This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated December Tuesday, December 20th through Wednesday, December 28th.
Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, celebrates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days when the Maccabees rededicated the holy Temple in Jerusalem after their victory over the Syrian-Greeks (1)
Hanukkah is celebrated by the lighting of candles, additional daily prayers, games and presents to children and of course FOOD!
There is a custom of eating foods fried or baked in oil (preferably olive oil) to commemorate the miracle of a small flask of oil keeping the flame in the Temple alight for eight days. (2)
At this time, many will enjoy potato pancakes, jelly filled donuts, fritters and even ice cream. The consumption of cheeses has also become popular (though that tradition didn’t start until the middle ages.)
(I’m a little jealous that I only get to celebrate Christmas and have 1 day of eating…)
As Hanukkah approaches I wanted to take time and share a potato latkes recipe. I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful Hanukkah celebration this year and always!
Potato Latkes
What You Need:
- 2 cups potato, cubed
- 3 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1 onion, shredded
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons matzo meal
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool and mash.
- In a medium bowl, mix shredded Yukon Gold potatoes, mashed potatoes and onion. Add in eggs, matzo meal and salt; mix well.
- Feel consistency of the dough; mixture should hold together without being sticky. If it sticks to your hands, add more matzo meal until dough is no longer sticky.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm enough oil or butter or margarine to cover 1/4 inch of the skillet.
- When hot, drop mixture by heaping tablespoon to oil; flatten with a spatula and cook on both sides until golden brown. Serve.
Source
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