Christmas [3] 24 hours of family & food

Christmas Eve

sisters hard at work in the kitchen, before the Nisen's annual eve party

prom night photo

Before leaving the house, I took my own advise from the "holiday survival guide" blog, and pre-gamed with some grilled chicken (I was uncontrollably starving and probably would have over loaded on apps). The pre-game totally worked! Once I arrived my belly was satisfied, and I nibbled on some shrimp and peppers to hold me over till dinner. 

Christmas Morning

a 24 year old tradition- the morning PJ photo

our once a year church stop

the little girl sitting in front of us was convinced that baby Jesus was up in that vent. "Mommy, baby Jesus is up there, I've seen him."

our first afternoon gift giving...it was perfect.

Flippin' LATKES!!

Latkes (AKA- potato pancakes) are my absolute favorite part of Hanukkah! Well besides all my family being home for the break of course!

These little fried treats are a great appetizer to any meal over the holidays…

Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

-       4 large potatoes

-       ½ onion

-       2 eggs

-       1 teaspoon salt

-       1 teaspoon spike (seasoning)

-       ½ teaspoon baking powder

-       2 tablespoons flour

-       Canola oil

Shred/ grate potatoes, using shredding blade or food processor or by hand; place in a bowl. Shred or finely chop onion. Add to potatoes. Add eggs, salt, baking powder, and flower; mix well.

In a large skillet, heat ½ inch oil over high heat. Using a slotted spoon, place about 2 tablespoons of batter into hot oil for each pancake. Do not crowd pancake in pan.

Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon and fry pancakes until golden on both sides, turning once. After frying place the latkes on a plate with a paper towel to drain the oil.

 Let cool for 3-5 minutes, then top with apple sauce, sour cream and cinnamon sugar…ENJOY!!!