Food | Local | Recipes

A local, kid-friendly latke-making Zoom class, plus latke variations from around the web

This year is all about comfort food and with Hanukkah on the horizon, there’s no better indulgence than golden, crispy latkes (potato pancakes).

For tips on how to make this holiday staple, local cooking school Flying Aprons Tucson is holding a “Celebrating Hanukkah — Latkes and Applesauce” class on Zoom on Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-2 p.m.

Chef Devon Sanner, who was most recently executive chef at The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, will lead the kid-friendly class. The cost is $40 per household.

Sanner told the AJP he got his first taste of latkes growing up in Tucson, eating them at friends’ homes. He honed his latke-making skills working with Chef Janos Wilder for 15 years, including preparing latke samples for Wilder’s sister-in-law’s class at Lineweaver Elementary School.

Sanner expects his 6-year-old daughter Ariane, a big latke fan, to join him for the Dec. 6 class.

Flying Aprons notes that this is a cook along class. Participants will receive an email with recipes and class details in advance.  Some time-consuming steps may need to be prepared in advance.

Register here. For questions: (520) 261-1996 or flyingapronstucson@gmail.com.

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For more latke recipes and tips, check out these links:

The Kitchn.com promises the simplest method for classic potato pancakes. Their secret? Use both oil and schmaltz (chicken fat).

Epicurious serves up 17 latke recipes, from classic to variations that include Yukon Gold and Jerusalem Artichoke Latkes and Sweet Potato and Sage Latkes.

The Nosher offers a classic latke recipe with a how-to video and a bunch of topping ideas, including pulled brisket. For 2020 The Nosher is taking it one step further with a latke hotline, where you can text questions to editor Shannon Sarna.

The Nosher also has oodles of latke variations, including decadent Grilled Cheese Latkes and Indian Spiced Cauliflower Latkes with Cilantro Chutney.

Hanukkah desserts

For those who prefer sweet Hanukkah treats, The Nosher presents Moroccan Sfenj Donuts. Served with powdered sugar or honey, they are easier to make than a yeasted sufganiyot (Israeli donut) dough.

Food Network keeps it simple with Orange Sugar Fried Donut Holes, using refrigerated biscuit dough.

Ready to tackle a yeast dough? Bon Appétit has a recipe for strawberry-jelly filled sufganiyot, plus options for chocolate or vanilla cream fillings.

The Flying Aprons class is one of many events you can check out now on the Jewish Federation Community Calendar. Sign up for the Southern Arizona Jewish Community Events Newsflash to receive weekly updates direct to your inbox.