noodle Kugel
A kugel recipe to celebrate the juncture of Jewish and Southern traditions.
Deviled Eggs with Schmaltz and Gribenes
Honestly, what could be any better than this?
Schmaltz Salad Dressing
Add schmaltz to your vinaigrette for a rich, silky dressing.
