NTERTAINING Latkes If you're making latkes ahead of time, remember to cook them completely through before storing. Undercooked latkes can turn gray if not cooked thoroughly. 1 medium onion 4 large baking (Idaho or russet) potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled or unpeeled 2 large eggs 1/4 cup flour (or matzo cake meal) 1 tsp. salt Vegetable oil for frying Preheat oven to 225E Line a baking sheet with several layers of paper towel. In a food processor fitted with a shredding attachment (or with an old-fash- ioned box grater), grate the onion (keep the onion in the bowl of the food processor). Grate the potatoes and transfer the potatoes and onion to a large bowl. Add the eggs, flour and salt and stir together well. Immediately heat about 1/4-inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Using two spoons facing each other, scoop up some potato mixture and transfer to the hot oil. Flatten and shape the latke with the tips of the spoons (again, work quickly). Add more latkes to the pan (do not crowd the pan). Cook the latkes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden. Transfer the finished latkes to the paper towel-lined pan to drain or to keep warm. Place the pan (with the paper towel) in the oven to keep the latkes warm. Serve with sour cream and applesauce. Makes about 12-16 latkes. The Good Stuff Food, of course, is an essential part of any Jewish holiday and oil is the star of Chanukah. Latkes and sufganivot (puffy sweet doughnuts) are the standard. If you have access to cookware, we've got a fail-safe latke recipe (or see sidebar on page 29 for the best latkes to buy on vacation). And if you can't make your own deep-fried sufganiyot, buy some beignets, doughnuts or "holes" (above). If all else fails: ThinWrench fries! foods, especially cheese, play play a role during Chanukah. And kugel, like ours made with rice and sour cream, goes with everything. An enormous baked apple pancake (incorporating the Chanukah tradition of apples) satisfies as an entree or dessert (see previous page for recipes). Cream cheese-dough galach are easier than most to make and keep unfrozen for to two weeks. And don't forget the saganaki. (See next for cheese-based recipes.) ER 20