A little history of Chanukah

Chanukah is glorious in December on the northwestern calendar and Kislev 25 on the Mortal calendar. The celebration lasts for cardinal life, figuration the octad life the oil lamp treated in what is illustrious as "the miracle of the container oil." Syrian-Greeks led by Mogul Antiochus IV Epiphanes seized the Individual tabernacle in 168 B.C.E and prefab compliance of Monotheism a transgression punishable by dying. They also desecrated the temple by dedicating it to Zeus. Patriarch Maccabee
union a excite and saved the tabernacle. Upon reclaiming it, they definite to floodlighted the candelabrum, which was supposed to be blazing without delay. Withal, there was exclusive enough olive oil to head the menorah eat for a day. Miraculously the oil kept the floodlit of lighting a lamp on the candelabra each nighttime during Hanukkah.

potato latkes or pancakes

Chanukah is a joyous festival with gifts, usually of gold coins (these days gold paper covered chocolate coins are also popular), special songs, games and delicious fried foods. Donuts and fritters are common to all Jewish communities while potato latkes or pancakes are an Eastern European tradition.

POTATO LATKES FOR CHANUKAH

6 medium frying potatoes (eg russett burbank), peeled and quartered
1 small brown onion, peeled and quartered
2 eggs
3 tbsp plain flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste.
oil for frying

Using the coarse grating blade in your food processor, grate the potatoes and onion and transfer to a bowl.
Beat the eggs and stir into the potato and onion mix, adding the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
Set aside to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, spooning off any water that is exuded from the potatoes and that will rise to the top.

Heat 2cm of the oil in a heavy frying pan and drop in spoonfuls of the mixture, frying till golden brown on each side. Drain on a rack.
If making the latkes in advance, they may be reheated in a hot oven.