Oy Channukah!

I've been wandering around somewhere between heaven and hell this holiday season. Hell is having every tooth jerked out of my lower jaw. Though I rather enjoyed valiantly (and of course, obviously) enduring the subsequent bruising, inflammation and starvation---though not enough to EVER go through this again!

Heaven has been celebrating Channukah with my family. My spirits soared when the kiddies all came home (bringing me presents!) for the festivities. Even though I couldn't chew I made some outstanding latkes for the crowd. I managed to suck and gum a few morsels and I must say I've never made easier or better potato pancakes. Here's what I did:

1. Bought and whipped up (according to box recipe) 3 packages of potato pancake mix. I used Streit's this year but any brand---including the gourmet German kind, will do. I already hear shrieks from latke purists out there. Tough noogies.

2. Bought two 16 oz packages of fresh (in the refrigerated veggie section) any flavor grated hash brown potatoes. Forget the box grater or food processor. Dumped both bags in the prepared potato pancake mix. Stirred the goop together.

3. Plopped big spoonfuls on cookie sheets lightly greased with peanut oil. Baked 'em at 350 degrees for about 40-45 minutes then put them on paper towels when they were done.

4. Briefly fried them at high heat in a bit of peanut oil in my big heavy frying pan. Voila! Quick, neat and healthy. Slathered them with homemade applesauce and low fat sour cream. Served the eager and appreciative eaters!

So here's Lucy sending you all so much love and very best wishes for the holiday season---however you choose to celebrate. I wanted to post a picture of Channukah candle lighting but the shot of my sleepy great-granddaughter Lily Ana is too precious to pass up. (Haven't we all seen little ones worn out by having just too much fun? Such memories.)

Have a safe and happy holiday!