A Deep-Fried Holiday

I, among many, am celebrating Chanukkah this week. It’s a good holiday: candles, chocolate coins, and deep fried foods, especially latkes.

Most people know latkes as potato pancakes, slathered in apple sauce or sour cream, and they are both plentiful and delicious. But they’re not the only kind of latkes! Jews from around the Mediteranean have a tradition of spinach latkes, which are one of my favorites this time of year. I’ve had beet latkes and sweet potato latkes, and a friend has been telling me about apple latkes. If you can grate it or shred it, form it into a patty, and fry it in oil, it can be a latke.

Epicurious has a recipe for those spinach latkes I love so much. What are your favorite kinds of latkes? What other foods do you fry? Last year I made donuts, because it’s the frying that’s important. In three years, Thanksgiving is going to fall during Chanukkah, and I know people who are already planning their deep-fried turkey. Now that’s a way to combine holiday traditions.

Not hungry enough yet? Try some books as an appetizer:
George Crum and the Saratoga chip
Hiromi’s Hands
Sweet Potato Pie
The Have a Good Day Cafe
Where on Earth Is My Bagel?
Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué Rico! Americas’ Sproutings