For those of you who like latkes, here are several recipes from Bon Appetit. The recipes are listed Here – Hanukkah Latke Pecipes.The recipes include these types of Latkes: (1) Celery Root and Mushroom Latkes with Onion Applesauce, (2) Latkes with Ancho-Chile Salt and Watercress Guacamole, (3) Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, and Tarragon Crème Fraîche, and (4) Potato Latkes with Watercress, Smoked Salmon, and Avocado Salad. There are more listed. Use your imagination in making the Latkes. The recipes can all be found on the link listed. Here is some information on the history of Latkes.
From: Wise Geek – What are Latkes?
Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a traditional Jewish dish, often served during Hanukkah. Latkes have gained popularity as a Hanukkah dish because they are fried in oil, commemorating the oil that miraculously provided light for eight days. Luckily, Jewish restaurants and delis frequently serve latkes year round, so the dish can be enjoyed at any season. Latkes are also celebrated as the means by which Judith of Holofernes was able to put the Assyrian leader into a deep sleep, and thus was able to behead him. The Assyrians ended their siege because of the death of their leader.Naturally, latkes could not have been composed of potatoes in ancient times, as potatoes are a New World food. Instead, it is thought that latkes were made of grated cheese bound with a bit of egg, and then fried. A salty cake such as this, along with an ample supply of wine, would certainly have caused any man, Assyrian or otherwise, to feel sleepy.
Some traditionalists argue that at Hanukkah, cheese and not potato latkes should be served. However, the introduction of the potato to Europe forever changed the latke. Most often, ancient latke recipes containing cheese are now forsaken in preference to those established in the 18th century.
The word latke is of Yiddish origin, and may have come from either Germany or Russia. As Jews immigrated to the US, so did the tradition of preparing latkes. Many families now prepare these pancakes from recipes over 100 years old. Therefore, even though they are not prepared as in ancient times, potato latkes have a rich history as well.
Typically, latkes are prepared by grating raw potatoes, usually russets as they have a high starch value. Eggs, salt, and sometimes a bit of green onion are added to the potatoes and lightly mixed. The batter may sit in the refrigerator for a while to allow the starch and eggs to hold the ingredients together. Next, the latkes are patted into patties, usually approximately 2 inches (5.08 cm) in diameter. There are those who prepare larger latkes, but these can sometimes fall apart during the cooking and turning process, so smaller cakes may be a good choice for beginners.
Once formed, the latkes are fried in heated oil until they are golden brown on each side. The latkes may then be patted dry to remove excess oil. Latkes are usually served hot, and may be accompanied with both applesauce and sour cream. Hot latkes are preferable to cooled pancakes, as cooler pancakes will taste oilier.
Though bound in tradition, there are newer recipes that suggest a number of additions to the latkes. Chefs have prepared latkes by adding grated carrots, ginger, or a mixture of sweet and savory spices. Sweet latkes with vanilla and cinnamon make an appealing dessert. However prepared, these crunchy pancakes are a delicious connection to the past.
And from Wiki Answers,
Latkes are potato pancakes prepared for Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday that in addition to other things, celebrates the ‘miracle of light’. This refers to the fact that after the Maccabee Jews defeated the Greek Syrians and came back to light the Menora of the Temple in Jerusalem, there was no more pure olive oil to be found, except for a small amount that ended up lasting for eight days (until more could be found/processed).
Because oil is part of the miracle, oily foods tend to be eaten as a symbol. Latkes are thus potato pancakes made with oil. Latkes are potato pancakes, often served as part of the Jewish Hannukah celebration. Some people like them with sour cream, but I prefer mine with a little butter and applesauce.Latke is a Yiddish word that means pancake. During Channukah, most people eat potato latkes but personally, my favourite are wild rice and mushroom latkes.
One way to eat latkes is with sour cream and applesauce. Applesauce with butter and cinnamon. It’s another way! Apple butter!
Robin and I try to make our Latkes the way that Joe and Rachael Levitch showed us. Our attempt is pictured here. We’re gainning on it, but not quite there …. Yet! We made these at the beginning of the week with homemade applesauce – yes, fresh – and sauteed root vegetables. Really tasted good. Now it’s your turn! Cheers!
Boise Foodie Guild 