Dulcet Devotion

One of the things I love about making food is how I find recipes, how I find inspiration. Maybe inspiration finds me, I’m not sure.  What I do know for sure, is that I almost didn’t try these latkes, and that would have been a real shame.

A few weeks ago, a group of my friends were talking excitedly about the approaching holiday season.  We realized that while most people attempt to be politically correct and call this time of year “The Holidays”, regardless of what they celebrate, Christmas traditions often creep in, and are often still considered the norm.  As these friends of mine come from various different places and cultures, and each have their own ways of enjoying this time of year, I decided it was time to start a new tradition: The Hanukkah breakfast!

I know that just making latkes is a long way from understanding a culture different from my own, but learning about and enjoying different foods is always a great way to begin learning about new parts of the world, new ways of thinking.  Opening your mind through your palate sure sounds like fun to me!

So I vaguely remember having latkes as a child, in school, and definitely remember enjoying them, but I had never tried making them myself. Once the planning for our breakfast began, I immediately jumped online to find out how.

Search Google and you will find that latke recipes ABOUND. Rightfully so. Everyone has their own special way of creating this significant Hanukkah treat.  So which one do I try?

Funnily enough, while passing some quiet time today at work, I came across the picture of a stack of latkes on Pinterest  that looked so delicious, I just knew these were the ones.  The recipe comes from a blog called Prudence Pennywise; Scandalously Good Food On a Budget.  They are called Cilantro-Jalapeno Latkes with Chipotle Sour Cream.

Now I haven’t officially tried them yet, so I really can’t comment, but…wait, who am I kidding? Of COURSE I tried them. I couldn’t just serve them untested! And yes, they are AMAZING! I didn’t make the Chipotle Sour Cream as someone else in the group is on sour cream duty, but woah. Warm from the cumin, hot and spicy from the fresh jalapenos, yet bright thanks to the addition of fresh coriander. And fried potatoes, I mean c’mon.  Are they ever bad?

While anything potato-ey is ALWAYS satisfying, it was great to spice up this classic recipe. Talk about the best of both worlds: A tried and true traditional base mixed with exciting, fresh flavours! You have got to try these, no matter what time of year. But hey, why not try them now, during the festival of lights? You’ve got seven more days…