Mouthwatering Vegetarian Recipes for a Healthy and Happy Holiday - Baked Potato Latkes

 

Baked Potato Latkes**

No holiday meal would be complete without latkes, or potato pancakes. Of Eastern European origin and traditionally made with eggs, we use ground flax seeds to hold it all together.  There are many variations possible.

Serve with Vegan Sour cream or apple sauce.

Ingredients:

1 large russet potato, peeled and grated (2 cups)

1/4 teaspoon minced yellow onion

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon white spelt flour

1 tablespoon ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, optional

1/4 teaspoon paprika, optional, try smoked

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.  You can speed this process up by using the grater attachment on a food processor for the potatoes.

2. Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of the mixture for each latke on to a very well-oiled baking sheet. Flatten to approximately 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 8 minutes.

3. Flip the pancakes and bake, until golden brown, approximately 8 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 large Latkes

Variations - So many are possible!

Make smaller latkes by using 2 tablespoons, instead of 1/4 cup of the batter in each pancake.

Replace 1 cup grated potato with grated sweet potato or yam.

Add 1 tablespoon of minced fresh dill, parsley, or basil.

Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion.

Add 1 clove pressed or minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon seeded and diced chile pepper.

Add 1/2 cup peeled and grated parsnip or carrot.

Create Italian latkes by adding 1 tablespoon Italian Spice Mix 

Go Mexican by adding 1 tablespoon minced cilantro and 1 teaspoon each of chile powder and cumin.

Add 1/2 cup grated vegan cheese for an over the top latke experience.

For a gluten-free version replace the spelt flour with brown rice flour.

** Recipe excerpted from Taste of Europe.

Holiday Giving

It is not surprise that the Tri-State area was hit hard this year.  Hurricane Sandy has taken people’s homes, small businesses and loved ones.  And not just the east coast is struggling.  There are communities and charities all over the US that looking for help.  As the holiday season quickly approaches are you sticking to your normal holiday party plans?  If so, why not consider inviting your guests to make some type of donation or set up a drive at you festivity for the charity of your choice.

“There are so many charitable organizations in need, especially around the holidays,” states Brett Galley, the Director of Events at Hollywood Pop Gallery (www.hollywoodpop.com), an event/party planning company based in NYC.

Here are some of Brett’s easy ways to get your guests into the giving spirit around the holidays:

·         Tell Your Guests Beforehand: being my mentioning the charity or donation in the party invitation so that guests are aware of the idea, who the organization is and how they can help. 
·         Easy for Everyone: So you don’t make your guests are able to contribute on whatever level they can, create a general area of where the donated items will be gathered – such as toys, canned foods or event coats.
·         Build Awareness: Provide some signage and pamphlets at the event about the charity you are supporting.  This brings awareness to your guest and provides them with more information on how they can help this charity in the future.  This might also inspire them to also do something for this charity in the future
·         Do Them A Favor: It is also nice to give your guests something that represents the charity or keeps the charity on their mind.  Maybe it is something with their logo or their symbol, but this little token is a nice gesture to show how much you appreciate them participating in your cause!
·         Thank You: Like with all gift giving events, a thank you goes a long way.  Especially, if this party is something you hope to do annually, then it is a wise idea to properly thank the supporters with a hand written note.