Sunday, October 18, 2009

Foods of Durham Past: Latkes

Much like pumpkin seeds, latkes are somewhat of a family tradition at the Durham home on Halloween. I remember the first time Mom made them when we were in Sandy. I liked to watch her make new things. Little did I know, these weren't new.

As Mom just informed me in her comment on my previous post, latkes were a Halloween tradition way back when we lived in Orem. Apparently they were a bribe to get my dad to take us little kiddies trick or treating. I guess he really liked them, and she didn't like to make them enough to make them often enough for him. So they were a good bribe. So the bribe continued for several years while we were in Sandy.

(Random memory: I remember these frying while we prepared to go trick or treating. We were watching a repeat of Highway to Heaven (what was that show about?) And then Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman was on later. That's all).

So what are latkes? They're a Jewish potato pancake. What makes them different than hashbrowns? Well, the shredded potatoes are mixed with eggs and minced onion. They are served with sour cream and applesauce. I love them. I made them last year for a Halloween party we had here at our house on Apricot. Maybe you came. Maybe you didn't. Maybe you remember. Maybe you don't. That's OK. I guess.

I would eat them again, I will make them again (wish I could use these as a bribe for something) and I will feed them to friends.

7 comments:

Lisa Marie Trent said...

blech.

SRA said...

I came and I remember. Delicious stuff. My fam are big latke fants too.

Nasher said...

I am pretty sure I would accept those as a bribe for something.

Laura Lee said...

Pete, I was going to invite you over, bribe free, but then thought, "Nah, Pete doesn't come out of his Saturday night routine."

So I didn't.

Carter said...

Kelly, I'll take the kids trick-or-treating every year if you promise to NOT make these.

Unknown said...

interesting comments from the Durham offspring. Actually, I'm a fan. Must be a generational thing.

Carter said...

they'd make these a lot in Poland. When I walked into an investigator's house and smelled them cooking, I knew I was in for a long night. I had to mentally prepare myself to politely consume these things.