Thanksgiving 2018 - Latkes

So the 2018 meal was a success....and I didn't kill myself trying out ten new recipes. I did make way more than we needed, but it was more of a gourmet type meal which I always enjoy....a little deviation from the norm, but reminiscent of the flavors of the season. The one new thing I made this year was latkes. I figured we have all had enough mashed potatoes....A little potato crunch on the side could be nice....When looking into the history of latkes this is what I found:

Although many Americans associate potato pancakes with Hanukkah, they have more broad origins. They originated in the eastern European countries of Germany Austria, Russia and Poland as a peasant food. Potatoes were cheap, plentiful and easy to store, making them a staple and necessitating inventive potato recipes.

Of course I would like it. I am a sucker for comfort food. Mac and Cheese, Pasta Fagioli, Spaghetti....all cultures have a go to peasant food. Latkes is another great one to embrace. The beauty of these is that you can make them ahead of time and pop them in the freezer and pull them out as you need them. Another plus when you have a million other things to fix. Crispy on the outside, creamy in the center. For peasant food it surprises me how specific you must get with the cooking instructions to keep them crispy, but done according to Cook's Illustrated's instructions they are delicious (and messy to make!). Another wonderful holiday and no other pictures to show of the food....Oh well, it disappears too fast! Bon appetit!

(Served alongside Avacado Dip, Herbed Roast Turkey and Gravy, Farro Succotash, Red Island Sea Peas, Arugula Salad with Oranges, Feta and Sugared Pistachios, Pureed Butternut Squash, Simple Cranberry Sauce, Bread Stuffing with Sage and Thyme, Pumpkin Rolls, Pumpkin Pie and Apple Crisp). 

Recipes for latkes and other recipes found below:

https://www.freep.com/story/life/food/recipes/2015/07/30/healthy-table-avocado-dip-nutrition/30901523/

http://www.saltandserenity.com/tag/cooks-illustrated-potato-latkes/

http://dinnerfordudes.blogspot.com/2017/11/herbed-roast-turkey-and-turkey-gravy.html

http://dinnerfordudes.blogspot.com/2017/12/christmas-2017-herb-crusted-beef.html

http://dinnerfordudes.blogspot.com/2016/02/snowy-night-and-turkey-chili-with.html

http://dinnerfordudes.blogspot.com/2016/10/succotash-with-farro-piccolo-la-anson.html

http://ansonmills.com/recipes/454

Brown Rice and Adzuki Bean Bowl

Made this little number tonight and it was delicious. Everything was so fresh and the Asian miso dressing was divine. I love adzuki beans and am always looking for new ways to use them. I loved the colors, the crunches and the healthy way I felt after eating this meal. Bon appetit!
The author's pictures certainly do it justice!!!!!

https://www.loveandlemons.com/brown-rice-and-adzuki-bean-bowls/