Happy Hanukkah from John R. Wood Properties!

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins tonight, Tuesday, December 12 and ends on Wednesday, December 20, and John R. Wood wants to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah! As with many holidays, food is an integral part of the celebration; and the potato pancake, or Latke, is eaten during Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the burning lamp. Following is a recipe for the perfect crunchy Latke: 3 pounds large shredded russet potatoes (4-6) 1 medium Vidalia, yellow, or brown onions (about 2) 2 large eggs 1/4 cup fine plain dried breadcrumbs 3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons (or more) schmaltz (chicken fat; optional) 2-4 tablespoons (or more) vegetable oil Applesauce Sour cream The trick is to make sure to squeeze as much moisture out of the potatoes as possible with a paper towel. You'll have to repeat the process a few times, but the drier the potatoes, the crunchier the Latke. Use your hands to mix it all together, fry 'em up in schmaltz, and top them with sour cream and applesauce. BON APPÉTIT and HAPPY HANUKKAH from the family of John R. Wood Properties!