Purchased too many Thanksgiving sweet potatoes? Turn them into a Hanukkah treat with Sweet Potato Casserole Latkes! Though these are so tasty, you may want to buy extra just for the occasion.
Some may remember 2013 as the year that introduced us to selfies and Candy Crush. But for me, it was especially notable for the convergence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah aka Thanksgivukkah!
I’ll explain. Due to the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars following different lengths, the dates we celebrate Hanukkah change every year. Sometimes the Festival of Lights falls close to Christmas, but other years it starts in late November. In 2013, the two holidays overlapped for the first time since the late 1800s and for the last time until 2070 (!!)
Because of the rarity, we knew that we had to go big. There was an inflatable dreidel in the Macy’s Day Parade, a turkey-shaped menorah and tons of mash-up food, like challah stuffing and pumpkin pie–filled blintzes. And, because Hanukkah is all about miracles, we actually have a chance to celebrate Thanksgivukkah again. This year, Hanukkah starts just three days after Thanksgiving. While it’s not exactly an overlap, it is a beautiful excuse to use your Thanksgiving leftovers for your Hanukkah celebration.
When I first brainstormed new recipes for this year, I dreamt long and hard of a Hanukkah-inspired turducken (still not exactly sure how this would work out) or pecan pie-stuffed Hanukkah sufganiyot doughnuts. But then I asked myself, “Who doesn’t love sweet potatoes?” They are essential to both holidays and delicious when smashed, roasted and, of course, fried. Plus, you can easily purchase too many and might be wondering what to do with them. That’s why I decided to combine the best of both holidays with Sweet Potato Casserole Latkes.
Marshmallows on sweet potatoes are as divisive as toasting a bagel. Some fault the tradition with being a marshmallow marketing campaign (true story) or with trying to turn a side dish into a dessert (my sweet tooth would never complain). But, at the end of the day, sweet potato casserole is a tradition that people find delicious and comforting, and that is exactly what a Thanksgiving and Hanukkah recipe should be.
Get the recipe for Sweet Potatoes Casserole Latkes over on Food Network!
