25 Days of Blogging- Day 8: Hanukkah

Hi Friends!

Today's festival is celebrated in many different countries, and there are many traditions and customs involved.  I am talking about Hanukkah, an 8 day Jewish holiday to celebrate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the 2ns century BCE.

This holiday lands on the 25th Kislev on the Hebrew calendar.  Some rituals include lighting one candle on the Menorah on each of the 8 nights, signing songs, reciting psalms, and exchanging presents.

One of the most famous of the traditional foods is the potato latke, right next to matzo, that is.

Here's a whole list of latke recipes, with a vegan recipe (and picture) below:

Picture and Recipe Link

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup quick-cooking oats or quinoa flakes
• 6 medium-large potatoes, grated
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 medium onion, grated
• ½ cup matzo meal (or ½ cup additional quinoa flakes)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• Safflower or other high-heat vegetable oil for frying
• Applesauce and Vegan sour cream, optional

Directions:

In a heatproof bowl, combine the oats or quinoa flakes with 1½ cups boiling water. Stir and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.

Use a food processor to make the grating of the potatoes, carrot, and onion, much easier and quicker!

Combine the grated potato, carrot, and onion, and matzo meal in a mixing bowl. Stir in the oatmeal, then season with salt and pepper.

To fry: Heat just enough oil to coat the bottom of a large, nonstick skillet or griddle. Drop enough potato batter to form 2½- to 3-inch pancakes. Fry on both sides over medium-high heat until golden brown and crisp (alternatively, see baked variation following).

To bake: See Baked Latkes variation below recipe box.

Drain briefly on paper towels and place in a covered container to keep warm until serving. Serve warm with applesauce and the optional sour cream.

Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/vegan-latkes-potato-pancakes/#emFx8XF5M6Zvu8U3.99