Title – Cooking Latkes

By – Heather Black

Primary Subject – Social Studies

Secondary Subjects – Science, Language Arts

Grade Level – 3-5

Materials:

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes

by Linda Glaser, Latke recipe (and ingredients for Latke recipe – see below), hot plate, large bowl, large non-stick skillet, spatula

Lesson

1. Before reading the book, ask your students if any of them know what Latkes are. Give students time to guess or explain.

2. Read the story

The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes

by Linda Glaser to the students.

3. Explain to the students that they are going to be making Latkes of their own today.

4. Begin cooking lesson by giving everyone a copy of the Latke recipe. (see below)

5. Assign tasks to everyone (4 people peel potatoes, onions, 4 people grate the potatoes, etc…)

6. Follow the recipe and go over safety issues before allowing students to actually fry the Latkes.

7. When Latkes are finished, enjoy your treat.

4 russet potatoes, peeled

1 large onion, peeled

3 tbsp. snipped fresh chives

Coarse (kosher) salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 to 1/2 c. vegetable oil, or more if necessary

Apple Sauce

Coarsely grate potatoes and onion into a large bowl. (Work quickly so the potatoes don’t discolor). The potatoes will give off a starchy liquid, but do not drain them. Add the chives, season to taste with salt and pepper and mix well.

Working with a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 to 4 tablespoons of the oil over a medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture for each latke and cook pressing down with a spatula, until gold brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towel. Add oil to skillet as necessary. Serve hot with applesauce.

I have used this lesson often with my classes ranging from 3rd to 5th grade. They always enjoy hands-on cooking. They like the treat, too.

E-Mail

Heather Black

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