Cheese Latkes with Fruity Toppings – Chanukah 2015

There is nothing I love more than throwing a Chanukah Party! Really any party! 

Latkes of course are always a must at any Chanukah Party – but even though tradition calls for my personal favorite the Potato Latke -I like

to know that there is a Latke that I can make in advance that will keep the swarms happy,  and not busy petchering each other, while they wait for the freshly fried ones.

That is why I always make a batch (or 5) of my Cheese Latkes. They are fantastic when reheated in the oven and they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

You can make a variety of fruity toppings (recipes included below) like I do to keep things interesting and fun – that work for both the cheese and potato version.

Yes Applesauce is traditional but why can’t Mango Chutney be also?

 

Bottom Line  – Chanukah Parties is about eating yummy food and sharing fun and laughter with your family and friends. The miracle that you all will be busy stuffing your face with latkes instead of family drama – well that’s just a bonus! (I’m kidding…my family – I love you all)

 

Happy Chanukah!

Cheese Latkes

 

1 lb. farmer cheese

1 cup flour

½ cup sugar

6 eggs

Pinch of cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

Butter for frying

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the butter. Use a fork or a large wooden spoon to mix until batter is well combined. Do not make the batter too creamy; you should still see pieces of farmer cheese.

 

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add butter to generously coat the bottom of the pan. Fry (what size?) for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until both sides are a nice golden brown. Serve immediately.

 

 

Toppings

 

Maple Apple Walnut Topping

 

Ingredients:

1 apple, chopped

¼ cup walnuts

¼ cup maple syrup 

¼ cup heavy cream 

 

Directions:

Sauté apples in maple syrup until tender. Add walnuts and heavy cream and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

 

 

Macerated Berries

 

Ingredients: 

1 cup blueberries

1 cup strawberries

¾ cup sugar

 

Directions:

Place berries in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar, and stir. Let the berries sit in the sugar, stirring occasionally, until berries are softened and juicy (15 to 20 minutes). 

 

 

Pear Mango Chutney

 

Ingredients:

¼ cup onion

2 tsp olive oil

Pinch chili powder

Salt

Pinch of garlic powder

1 pear, chopped 

1 cup mango, chopped into cubes

 

 Directions:

Hear oil in a saucepan, then add onions and cook until translucent. Add chili powder, garlic, and salt. Add pear and mango, stirring occasionally until fruit is tender (10 to 12 minutes)