A lot of Jewish tradition revolves around food. 

I remember the matzah balls of my youth (small, hard, and slightly rubbery) with far more affection than those of my present (soft and fluffy), despite their obvious shortcomings (difficult to digest).  I remember the wonderful smell of simmering cholent on Shabbat, and chopping apples and walnuts for the Pesah charoset.  I remember the time that Dad "missed" while flipping Hanuka potato latkes, and one stuck to the ceiling.  We learned two things that night: first, that batch wasn't greasy enough (or it would have stuck), and second, that latkes really will stick to the ribs.

So what is it with Jews and food?  Why do we have so many idiosyncratic dishes?

Part of it, I think, stems from centuries of poverty and oppression.  When a people is held down for so long, they'll learn ways to make the most of whatever resource they have.  My great-grandmother, who was born in a Russian shtetl, used to say that she could make a five-course meal with one soup chicken and a loaf of bread.  I remember watching her in action; I can tell you, those five-course meals of hers took some wizardry in the kitchen.

Part of it, also, however, is our requirement at holidays to rejoice.  That's actually in the Torah, in the descriptions of the various holidays: that, with due regard to the solemnity of the day, we are also to celebrate.  And what better way to celebrate, than with a good meal?

Judaism, for some reason, has a reputation as an ascetic religion, but I have to disagree with that characterization.  Rather, it is a religion that embraces life and experience without excess.

It's considered a mitzvah (which means "commandment," but also has the connotation of "good deed") to rejoice on our holidays, and there are blessings to God for the beauty of the natural world.  It's even a mitzvah for married couples to make love on Shabbat!  Judaism recognizes the physical side of our lives, and understands the need for an outlet.

And for moderation.  Judaism also recognizes that unbridled lust, in any context, will lead only to a bad end.  We traditionally drink wine on all of our holidays, but only on the holiday of Purim, a day of great silliness, are allowed to get drunk.

To everything there is a season...