Latkes

Happy Hanukah!

This year I was reading about the history of Hanukah.  Did you know the story about the oil lasting for eight days was made up 600 years after the fact?  And it was actually intended to diminish the true glory of the event, which was the warrior-priests fighting off the foreign oppressors and regaining independence for Israel.  In fact, that wonderful song we sing, "And Your word broke their sword when our own strength fails us," takes the achievement out of the hands of the men who actually did it.  (And it's not like these weren't Godfearing men; they were the Hasmonean priest-kings who ruled for nearly 200 years.)  And it was only in the 20th century with the rise of Zionism that Jews could look back on the actual event with pride, instead of hiding behind the rabbi-concocted "miracle."

What message should we get out of this?  Well, it touches on deeper issues of religious conservatism versus modernization, and sovereignty versus subservience to foreign powers. But, I'm supposed to be studying for the bar exam so I'll skip the rant.  Instead, here's the best recipe for potato pancakes you've ever had.

Annie's Fantastic Latkes

My mother was a health nut before it was popular.  She's taken the traditional latkes recipe, added carrots & zuccini for extra color and flavor, and reduced the oil to almost nothing.

2 large carrots
2 large potatoes
1/2 large onion
2 small zucinnis
5 eggs
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp oil
1 tsp salt
2 tbl baking powder
Sour cream & apple sauce (optional)

Grate carrots, potatoes, onion, and zuccini in food processor, then transfer to small bowl.  Add eggs, flour, pepper, salt, baking powder, and oil.  Stir until mixed.  Return to food processor and blend with metal blade for 2-5 seconds.  Make sure you don't over-blend.  (Do half the batch at a time so you don't overload the food processor.)

Pour large spoonfuls (approx 1/4 cup) onto lightly oiled, non-stick griddle.  Fry over medium head for 2-3 minutes per side, pat with paper towels.  Serve with sour cream & apple sauce.

Yield: 2 dozen