GF Mom Certified Celebrates Heritage: Hanukkah Traditions with Jen Cafferty

 

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees and the miracle of rededication and light. Upon reentry of their destroyed Temple, the Maccabees found there was only enough oil to light the menorah (lamp) for one day – but miraculously, that small amount of oil lasted for eight days, which is also how long it took to get new oil.

 

In honor of that miracle, the celebration of Hanukkah lasts eight days Jews symbolically fry latkes (potato pancakes) in oil. Jewish or not, everyone seems to enjoy potato pancakes, especially when they are fresh, hot, and crispy, right out of the pan!

 

Makes 12-16 latkes

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg (egg replacer), lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil

Accompaniments: Sour Cream and Applesauce

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 250°F. Peel potatoes and coarsely grate. Combine the drained grated potatoes and chopped onion. Gently toss to combine.

Spread the potato and onion mixture onto a kitchen towel and roll it up so the mixture is inside the towel. Twist tightly to wring out as much liquid as possible. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in egg and salt.

Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

Working in batches of 4 latkes, spoon 2 tablespoons potato mixture per latke into skillet, spreading into 3-inch rounds with a fork.

Reduce the heat to medium and fry until undersides are browned about 5 minutes. Turn latkes over and cook until the other side is browned, about 5 minutes more.

Place 3 layers of paper towels on a dinner plate or platter.

Transfer latkes to the plate and allow the paper towels to absorb the oil. Season with salt.

Add more oil to skillet as needed. Keep latkes warm on a wire rack set in a shallow baking pan in the oven.

 

Serve with applesauce and/or sour cream.

 

To see Jen Cafferty featured in the 2020 GF Mom Certified Holiday Guide in partnership with Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine visit www.nachicago.com/2020/10/23/332287/gf-mom-certified-holiday-guide-2020. To purchase Tiffany’s holiday Must Have’s and Gluten-free Gift Ideas, please visit our Amazon affiliated shop.

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