Hanukkah is almost upon us, folks. No sooner have we stopped singing “gobble gobble gobble, quack quack quack” for Thanksgiving and it’s time to break out the dreidels and frying pans.
I hear from parents online and in my community that they want to find ways to make Hanukkah unique, fun, and meaningful for their kids, without venturing into the territory of comparing it to Christmas.
READ: 5 Fun Foods You Need to Serve at a Hanukkah Party
And I think getting a little crazy with your latkes in ways your kids will enjoy is definitely a way to make the holiday come alive. Marshmallow topped latkes? Check. Pizza latkes? Oh yeah, your kids will love to help making them.
So here are five fun, easy and sorta wacky latkes to make with your kids this Hanukkah season:
Sweet Potato Latkes with Toasted Marshmallows from The Nosher
Grilled Cheese Latkes from Melinda of Kitchen-Tested
Potato Latke Muffins from Recipeland
Classic Potato Latkes with homemade cranberry applesauce
Pizza Latkes Recipe
INGREDIENTS
4 russet (Idaho) potatoes
1 large onion
3 garlic cloves
¼ cup matzah meal or flour
2 eggs
Salt and pepper
Tomato sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese (not fresh or will be too watery and soggy)
Fresh basil (optional)
Canola or vegetable oil for frying
DIRECTIONS
Either by hand or using a food processor fitted with grating attachment, shred potatoes, onions and garlic. Add to large bowl.
Mix in 2 beaten eggs and ¼ cup matzah meal or flour. Add ½ Tbsp salt and 1 tsp pepper or to your taste. Sit for a few minutes and drain most of the liquid.
Heat 1 inch of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, or around 350 degrees.
Using a Tablespoon or your hands, loosely form latke patties, without wringing out too much liquid or patting down. Fry 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Remove from pan and place on baking sheet with drying rack on top. Sprinkle with salt while still hot.
After all latkes have been fried, put on the broiler of your oven.
Spread each latke with about 2 tsp tomato sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Quickly get them into the broiler. As soon as cheese is melted remove.
Tips: Don’t add too much sauce or cheese or the latkes may get soggy. You can also add toppings like sliced olives, a tiny bit of chopped broccoli or even pepperoni if that’s your cup of tea. Just don’t go overboard.
