Latkeys

In a sidebar of the 'nomicon latke recipes, Isa and Terry write that in Brooklyn, they call them "lat-kuhs," but in "other parts of the country" they call them "lat-keys." My mom and dad pronounce it that way and they're from the Bronx!

I was invited to a channukah party by my friend Sara, who is not jewish but teaches at a jewish school and seemingly collects a lot of jewish friends, which is certainly a feat when you're living in the state of Oregon. I've never made latkes from scratch personally (though that's the way my family always did it), opting for the easy way and using a mix, though I always knew that freshly grated tubers was the way to go. But I've often been intrigued by sweet potato latkes and other variations on the regular ol' potato latke, and I thought this party was as good an opportunity as any to try my hand at making my own.

For those who don't have Veganomicon right in front of you (huh?), the "Autumn Latkes" recipe foregoes the regular for sweet potatoes, carrot, and beet! The recipe suggested using a food processor to grate all the vegetables, but I couldn't find my grating attachment. And besides, it felt all nice and traditional to grate them by hand. They make quite a stunning (and staining) combination. You should see my hands!


The party ended up being pretty fun. It was neato to light candles with so many people, even though I rarely light candles anymore. I didn't get to eat beforehand so I ended up eating quite a nice portion of the latkes I brought, plus the vegan ones someone in an herbivore sweatshirt brought later! With applesauce and "better than sourcream," too! And cookies! What a dinner!! I feel like a giant potato right now. And of course I'll be pooping pink tomorrow.