DIY Network

Holiday Party From "Special Presentation" episode DADC-214

Jeanne Benedict prepares a table display for a holiday party blending Christmas and Hanukkah themes.

Q: What tips can you give me for a holiday party that incorporates both Hanukkah and Christmas decorations and food.

A: (from DIY's entertaining expert, Jeanne Benedict) It's a wonderful idea to combine Hanukkah and Christmas into one big, happy party. Here are some basic decorating suggestions, and a serving idea for a traditional Hanukkah dish that works great for any occasion.

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Potato Latkes

Here's a recipe for potato pancakes -- or latkes (figure A) -- made from regular potatoes, as well as sweet potatoes. They're served with several toppings.

• Peel and grate three regular-sized potatoes. We used a food processor to simplify this step.
  
  
• Place the grated potatoes in a mixing bowl and add:

  1/2 cup of grated onion
  1/4 cup of flour
  1 tsp salt
  1 tsp pepper

• Stir these ingredients, then add two beaten eggs (figure B). Continue stirring the mixture.

• Repeat these steps separately to create the same mixture, but substituting sweet potatoes for regular potatoes.

• Once you have both mixtures stirred well, heat some canola or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. For a slightly different flavor, you can use olive oil.

• Carefully place heaping-teaspoon-sized dollops of the potato mixtures into oil (figure C). Use caution, because the hot oil may splatter.

• As the potato pancakes begin to brown, carefully flip them over (figure D) and cook them on the other side until golden brown.

• Note: Since sweet-potatoes contain more sugar, they may brown more quickly.

• Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.

• Offer apple sauce, curried sour cream and chutney as toppings.

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