Monday, December 22, 2025

Latkes

 Just a really good, classic latke. My kids love the book "Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat." And asked if we could try them so we did last year. A once a year treat celebrating Hanukkah. One batch is enough for all 5 of us for dinner. They freeze well. Haven't tried air frying yet. Yes sprinkle the little bit of salt on top or sprinkle your own with a spicy seasoning. I weigh the potatoes and onion. Serve with applesauce and heated frozen peas and chives and sour cream. 

via: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015533-classic-potato-latkes

About 3 dozen
  • 2large Russet potatoes (about 1 pound), scrubbed and cut lengthwise into quarters
  • 1large onion (8 ounces), peeled and cut into quarters
  • 2large eggs
  • ½cup all-purpose flour
  • 1teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1teaspoon baking powder
  • ½teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Safflower or other oil, for frying (we used peanut)
Using a food processor with a coarse grating disc, grate the potatoes and onion. Transfer the mixture to a clean dishtowel and squeeze and wring out as much of the liquid as possible.

Working quickly, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the eggs, flour, salt, baking powder and pepper, and mix until the flour is absorbed.

In a medium heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, pour in about ¼ inch of the oil. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter placed in the pan should sizzle), use a heaping tablespoon to drop the batter into the hot pan, cooking in batches. Use a spatula to flatten and shape the drops into discs. When the edges of the latkes are brown and crispy, about 5 minutes, flip. Cook until the second side is deeply browned, about another 5 minutes. Transfer the latkes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and sprinkle with salt while still warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Cheese Sauce

 We had some pretzel bites and my kids really hate fake cheese. We whipped this up and it's delicious. It also reheats really well. Definitely Beschumel sauce vibes. 

via: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/278141/homemade-cheddar-cheese-sauce/ 

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup whole milk (used 2%)

  • 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (used Colby-jack)

    1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and salt until a paste forms.

    2. Slowly add milk; cook and stir until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add cheese.

    3. Cook and stir until cheese is melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.