Most are fried in oil, symbolic of the oil that lasted eight days. Others contain cheese to celebrate Judith's victory. Pancakes are a traditional dish, serving as a reminder of the food hurriedly prepared for the Maccabees as they went into battle, along with the oil they are fried in as a reminder of the miraculous oil. Many cheese and dairy dishes are consumed in memory of brave Judith. A newer tradition in the United States is the baking of butter cookies or pretzels in the shape of Hanukkah symbols while relating the stories.
Children delight in helping and learn as they create, too.