SCHMALTZ LATKES

Serves: 4-6

Latkes:

1 small white onion

1 tbsp (15 mL) kosher salt, divided

1 1/3 lb (605 g) Yukon Gold potatoes

1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) freshly ground black pepper

2/3 cup (160 mL) matzo meal or panko

2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk Schmaltz or duck fat, for frying 1/2 cup (125 mL) sour cream, for dipping

Applesauce:

5 lb (2.3 kg) Spy apples (use McIntosh if Spys aren’t available)

2 sticks cinnamon

3 tbsp (45 mL) white sugar 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) kosher salt

Or:

Smoked salmon, for serving Caviar, for serving

1. For the latkes: Peel and slice your onion very thinly, then season with 1/2 tbsp (7.5 mL) salt and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes to get all the juices out.

2. As the onions sit, you can make the applesauce. Peel, core and cut your apples into large chunks. Place the apples in a large pot with 1/2 cup (125 mL) water, the cinnamon sticks, sugar and salt.

3. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 20 minutes or until the apples start to break down, stirring occasionally. Once the apples are soft, remove the pot from the heat.

4. Let the apples cool, then remove and discard the cinnamon sticks. If you like, mash the apples with a potato masher for a smoother consistency.

5. Check for seasoning and add extra cinnamon if desired. You can make this ahead and then reheat to serve over your latkes or serve at room temperature.

6. Return to the latkes. When your onions are almost ready, wash your potatoes and grate them on the fine side of a box grater, then place the potatoes and their juices in a large bowl and mix in the onions. The acid in the onion juice will stop the potatoes from oxidizing too quickly.

7. Add 1/2 tbsp (7.5 mL) salt and the pepper, matzo meal, flour, egg and egg yolk, and stir to combine. Let the dough hang out for 5 minutes.

8. Weigh the latkes in 2 oz (57 g) balls or use an ice-cream scoop that will make the size that you want. Firmly squeeze all of the juice out of the latkes, form back into balls and set aside on a clean dish towel to dry a bit.

9. Gently warm your schmaltz in a large pan over medium heat. Add three to five latke balls to your pan, depending on the pan size, and fry for 1 minute. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

10. Press the latkes down with a spatula and they’ll naturally become more of a patty shape.

11. Let them fry until they’re a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the latkes from the fat and put aside on a plate lined with paper towel to absorb any excess fat. Season with more salt and serve with sour cream and applesauce on the side or with smoked salmon, caviar and sour cream on top.