Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

This recipe is from AllRecipes.com, with very few changes.

NOTES:

1. Jeanne likes her latkes smaller and thinner.  They are very filling.

2. These are great when there are lots of leftover mashed potatoes.

3. Serve with apple sauce, sour cream, and/or pot roast (if pork isn't an option).

4. Liz followed the advice of a comment on the original recipe, regarding the ratio of mashed potatoes to flour.

5. If there is no hot sauce (eg Tabasco), use 2 pinches (1/8 tsp) of cayenne.  Liz used 1 pinch and it wasn't enough the first time she made these.

6. Don't use spray oil to fry the latkes.  And be prepared to add more butter to the griddle (or skillet) as you make the pancakes.

7. Plan to prep a few things ahead of time: make the bacon; chop the onion and celery; shred the cheese; measure out the dry ingredients.

8. Plan on both a skillet for the bacon and sautéed vegetables; and a griddle for the latkes.

9. Liz liked making the latke patties with her hands. Otherwise, a heaping rounded tablespoon (not a measuring tablespoon) might be enough for a thin, sizeable latke.


INGREDIENTS:

3 slices bacon
2 Tbl butter
1 small onion
1 stalk celery
1-2 small cloves of garlic
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1/4 tsp yellow mustard
1/8 tsp ground pepper
1 dash hot sauce
Vegetable oil

Salt (depending on the saltiness of the mashed potatoes)


PREPARATION:

1.  In a small bowl, combine the flour and pepper.  Set aside.

2.  Fry the bacon.  When done, keep the bacon fat in the skillet; crumble the cooked bacon and reserve it.

3. While the bacon is cooking, mince the onion, celery, and garlic.  Combine and set aside.

4. Also while the bacon is cooking, lightly beat the egg and reserve it.

5. When the bacon is done, remove it, crumble it, and add butter to skillet.

6. Add celery, onion, and garlic and sautee until brown and tender, about 10-15 min.

7. Place sauteed vegetables in a large bowl, leaving behind as much oil as possible.  

8. Add the bacon crumbles and (salted) mashed potatoes to the vegetables.

9. Add the cheese, flour mixture, mustard, hot sauce/cayenne, and egg, stirring until combined and there is an even consistency, almost like a dough.

10. Place a few tablespoons of oil, with a tablespoon of butter, on the griddle until hot.  Then either form a latke patty with your hands or use a heaping rounded tablespoon, drop it on the griddle, and flatten it with a spatula.

11. Flip when they are a deep golden brown.  Serve with apple sauce, sour cream, etc.