Thanksgivukkah – Lenox, Where Entertaining is @

By Isaiah Negron

For the first time since 1888, Thanksgiving and the Jewish tradition of Hanukkah will share the same date, November 25, 2013. This will not happen again for another 79,000 years. Thanksgiving, first named a United States holiday in 1863, and Hanukkah, dating back to 165 BC Jerusalem, are two unique celebrations representing generations of history, culture and pride. To commemorate this once in a lifetime moment, Lenox, America's foremost tabletop and giftware brand along with their entertaining expert and celebrity event planner Andrea Correale have joined forces. Together, they have created a festive table that celebrates both events simultaneously. Since 1889, Lenox has brought families and friends together for countless occasions. Here, Andrea and Lenox, "Where Entertaining is @," bring these two holidays together on one dazzling table.

As the only company that still makes bone china in the USA, Lenox continues to grow and evolve, expanding their repertoire in unprecedented ways while still holding true to their core mission of providing classic and beautiful tabletop collections at a variety of prices. Now, the Lenox brand, which includes elegant tabletop accessories such as glass stemware and flatware, has expanded into creating distinctive collections of housewares, chic home décor, fashionable bridal sets and fine jewelry.

For this festive feast dubbed "Thanksgivukkah," Andrea has chosen Lenox's stylish French Perle collection, classic everyday stoneware that features an elegant antique trim and intricate beaded motifs.  For the menu, she combined historical elements from traditional Thanksgiving and Hanukkah dinners and inventive recipes for a harmonious meal. Lenox selected Correale as their new entertainment expert to bring a fresh approach to their vast selection of home entertaining options.  Andrea has created parties for everyone from Jimmy Fallon to Billy Joel and Russell Simmons and conceived the stylish wedding reception of Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon.  She has an infinite list of innovative and exciting tips and ideas to help every host use Lenox to create fun and sophisticated parties in their own homes continuing the tradition of charm and classic beauty Lenox brings to everyday meals and special occasions alike. Andrea's exclusive tips and recipes for Lenox are available at lenox.com/entertainingusa

MENU

Appetizer
Turkey Matzo Ball Soup Sips

Entrée
Potato Pancake Challah Bread Stuffed Turkey
Noodle Kugel Cupcake with Creamy Apricot Chutney
Slow Roasted Baby Carrots drizzled with Lavender and Honey Infusion
Delicious Apples stuffed with Sweet Potato Kugel

Dessert
Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with Hanukkah Gelt

RECIPE

Potato Pancake Challah Bread Stuffing

Ingredients:
1 Pound of Fresh Challah Bread (Cubed)
2 Pounds Shredded Potatoes
6 Ounces Melted Butter
2 Onions (Grated, or small diced)
4 Large Carrots (Small Dice)
4 Celery Stalks (small dice)
2 shredded apples
Salt & pepper to taste
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Eggs
3 cups chicken stock (or more until very moist, not soupy)

Directions:
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil.
Add carrots, cook for 5 minutes, and then add celery and onions until soft.
Then add the shredded potatoes and cook until lightly browned.
In a separate large bowl, add the cubed bread, pour the melted butter over the bread, and dash with salt, pepper.
Add everything from the pan into the bowl with the bread and mix.
In another bowl beat 2 whole eggs and pour into stuffing, add chicken stock, mixing stuffing until it is very moist, but not soupy.
Add apples and mix until everything is incorporated evenly.
Stuff the turkey and bake the turkey in an oven until there is an internal temperature (OF THE STUFFING) of 165 degrees.

About Andrea
Andrea Correale's quest for a place in hospitality history began at home, as she was inspired by her mother's example of setting beautiful tables for every occasion. She is president of Elegant Affairs Caterers, a luxury event planning company for parties in Manhattan, Long Island and the Hamptons. Her expertise in creating chic and unique parties paired with her culinary flair has attracted a roaster of celebrity clients and big brands including Gucci, HBO and American Express.

As for the "Thanksgivukkah" table, Andrea says, "My idea is to combine Thanksgiving with the flair of the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. Potato Latke appetizers garnished with Crème Fraîche or a honey drizzle keep the start of the meal light, saving room for the main course." Using challah bread gives her stuffing a tasty Hanukkah twist. Apples stuffed with kugel and sweet potatoes create delectable side dishes to complement the Thanksgiving turkey. For the desserts, Andrea suggests a layered pumpkin parfait topped with chocolate gelt coins and apple pie with a rugula crumble, Thanksgiving classics with a touch of Hanukkah's influence. "Anybody can make these," says Andrea. "You just have to have fun with it!"