Sizzling Summer Reads with Sharon Buchbinder

Latkes, in case you don’t know, are potato pancakes, fried in oil. The holiday celebrates the Maccabees (the Hebrew word for “hammer”) victory over the Greeks who wanted the Jews to reject their one G-d and worship pagan gods. When the Jews reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough uncontaminated oil to light the menorah for one night. Instead, the oil lasted for eight nights, a miracle. On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, we light candles to commemorate this miracle. We also cook in oil to remember the special oil in the lamp. Some families make donuts. We make latkes. Everyone’s family has a different recipe. Now I’m seeing recipes for latkes with jalapeno peppers! My mother-in-law, may she rest in peace, would not approve. Herewith, I share with you two of my mother-in-law’s recipes for latkes. Latkes (Serves small army, but remember you want leftovers!) 5 pound bag of white potatoes 2 large sweet onions 1 large container of egg substitute Black pepper Olive oil for cooking (lots—don’t skimp or the latkes will stick!) Sour cream Applesauce Using food processor or hand grater, grate onions and set aside in large bowl. (You will cry.) Drain onions and…