Jersey Bites is thrilled to welcome former intern Sabrina Szteinbaum back for this Channukah guest post!
The transformation of a simple potato into a latke can be done the ordinary way — grate a few potatoes, mix in a couple of eggs and some breadcrumbs and throw it into a pot of sizzling oil. But an interesting idea about Chanukkah inspired me to get innovative this year, redefining the “potato pancake” that we have come to know and love.
“If that lowly potato can be so educated and so dedicated then there is hope for us also to gain much more than just mass quantities of calories, enjoying quality time during these days of eight,” (www.torah.org).
Like the ancient Greek culture, which elevated the ‘everyday’ with philosophical thought, art and theatre, so too can the average potato be elevated into something more enticing.
With the idea of taking the potato out of its comfort zone, I found two recipes which definitely twist the traditional.
The first recipe, from Kosher in the Kitch, combines broccoli, potato, and cheddar cheese for a delicious dairy latke that comes together in minutes.
The second, from Tori Avey, is a more labor-intensive recipe, which celebrates all things sweet with sweet potatoes, a brown sugar glaze and toasted pecans with a kick.
May the eight days of Chanukkah bring light, joy and innovative twists on traditional latkes to you and your family! Happy frying!
