Put on your yarmulke...Amy and Melissa A are here to celebrate Hanukkah!

Since we've asked the authors visiting in December to share recipes and holiday memories, we've decided to do the same amongst ourselves. Amy and Melissa A are here today to talk about Hanukkah and share a yummy latke recipe!

Amy:
Here is a pic of my husband and me taken while celebrating Hanukkah with my family. Being with family really completes Hanukkah for me.

Melissa A:
The thing that makes Hanukkah really come alive for me is the most is latkes. I associate the smell of frying potatoes with Hanukkah. Sure, that smell will linger for days on furniture, clothes, etc. However, it is so warm and delicious that it doesn't bother me a bit! When I was growing up, and even into my adult years, my dad was well-known for making latkes for us, extended family and our friends. There was one night that he made them for me and some friends at midnight after we got home from a late movie. Over the years, we've also had many latke parties with him standing over the frying pan the entire time so that we wouldn't run out of the tasty treat. Nowadays, my husband is the chief latke maker. His latkes look and taste different, but are delicious, as well. We haven't had latkes for Hanukkah this year, but we plan to before the last day. I think when I take that first delectable bite of steaming potatoes and onions, Hanukkah will really give off  its true "feel" for me.

Crispy Potato Latkes (courtesy of Aish.com)


Ingredients:
6 potatoes
1 small onion
4 eggs
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper (optional)


Instructions:
Grate potatoes in food processor on your favorite blade, I favor the shredder as pieces are a bit bigger and latkes come out crispier. Squeeze out the liquid through a colander. Add the rest of ingredients. Mix well.
In a deep pot or deep frying pan, heat oil very thoroughly. Drop batter by spoonful and fry until golden on both sides. Pat with paper towel to absorb the oil.
Serve warm with applesauce or sour cream, if desired. Just plain is great too.


Preparation time: 12 minutes
Cooking time: 18 to 24 minutes
Serves 8


(Melissa A: My husband uses this recipe and they come out fantastic!)