Apples add sweetness to classic latkes
Potato pancakes perfect during Hanukkah but tasty any time of year
Latkes — crispy potato pancakes — are the star dish for a Hanukkah party. But honestly, potato pancakes are a wonderful dish year-round.
This version combines the Idaho Russet with diced apple. The starch and moisture in the Russet potato helps the pancakes keep their shape and fry crisply, while the apple adds a faint sweet flavor. Maple-flavored applesauce is the perfect complement.
I am a fan of the following no-fail method that uses the food processor instead of grating the potatoes, onion and apple by hand: Puree the eggs and onions in the food processor until fluffy, then pulse in potato and apple chunks until they resemble finely grated potatoes. I usually test a bit of the mixture in hot oil to make sure they are seasoned just right. You’ll be happy to know you can make the pancakes ahead of time (see recipe).