For several weeks now, everyone is gearing up for the holidays that are upon us this coming week. Whether you are putting up your tree, or finding your lights to your menorah, it is a frenzy state of preparing. It really doesn’t matter if you are preparing for your Christmas dinner or making your reservation at your favourite Chinese food establishment, we are all looking forward to celebrating this week.
This past weekend was the start of what can be deemed Latkefest 2011 (sounds good, doesn’t it). Many people celebrated this past week with their friends and family for the start of Chanukah which begins officially tonight.
The latke….a potato pancake….and round patty of yummy goodness of fried potato and onion. The treat that we all love, that is time consuming to make, but tastes and smells oh so good. How could something so good, be so bad (because it is fried). And yet….everyone partakes because it is tradtion. Traditions are the fabric of our lives.
How you make them is interesting as well….some puree the potato, and others shred the potatos by hand (my way). But no matter how you make them, they taste oh so good.
For those who have been asking for the recipe I use, here it is:
Potato Latkes:
(yields about 2 dozen)
6 Potatoes, grated (pureed, whatever your pleasure)
1 small onion, grated
3 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. flour
1 tbsp. oil
2 tsp. baking powder
Oil for frying
Grate potatoes and drain well. Blend in remaining ingredients. Drop from a spoon into hot oil and brown on both sides, turning only once.
**NOTE: depending on where you are from, you may opt for different toppings – apple sauce, sour cream, salt and pepper. You could be a traditionalist and eat them plain. Usually the one who makes them has to “taste” a few as they come out of the skillet. (wink wink)
No matter what you are celebrating this week and the weeks to come, enjoy. It is a time for family and friends and we should always remember that.
So put on your yarmalke, it’s time for Chanukah….Chag Samach everyone!!!
turn up the volume and enjoy your music video of the day!
The Lisa Chronicles 