My kids make wishlists for birthdays and for Chanukah. They write them unaided, and it is always interesting to see what they come up with.  Sure, we have some typical stuff, Itunes gift card request or Lego Giant Something that requires a mortgage to purchase, but we also have some strange themes this year.

When I combine the lists we have: Scented candles, soft velvety blanket, spray deodorant, fancy chocolates, handcuffs

Are we building anS & M palace for Chanukah?

And then we have “meet Mick Jagger even though I know this is probably NOT going to happen.” And when I read my 9-year-old daughter’s list I see “a spinning class.” “As in the exercise class?” “No,” she says, “As in wool.” “Do you mean knitting?” She shakes her head. “I mean a class where you learn how to spin wool. Do they have those?”

Well, it’s not 1699 so perhaps not.

And the 6-year-old for whom the handcuffs are “first on the list” now revises his list so he can have “new markers, sweatpants that ackshully [sic] are a good color, and my own stappler!!!!!”

One item on everyone’s list? A trip to see The Kuzins, which is sweet and the name of their as-yet-unformed heavy metal band (they dress like the Village People, but with handcuffs and scented candles).

This is a recipe repost on request.

Latkes.  Served with applesauce, sour cream, or my personal favorite: crisped in the skillet the next day with a fried egg and spinach.