SqueakyChu Continues Puzzling in 2025 - 4th Quarter
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2025
Join LibraryThing to post.
1SqueakyChu
(continued from here)
Hi Folks!
Welcome to my thread. I'm still reading and puzzling.
My name is Madeline. I'm in my late 70s, married, with three grown children, and two grandchildren, ages twelve and seven. I'm a retired nurse, but now I sort of live the life of a librarian as I have a very active Little Free Library on our front lawn (built by my husband), am an avid BookCrosser, am a devoted fan of LibraryThing, and am the creator of the TIOLI challenge which has been on LT's 75 Books Challenges for many years now.
My favorite reads are literary fiction, particularly contemporary Japanese novels and memoirs. I never know what I will read in the future as...if a book I want to read is on a list...for sure, I'll never read it. Stick around and see what I will read...at random, of course. :D
Pages Read YTD: 5,321
Pages Read per Day: steady at 16
Books in my To Read Pile: steady at 347
BookCrossing Books to be Released: decreased to 1,585
Hi Folks!
Welcome to my thread. I'm still reading and puzzling.
My name is Madeline. I'm in my late 70s, married, with three grown children, and two grandchildren, ages twelve and seven. I'm a retired nurse, but now I sort of live the life of a librarian as I have a very active Little Free Library on our front lawn (built by my husband), am an avid BookCrosser, am a devoted fan of LibraryThing, and am the creator of the TIOLI challenge which has been on LT's 75 Books Challenges for many years now.
My favorite reads are literary fiction, particularly contemporary Japanese novels and memoirs. I never know what I will read in the future as...if a book I want to read is on a list...for sure, I'll never read it. Stick around and see what I will read...at random, of course. :D
Pages Read YTD: 5,321
Pages Read per Day: steady at 16
Books in my To Read Pile: steady at 347
BookCrossing Books to be Released: decreased to 1,585
2SqueakyChu
OCTOBER
Biking in Tuscany by Anatolian (made in Turkey) - 1,000 pieces
BOOKISH EVENTS:
1. Bookcrossing meetup in Virginia - I missed this one; alternate weekend plans.
COMPLETED:
21. Hostage - Eli Sharabi - TIOLI #5: Read a book whose title implies a scary or disturbing read - 195 pages
Biking in Tuscany by Anatolian (made in Turkey) - 1,000 pieces
BOOKISH EVENTS:
1. Bookcrossing meetup in Virginia - I missed this one; alternate weekend plans.
COMPLETED:
21. Hostage - Eli Sharabi - TIOLI #5: Read a book whose title implies a scary or disturbing read - 195 pages
3SqueakyChu
NOVEMBER
Autumn Walk by New York City Puzzle Company - 1,000 pieces
BOOKISH EVENTS:
1. BookCrossing meetup in Maryland - We met at La Madeleine in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
COMPLETED:
22. Goblin Mode by Caroline Hagood - TIOLI #18: Read a book with a 2 or 3 word title: either 2 of the words don't go together well, or two images on the cover conflict - 170 pages
23. כשנוסעים לארץ אחרת/While Traveling Abroad - Hagit Benziman - TIOLI #13: Read a book by a Jewish author - 44 pages
24. Hello Wife - Lisa K. Friedman - TIOLI #14: Read a book whose cover is predominantly a Thanksgiving color (red) - 251 pages
Autumn Walk by New York City Puzzle Company - 1,000 pieces
BOOKISH EVENTS:
1. BookCrossing meetup in Maryland - We met at La Madeleine in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
COMPLETED:
22. Goblin Mode by Caroline Hagood - TIOLI #18: Read a book with a 2 or 3 word title: either 2 of the words don't go together well, or two images on the cover conflict - 170 pages
23. כשנוסעים לארץ אחרת/While Traveling Abroad - Hagit Benziman - TIOLI #13: Read a book by a Jewish author - 44 pages
24. Hello Wife - Lisa K. Friedman - TIOLI #14: Read a book whose cover is predominantly a Thanksgiving color (red) - 251 pages
4SqueakyChu
DECEMBER
Puzzling Cats by Eurographics - 1,000 pieces
BOOKISH EVENTS:
1. Annual BookCrossing holiday party - I'll have to miss this one this year. :(
COMPLETED:
None :(
Puzzling Cats by Eurographics - 1,000 pieces
BOOKISH EVENTS:
1. Annual BookCrossing holiday party - I'll have to miss this one this year. :(
COMPLETED:
None :(
5SqueakyChu
If you're wondering, yes I have completed the puzzles pictured above. I rent puzzles from CompletingThePuzzle.com. I buy used puzzles at my local Friends of the Library used bookstore. I swap puzzles at the MoCo Puzzle Swap (newly discovered this year...and what a treasure it is!). :D
A more complete listing of puzzles I've completed is on Instagram where my screen name is SqueakyChusssssss. :D I also post pictures of my puzzles on Reddit (r/Jigsawpuzzles) where my screen name is SqueakyChu.
From here forward, this thread will be concentrating more on books! LOL!
A more complete listing of puzzles I've completed is on Instagram where my screen name is SqueakyChusssssss. :D I also post pictures of my puzzles on Reddit (r/Jigsawpuzzles) where my screen name is SqueakyChu.
From here forward, this thread will be concentrating more on books! LOL!
6figsfromthistle
Happy new thread!
8SqueakyChu
>6 figsfromthistle: >7 atozgrl: Thank you, Anita and Irene!
9PaulCranswick
Happy 4th Q thread, Madeline!
Very impressive finished puzzles in your opening posts.
Very impressive finished puzzles in your opening posts.
10SqueakyChu
>9 PaulCranswick: Thank you so much, Paul. I’ve been using puzzling pretty much like others use meditation. It temporarily keeps my mind off of troubling things happening in the U.S. and in Israel (where most of my family and some of my dearest friends live).
11PaulCranswick
>10 SqueakyChu: Yes these are troubling times, Madeline for sure. The level of bigotry, prejudice and hatred I read, especially of a hugely ill-informed anti-semitic nature, makes me extremely saddened and fearful for humankind.
12elorin
>4 SqueakyChu: Happy New Thread! I love this puzzle!
13SqueakyChu
>12 elorin: Thank you so much, Robyn! It was great fun to do.
14SqueakyChu
21. Hostage - Eli Sharabi
-------------------------------------
TIOLI #5: Read a book whose title implies a scary or disturbing read
-----------------------------------
Heartbreaking and painful to read, Eli Sharabi’s account of his life after being taken hostage from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel, is important documentation to what happened to himself and others who were kidnapped on 7 October, 2023, by Hamas and taken into Gaza. It reminded me of reading similar devastating works by Elie Wiesel and others about surviving the Holocaust. It made me realize once again just how brutal some people can be to others. Where is our collective humanity?
The only relief I felt in reading this book (which I asked my local library to order…and they did so) was knowing ahead of time that the author survived, although he lost his wife, two teenage daughters and his brother at the hands of Hamas terrorists.
Sharabi’s story is mesmerizing in a dreadful kind of way. It is a memoir that should be read by everyone if only to figure out what is wrong with this world so we can correct it — a concept called tikkun olam (repairing the world) in Judaism. There is no easy way to read it because it is grim. However, to read it is to support those who suffered innocently and survived as well as to offer blessing to those who did not survive. It is a brutal read, but the writing is beautiful and deeply moving. Most of all, I found Sharabi’s words and outlook on life itself deeply inspirational.
Rating - 5
Hope is never something that comes easily. It's always something you've got to fight for, to work on…To search for something good. To stay optimistic. To win.
-------------------------------------
TIOLI #5: Read a book whose title implies a scary or disturbing read
-----------------------------------
Heartbreaking and painful to read, Eli Sharabi’s account of his life after being taken hostage from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel, is important documentation to what happened to himself and others who were kidnapped on 7 October, 2023, by Hamas and taken into Gaza. It reminded me of reading similar devastating works by Elie Wiesel and others about surviving the Holocaust. It made me realize once again just how brutal some people can be to others. Where is our collective humanity?
The only relief I felt in reading this book (which I asked my local library to order…and they did so) was knowing ahead of time that the author survived, although he lost his wife, two teenage daughters and his brother at the hands of Hamas terrorists.
Sharabi’s story is mesmerizing in a dreadful kind of way. It is a memoir that should be read by everyone if only to figure out what is wrong with this world so we can correct it — a concept called tikkun olam (repairing the world) in Judaism. There is no easy way to read it because it is grim. However, to read it is to support those who suffered innocently and survived as well as to offer blessing to those who did not survive. It is a brutal read, but the writing is beautiful and deeply moving. Most of all, I found Sharabi’s words and outlook on life itself deeply inspirational.
Rating - 5
Hope is never something that comes easily. It's always something you've got to fight for, to work on…To search for something good. To stay optimistic. To win.
15PaulCranswick
>14 SqueakyChu: That book is very much on my hitlist, Madeline and I read an article about him in a British newspaper that was both extremely moving as well as inspiring.
In the face of a rampant Islamist lobby the events of 7 October are already being downplayed and whilst I grieve for innocent loss of life on both sides this attack and the hatefulness of the deliberate murdering of civilisations bears no resemblance to the deaths of civilians caught in the path of Israel's response.
It is important that these documents help us to remember what the world is really up against and I have no time for those who support Hamas in the West - they are dangerous fools.
In the face of a rampant Islamist lobby the events of 7 October are already being downplayed and whilst I grieve for innocent loss of life on both sides this attack and the hatefulness of the deliberate murdering of civilisations bears no resemblance to the deaths of civilians caught in the path of Israel's response.
It is important that these documents help us to remember what the world is really up against and I have no time for those who support Hamas in the West - they are dangerous fools.
16SqueakyChu
>15 PaulCranswick: Paul, this is a terrible psychological time for me who once worked as a volunteer nurse in Be’er Sheva and Jerusalem with all kinds of people from many cultures. Each was a piece of a cultural mosaic that never makes international news. The whole year I was there was a time of peace (maybe naïveté) and joy. The family and friends I made that year have been important to me for fifty years now. I still can’t fully comprehend 7 October.
Sharabi’s book is amazing, though harrowing. Eli Sharabi has worked his way into my heart and soul…much the way Elie Wiesel did after reading that author’s books about the Holocaust.
Sharabi’s book is amazing, though harrowing. Eli Sharabi has worked his way into my heart and soul…much the way Elie Wiesel did after reading that author’s books about the Holocaust.
17jessibud2
Thank you for that review, Madeline. I think I saw Sharabi interviewed not long ago. CBS Sunday Morning? Maybe. I am amazed that he has written of this so soon. Maybe that is part of his healing. I hope so.
I will read it at some point.
I will read it at some point.
18SqueakyChu
>17 jessibud2: I think it was really good of Sharabi to write that book right away, Shelley. People need to read it (and I mean everyone!) to know what really happened to the hostages in Gaza. I admire Sharabi's desire to share his story with others. His strong desire to survive really shone through in the book. The book is amazing in so many ways. Do read it.
19PaulCranswick
>16 SqueakyChu: I have a very profound and respectful regard for the Jewish peoples, Madeline, as I think is fairly obvious and I am deeply saddened that they are the ones demonized even when they are attacked. The neighbours of Israel could have done much more to remove the blight that is groups like Hamas and Hezbollah but I think they are secretly satisfied by the terror and the destabilization they have wrought upon the region. I believe that most people are good and want lasting peace and harmony but there are groups filled with hatred and envy and we all won't be save until they are gone.
Night by Elie Wiesel is a book I have read several times and - I think - because you can gulp it down in a single sitting, it has even more impact. Another book that emotionally drained me was Primo Levi's If Not Now, When?.
Night by Elie Wiesel is a book I have read several times and - I think - because you can gulp it down in a single sitting, it has even more impact. Another book that emotionally drained me was Primo Levi's If Not Now, When?.
20SqueakyChu
>19 PaulCranswick: I read Night in 2004. I think that what I wrote in my review then still applies…
…What causes the greatest sadness and horror to the reader is the slow realization of the degree to which man can inflict physical and emotional pain on another human being with little or no remorse. It is a difficult lesson but one which needs to be taught, understood, and remembered by all people. Elie Wiesel begins this terrible education with Night.
I’ll add the book by Primo Levi to my wishlist. Thanks for the recommendation, Paul.
…What causes the greatest sadness and horror to the reader is the slow realization of the degree to which man can inflict physical and emotional pain on another human being with little or no remorse. It is a difficult lesson but one which needs to be taught, understood, and remembered by all people. Elie Wiesel begins this terrible education with Night.
I’ll add the book by Primo Levi to my wishlist. Thanks for the recommendation, Paul.
21m.belljackson
Great to have everyone read the opening chapters of LIVING JUDAISM,
and notably a copy to each family in Israel.
and notably a copy to each family in Israel.
22SqueakyChu
>21 m.belljackson: I’ll add this book to my wishlist as well. Thanks!
23SqueakyChu
22. Goblin Mode by Caroline Hagood
------------------------------------------
TIOLI #18: Read a book with a 2 or 3 word title: either 2 of the words don't go together well, or two images on the cover conflict
--------------------------------------------
This is a delicious book of a woman’s life as mother of two children as well as a writer, with a perfect touch of humor. It’s an easy and fun read as the chapters are short (most of them about two or three pages) and the narrative goes in almost any direction, but mostly talks about her kids, teaching, and a book she’s writing (this one!). I found it very creative, interesting and frequently so funny I had to unexpectedly burst out laughing.
This is a really interesting read about coping…with kids, with a writing career and with stress. If it has a paranormal side to it, that can be a coping mechanism as well. The author’s is a Goblin who is always with her for support and to encourage her to be more assertive.
There’s something very special about this book. It’s almost like talking to a friend and hearing both the scary and the humorous things that are going on in her life. I especially adored what she wrote about her two children because I have grandchildren almost the same ages as her son and daughter. It was as if my grandchildren had teleported themselves into this book!
I found that I could not just read straight through this book because there were so many times that lines of its narrative made me stop and write them down!
My favorite chapter was, perhaps, “Yes, Yes, Crayons” in which the author talks about how other writers get their writing done…some without kids…but others with kids. I also like how the author’s daughter takes over the author’s writing space with art supplies. My own granddaughter has done somewhat the same thing by needing (and having) a very concentrated area of art supplies in our home. What a familiar scenario!
What is this book really about? It’s a vast collection of short essays blasting our seriously damaged world and using literature to influence others (in this author’s case, her students) how to resist. My only disappointment with it was not being familiar enough with quite a few of the pieces of literature she described throughout the book. It disappointed me to miss the inferences the author wanted the reader to understand.
Rating - 4.5 stars
My agent was in the sunset of his life and one day I called him to check in on the novel submission process and he didn't remember who I was. It was a great metaphor for my literary career to date.
------------------------------------------
TIOLI #18: Read a book with a 2 or 3 word title: either 2 of the words don't go together well, or two images on the cover conflict
--------------------------------------------
This is a delicious book of a woman’s life as mother of two children as well as a writer, with a perfect touch of humor. It’s an easy and fun read as the chapters are short (most of them about two or three pages) and the narrative goes in almost any direction, but mostly talks about her kids, teaching, and a book she’s writing (this one!). I found it very creative, interesting and frequently so funny I had to unexpectedly burst out laughing.
This is a really interesting read about coping…with kids, with a writing career and with stress. If it has a paranormal side to it, that can be a coping mechanism as well. The author’s is a Goblin who is always with her for support and to encourage her to be more assertive.
There’s something very special about this book. It’s almost like talking to a friend and hearing both the scary and the humorous things that are going on in her life. I especially adored what she wrote about her two children because I have grandchildren almost the same ages as her son and daughter. It was as if my grandchildren had teleported themselves into this book!
I found that I could not just read straight through this book because there were so many times that lines of its narrative made me stop and write them down!
My favorite chapter was, perhaps, “Yes, Yes, Crayons” in which the author talks about how other writers get their writing done…some without kids…but others with kids. I also like how the author’s daughter takes over the author’s writing space with art supplies. My own granddaughter has done somewhat the same thing by needing (and having) a very concentrated area of art supplies in our home. What a familiar scenario!
What is this book really about? It’s a vast collection of short essays blasting our seriously damaged world and using literature to influence others (in this author’s case, her students) how to resist. My only disappointment with it was not being familiar enough with quite a few of the pieces of literature she described throughout the book. It disappointed me to miss the inferences the author wanted the reader to understand.
Rating - 4.5 stars
My agent was in the sunset of his life and one day I called him to check in on the novel submission process and he didn't remember who I was. It was a great metaphor for my literary career to date.
24SqueakyChu
23. כשנוסעים לארץ אחרת/While Traveling Abroad - Hagit Benziman
----------------------------------------
TIOLI # : Read a book by a Jewish author
----------------------------------------
This is a delightful book of poetry in Hebrew for children. The title means “when one travels to a different land”. In this book, a seven-year old girl travels to America. Each page or two has a different poem about her feelings and her experiences as she leaves her country and lives life abroad.
I loved reading this book and figuring out the meaning of each poem as my Hebrew had gotten a bit rusty, but I knew enough to get through it. I also really liked the illustrations done in ink and filled in with only colors of blue and yellow.
There is something incredibly beautiful and sweet about this book that touched deeply into my heart.
Rating - 5 stars
----------------------------------------
TIOLI # : Read a book by a Jewish author
----------------------------------------
This is a delightful book of poetry in Hebrew for children. The title means “when one travels to a different land”. In this book, a seven-year old girl travels to America. Each page or two has a different poem about her feelings and her experiences as she leaves her country and lives life abroad.
I loved reading this book and figuring out the meaning of each poem as my Hebrew had gotten a bit rusty, but I knew enough to get through it. I also really liked the illustrations done in ink and filled in with only colors of blue and yellow.
There is something incredibly beautiful and sweet about this book that touched deeply into my heart.
Rating - 5 stars
26SqueakyChu
>25 Kristelh: Thanks, Kristel.
27SqueakyChu
24. Hello Wife - Lisa K. Friedman
*****************************
TIOLI #14: Read a book whose cover is predominantly a Thanksgiving color (red)
*****************************
I'd been plodding along through this book, wondering whether or not I really liked reading this slow-moving story, but it did come to an "Oh, my God!" moment that shook me to my core.
The story is of a woman who married late in life to a drug addict. She was rather lackadaisical about most things, but was extremely glad to be married after having an unexceptional life as a child and young woman. The narrative revolves around Charlotte Lansing's closest relationships in her life--mostly those of her immediate family—and her husband’s introducing her to the world of addictive drugs.
The writing is exceptional in its details, and a story such as this, even though it is fiction, needs to be told.
Rating - 4 stars
The 1950s orange shag carpet in my bedroom was bare in so many places, it looked as it suffered from mange. Rug mange.
*****************************
TIOLI #14: Read a book whose cover is predominantly a Thanksgiving color (red)
*****************************
I'd been plodding along through this book, wondering whether or not I really liked reading this slow-moving story, but it did come to an "Oh, my God!" moment that shook me to my core.
The story is of a woman who married late in life to a drug addict. She was rather lackadaisical about most things, but was extremely glad to be married after having an unexceptional life as a child and young woman. The narrative revolves around Charlotte Lansing's closest relationships in her life--mostly those of her immediate family—and her husband’s introducing her to the world of addictive drugs.
The writing is exceptional in its details, and a story such as this, even though it is fiction, needs to be told.
Rating - 4 stars
The 1950s orange shag carpet in my bedroom was bare in so many places, it looked as it suffered from mange. Rug mange.
28SqueakyChu
>14 SqueakyChu: A beautiful picture for those of you who have read Hostage by Eli Sharabi...
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1359374606230841&set=a.355032833331695
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1359374606230841&set=a.355032833331695
29jessibud2
Madeline, go to this thread and add your review there for Hostage. Someone there is asking:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/338467#n9027924
https://www.librarything.com/topic/338467#n9027924
30SqueakyChu
>29 jessibud2: Done. Thanks for pointing me to that thread, Shelley.
31PaulCranswick
>29 jessibud2:, >30 SqueakyChu: My son is arriving on Saturday from London, Madeline to spend the festive season with me. He will bring me a copy of Hostage that he picked up for me in London as it has not been released here.
I hope to read it before the end of the year.
I hope to read it before the end of the year.
32PaulCranswick
Despite all the terrible things going on in the world, have a joyful Hanukkah festival.
33SqueakyChu
>31 PaulCranswick: Great about Sharabi’s book! I think you’ll find it meaningful.
Thank you for your good wishes, Paul. In light of world events, it’s a difficult Chanukah this year.
Thank you for your good wishes, Paul. In light of world events, it’s a difficult Chanukah this year.
35SqueakyChu
>34 Kristelh: Thank you so much, Kristel. I just finished a puzzle of Chanukah cookies!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVO7KZkfnHqh9saturQnNJDmMOfIYmfV6TzhI0/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVO7KZkfnHqh9saturQnNJDmMOfIYmfV6TzhI0/
36paulstalder
hej Madeline
alts guts far khnukhh
I just read this book to my Bible study group:
In the month of Kislev : a story for Hanukkah
by Nina Jaffe, Louise August
It was our last meeting this year and so we celebrated our fellowship with a good meal (well, not with latkes) and story telling (not with spinning dreidels either). Also thinking of and praying for the victims and their families in Australia and Nigeria.
I am still putting a lot of time into my findagrave account, linking the members of the Basler patrician families. I also got some requests for going to the Israelitic cemetery in Basel. It will be next year I can go there.
Healthwise I am often very tired and can't sleep properly.
We celebrated my daughter's 40th birthday last Saturday - when she was a child, I basically knew all her friends, but today, ... I met quite many people I didn't know, but some saying things like 'oh you're her father ...' ... that's probably a sign of aging parents, I guess.
alts guts far khnukhh
I just read this book to my Bible study group:
In the month of Kislev : a story for Hanukkah
by Nina Jaffe, Louise August
It was our last meeting this year and so we celebrated our fellowship with a good meal (well, not with latkes) and story telling (not with spinning dreidels either). Also thinking of and praying for the victims and their families in Australia and Nigeria.
I am still putting a lot of time into my findagrave account, linking the members of the Basler patrician families. I also got some requests for going to the Israelitic cemetery in Basel. It will be next year I can go there.
Healthwise I am often very tired and can't sleep properly.
We celebrated my daughter's 40th birthday last Saturday - when she was a child, I basically knew all her friends, but today, ... I met quite many people I didn't know, but some saying things like 'oh you're her father ...' ... that's probably a sign of aging parents, I guess.
37SqueakyChu
>36 paulstalder: It might be fun to share the custom of spinning dreidels and eating latke with your church group. After all, they have that history in common with us! I can give you the latke recipe I use, if you want. Just let me know.
Thank you for your good wishes prayers, Paul. They do help.
I'd love to follow what you do when you get to the Israelitic cemetery in Basel.
My three kids are just about all in their forties (my daughter turns 40 in July). How did they get so old so fast?! :O
For my health, I try to do 15 minutes of dance most days as it's too cold for me to walk comfortably. I hate cold weather. I watch the utube videos of "Grow with Jo" to dance. I love her as she looks very much like my husband's niece Jessica. I just imagine I'm dancing with Jessica! :D
Thank you for your good wishes prayers, Paul. They do help.
I'd love to follow what you do when you get to the Israelitic cemetery in Basel.
My three kids are just about all in their forties (my daughter turns 40 in July). How did they get so old so fast?! :O
For my health, I try to do 15 minutes of dance most days as it's too cold for me to walk comfortably. I hate cold weather. I watch the utube videos of "Grow with Jo" to dance. I love her as she looks very much like my husband's niece Jessica. I just imagine I'm dancing with Jessica! :D
38paulstalder
>37 SqueakyChu: yes, please, let me know your latke recipe. Tonight I ate Winterrösti together with some friends. I guess, rösti, a typical Swiss dish, is a bit similar to latke.
About the Israelitic cemetery: https://de.findagrave.com/cemetery/2467815/j%C3%BCdischer-friedhof-basel
I uploaded the pictures of the cemetery as well as most of the graves. I hope I remember to tell you when I've been there again ...
''How did they get so old so fast?!'' well, it took them 40 years ...
About the Israelitic cemetery: https://de.findagrave.com/cemetery/2467815/j%C3%BCdischer-friedhof-basel
I uploaded the pictures of the cemetery as well as most of the graves. I hope I remember to tell you when I've been there again ...
''How did they get so old so fast?!'' well, it took them 40 years ...
39m.belljackson
>37 SqueakyChu: Can you post the latke recipe here too? thanks!
40SqueakyChu
>38 paulstalder: >39 m.belljackson:
LATKES (POTATO PANCAKES)
Serves 5
5 large Russet potatoes
1 large onion
4 eggs
1/3 cup matzo meal*
½ Tbsp potato starch
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
oil for frying
apple sauce (optional)**
sour cream (optional)
Preheat oil over a very low flame. Grate potatoes and onions together in a food processor (large grater holes). Pour into a colander and press out as much liquid as you can. Pour mixture into a very large bowl and add eggs, matzo meal, potato starch, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Turn heat up to medium. When one piece of potato begins to sizzle, oil is hot enough. Place large spoonsful of the mixture into the hot oil and press flat. When the bottoms become medium brown, turn and fry the other side. Do more, but don’t crowd the pan. Add oil as needed. Remove pancakes from oil and drain on paper towels or brown paper bags. Keep warm in 200 degree oven (uncovered) until ready to serve. Top with cold applesauce or sour cream.
2007--Recipe is adapted from Friends of Lubavitch Chanukah mailer.
*(I use gluten free flour sometimes if my friends are here who are allergic to the gluten/wheat in matzo meal).
**I'll pick the applesauce over the sour cream every time! :D
LATKES (POTATO PANCAKES)
Serves 5
5 large Russet potatoes
1 large onion
4 eggs
1/3 cup matzo meal*
½ Tbsp potato starch
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
oil for frying
apple sauce (optional)**
sour cream (optional)
Preheat oil over a very low flame. Grate potatoes and onions together in a food processor (large grater holes). Pour into a colander and press out as much liquid as you can. Pour mixture into a very large bowl and add eggs, matzo meal, potato starch, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Turn heat up to medium. When one piece of potato begins to sizzle, oil is hot enough. Place large spoonsful of the mixture into the hot oil and press flat. When the bottoms become medium brown, turn and fry the other side. Do more, but don’t crowd the pan. Add oil as needed. Remove pancakes from oil and drain on paper towels or brown paper bags. Keep warm in 200 degree oven (uncovered) until ready to serve. Top with cold applesauce or sour cream.
2007--Recipe is adapted from Friends of Lubavitch Chanukah mailer.
*(I use gluten free flour sometimes if my friends are here who are allergic to the gluten/wheat in matzo meal).
**I'll pick the applesauce over the sour cream every time! :D
41m.belljackson
>40 SqueakyChu: Thank you - GF welcome too!
42paulstalder
>40 SqueakyChu: thanks a lot. We don't have russet potatoes over here. That's a 'floury' type, right?
43SqueakyChu
>42 paulstalder: It has the highest starch content of all our potatoes. Use any potatoes. The addition of potato starch helps bind the potatoes no matter what kind you use. Fry away! :D
44PaulCranswick
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HOLIDAYGREETING_Quote_1-21b36d245f744f13957542a02f1c1923.jpg)
Have a lovely festive season, Madeline.
By the way I finished Hostage this morning and it is everything you said it was. I don't often finish a book with tears in my eyes and a catch in my throat.
45SqueakyChu
>44 PaulCranswick: Like you, Paul, it wasn't until the very end of that book that I found my eyes brimming with tears. Eli is an amazing man.
Have a wonderful New Year!
Have a wonderful New Year!
