Latkes

(Makes 24 servings)

• 6 or 7 large russet potatoes, peeled
• 2 small onions
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3/4 to 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable shortening or oil for frying

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Grate potatoes and onions and place in large bowl (dice and puree them for finer-textured results).

Using paper towels, blot up any liquid they have released. Beat eggs and add to bowl along with salt, pepper, and enough flour to bind mixture.

In large fry pan over medium heat, warm 2 inches of melted shortening or oil to 350°F on deep-frying thermometer. Drop in spoonfuls of batter, 4 or 5 at a time, and cook until latkes are golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.

Using a slotted spatula, transfer the latkes to prepared baking sheet and keep warm in oven while cooking remaining batter.

Serve as soon as the last batch is cooked; latkes will stay crisp for only a few minutes.

Sufganiyot

• 1 package yeast
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• dash of salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons softened butter, cubed
• Seedless jam, jelly, or preserves (strawberry is common)
• powdered sugar for dusting

Prepare yeast mixture: mix yeast, milk, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Let rest until bubbly. Separate eggs while you wait.

Sift flour and combine with remaining sugar (2 tablespoons), cinnamon, salt, egg yolks, butter, and yeast mixture. Add to bread machine.

Run machine on dough setting. Let rise for about 2 hours or in the refrigerator overnight.

Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 12 rounds with a cookie cutter or water glass (about 2 inches in diameter). Let rise an additional 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Heat deep fryer to 325°. Fry doughnuts until brown, about 5 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through to get both sides. Drain on paper towel.

Inject fried doughnuts with jelly using an icing syringe (a turkey baster will do, too). Dust filled doughnuts with powdered sugar.

Serve warm for the biggest smiles!