Potato Latkes ala Ruth

For dinner, as promised, I made Ruth's Potato Latkes. This must be one from her grandmother because it is time consuming. I can't even imagine making these without the use of a cuisinart! I had the darndest time with mine this evening. It's getting up there in years, bought it before I was married. Things are starting to break off the top piece, giggle. Anyway, after cursing it a few times and "tinkering" with it (got that from my dad--he tinkered with everything), I finally got it to finish my potatoes. Like I said, I can't even imagine grating them by hand. It was bad enough having to peel them by hand--grin.

Again the recipe was very good. Don't think I would take the time to make them for my kids again though. They would be excellent for a get-together, say a brunch or something. Also would be good served with sour cream, which I didn't have. Tonight, I served them as a side to kielbasa. Everyone really enjoyed them.

I did learn a few things about grated potatoes. They turn red if you let them sit out (you know, while you work on your cuisinart). Is that the starch? I'll have to ask Ruth. Of course, Ruth had a notation on the side of the recipe to soak them in water while you're grating more (or doing repair work). I also learned there is a lot of moisture in those potatoes, duh. I know I've grated potatoes before, but maybe because I was side tracked for a rather large bit of time, the moisture was able to pool at the bottom of the bowl. At any rate, make sure you squeeze the moisture out and get rid of it all before you use them for latkes. Again, all in Ruth's notes--if I'd only read it more closely. I think Ruth's cookbook will be wonderful if these two recipes are like her many others.

Ruth says she's still looking for "recipe testers." So, if you're interested in trying out some new recipes and helping a cook-in-need, go to her blog above. I'm sure she'd appreciate it and it's fun to try new things too!