Each year, one of my most beloved Jews hosts a Hanukkah latke party
for all his friends, goys included, serving his fried potato pancakes
with the traditional toppings of sour cream and apple sauce. His method
of latke preparation has varied from year to year—homemade,
frozen, from a box—with varying degrees of success and tastiness.
I was horrified the year he told me that he planned to serve his guests
frozen latkes and admonished him accordingly. After a few flawed
attempts at making these ostensibly easy fried treats myself, I’ve had
to eat my words.
After reading Jewish-food maven Joan Nathan’s article on the beauty
of the simple, traditional latke in the latest Saveur (along
with her straightforward, confidence-inspiring recipe), I have decided
to give latke frying another go this year. If I falter, I have a backup
plan.
On Friday, December 7, Temple De Hirsch Sinai will host a
free community latke dinner and Hanukkah celebration. Dinner will
feature a spread of latkes, salmon, and blintz loaf. Best of all, there
will be live klezmer music to encourage lively and passionate latke
consumption.
On Saturday, December 8, the University Friends
Center will host their own Hanukkah party, featuring latkes and a
holiday sing-a-long in a “secular setting.” Let’s hope that secular
latkes prove no less tasty than their very spiritual counterparts.
Temple De Hirsch Sinai Latke Dinner
Fri Dec 7, Jaffe Auditorium, 1520 E Union St, 323-8486, 6 pm,
free.
Secular Hanukkah Party
Sat Dec 8, University Friends Center, 4001 Ninth Ave NE, 528-1944,
5:30–8 pm, free.
