[Sca-cooks] Latkes was Probably OOP but just wondering.

[johnna holloway]

Joan Nathan was on NPR last week making and talking
about latkes. She pointed out that what is important
is the association of the "oil" with Hanukkah foods.
In her book Jewish Cooking in America, she quotes
Professor Dov Noy who says that the original "latkes
were fritters made most probabaly from buckwheat groats."

So think about buckwheat groats and not potatoes.

Johnna Holloway  Johnnae llyn Lewis

Of course, latkes made from matzoh meal and no potatoes aren't half
bad, either, and could have been made in period by Jews living
anywhere. Of course, that in itself is not proof that they did.
Adamantius
..................................................
Terry Decker wrote:>
> You can grow potatoes just about anywhere, so I would guess they could be
> grown in Jerusalem.  Unfortunately, both white and sweet potatoes are New
> World, as is chocolate.  Sweet potatoes were in general use late in period,
> white potatoes were generally neglected and chocolate didn't get into
> widespread use until the 17th Century. Bear
--------------------------------
snipped..... Would latkas be somewhat period? Would (or could)
> >potatoes be grown in Jerusalem? Did Muslims use chocolate back in the Middle Ages?
Misha