"PotatoPancakes" news and stories

Photo: joshbousel Flickr.

Tonight marks the beginning of the Jewish new year -- Rosh Hashana -- and with that, a whole new cycle of holidays and special meals to go with it (in case you need another reason to justify that trip to Whole Foods).

This celebration involves quite a few riffs on the ever-popular salty-sweet flavor pairing. The sweetness in honey, apples, pomegranates and dates are added to many Rosh Hashana dishes and is often offset by the rich, savory taste of brisket or chicken.

It's tradition to begin ringing in Rosh Hashana with sliced apples and honey -- like a toast to a sweet new year. No recipe needed here, just hit up your farmer's market for some tart, crisp apples (try Macoun) and local honey.

Zucchini, Potato and Scallion Pancakes. Photo: Rec(ession)ipes.

As we transition from summer to fall, it's the perfect time to pair prime vegetables from each season.

And these zucchini, potato and scallion pancakes from Rec(ession)ipes beautifully capture the colors of autumn, while sneaking in the last tastes of summer. Pan-fried and topped with a dollop of chive sour cream, a glimpse at these almost makes up for the fact that we'll be seeing a lot less of the sun for a while. Almost.

[Via Rec(ession)ipies]

• It's summer, and that means it's time for a good old-fashioned Nantucket clambake.
• Wolfgang Puck on the 25th anniversary of Spago.
• What is White Tea Liqueur?
• Are vegetarians eating more meat these days?
• What's your food personality?
• Here are the best new California chardonnays.
• This month's recipes: Tarragon Lemonade, Goat Cheese-Garlic Toasts, Grilled Shrimp Summer Rolls, Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, and Dill Cream, Easy Chicken Fajitas, and Espresso-Chocolate Semifreddo.

Another super-tasty Irish dish to enjoy on St Patrick's Day and according to the magazine in which I found it (March issue of Fresh magazine) it is rich in nutrients, folic acid, vitamin c and fibre.

For the Pancakes

• 450g peeled potatoes diced
• 60g plain flour
• 200ml milk

For the Filling

• 225g diced back bacon
• 85g unsalted butter
• 450g Kale or other greens finely shredded

Put the potatoes and flour in a food processor or blender with enough milk to make a batter. Let it rest while preparing the filling.

Dry-fry the bacon, add a third of the butter. Add the kale or veg and a few tablespoons of water. Boil vigorously for five minutes and then drain. Heat the rest of the butter in a frying pan and use about a quarter of the batter mixture to make a slim pancake. Cook until golden brown on the bottom. Top with a quarter of the filling fold over and serve. Should make 4 pancakes.

My only question is - should the potatoes be boiled first?