Latkes- Potato Pancakes made my way :-)

Latkes are a traditional German side dish served with applesauce or sour cream and served with Pork (usually). There are several other countries in Europe that have their own variations of Latkes, so please don't be offended if I use my German roots (and what I remember of my Great Grandma's recipe)

For 4 servings (adjust to your needs)

5-6 medium potatoes (russet makes the best ones) peeled and washed
1 medium onion
 2-3 eggs (medium eggs use 3, large or extra large use 2)
1/2 cup or so or flour (you may use only 2 tablespoons of this, it depends on your taste)
salt/pepper to taste or Natures Seasoning
cinnamon and nutmeg to taste (only is served with applesauce)

Shred potatoes -soak each batch in water while you are shredding the remaining potatoes, when all potatoes are shredded store in water until onion is ready.
Shred onion (tip-use chilled onion to avoid tears)
Remove shredded potatoes from water and mix with shredded onion, please mixture on tea towel (or cheesecloth) and roll up and twist out all remaining water/moisture. The more moisture the more flour you will need and the faster the Latkes will brown on outside but remain uncooked on inside)

Beat eggs and seasonings in medium bowl. Add potato/onion mixture and mix well. Add flour a teaspoon at a time until you have a good mixture to make pancakes. The mixture should  be similar to a meatball mixture, not too thick but lumpy and should easily form a ball. Add flour as necessary to make this.

Form balls of about 1.5 inches round and flatten to a thick pancake. Place in hot pan coated with cooking spray or canola oil. The pan MUST be hot before you place the Latkes in or they will not brown properly.

Cook on each side about 5 minutes each- until brown and crispy - they should not be soggy in the middle. Cooked on medium high heat at 5 minutes each side they should come out brown and crispy but firm in the middle, Drain on rack and keep warm in 300 degree oven until ready to served.

These can be served with a variety of toppings including BBQ Kailua pork, veges, turkey, ham, or anything you desire for a great appetizer.

NOTE: you can use leftover mashed potatoes (leave out the wringing out moisture) but use less eggs and finely diced onions, and more flour. Experiment with leftover hash browns or any type of leftover potatoes.