When I was a kid, I always looked forward to Hanukkah with its eight nights of lighting candles, singing songs and best of all, exchanging gifts. Like all Jewish celebrations, food also played a major role.

'Tis the season for holiday gatherings, and it's never too late to make a plan to invite friends and neighbors over for an evening of good food and company. Hosting a holiday party is easier than you might think.

I have a confession: Of all the citrus fruits, my absolute favorite is grapefruit. Sinfully refreshing, every grapefruit season I indulge almost daily with drizzled raw honey and lightly roasted walnuts! I love it as well for an afternoon snack or an after dinner dessert, as is, or with a square or two of dark chocolate.

Thank goodness for leftovers! One of the joys of being the holiday host is having delicious leftovers available for subsequent meals. Here are some of our favorite tips for making new, exciting dishes from your leftovers. Mashed Potatoes