Waffle-Iron Potato Pancakes and Apple Cinnamon Charoset: Passover Yummy continues

Okay, so if you already want a plate by looking at this photo you are a fan of Passover. Pictured above is the star of the show, my grandmother Marilyn's time-honored brisket recipe. That alone would have made our seder.

This year however, for our first Passover as an old married couple, I wanted to roll out the matzah carpet (if there is such a thing). On Tuesday, I shared my successful attempt at making a Gluten-free Matzah Ball Soup in honor of my dear non-wheat eating/carb-loving husband.

Today- I've got not one but TWO more Passover / Jewish recipes that will bring your seder (or your everyday dinner) to a whole other awesome level.

First up, a brilliantly unexpected use for your waffle-iron: WAFFLE-IRON LATKE POTATO PANCAKES. This is a quick, healthier, gluten-free, way less messy and smelly way to whip up some latkes for any occasion.

Also in this post, you don't want to miss the crazy Apple Cinnamony-goodness of the traditional recipe for CHAROSET.

This quick and easy relish is a sweet counterpart to the Passover meal.

Without further adieu, here's how to make both and make so much yummy there won't be leftovers.

RECIPE

Waffle-Iron Potato Pancakes 

Makes four individual waffles (one pressing's worth in a waffle iron)

Ingredients

For the latkes:

• 6 and 1/2 cups shredded potatoes (we use the carton variety found at CostCo)
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp gluten-free or regular flour
• 1/4 tea salt, pepper, and garlic powder

For the coating:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tea salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Directions

Combine all the latkes ingredients  in a large bowl. Preheat your waffle iron to one of the darkest settings.

Meanwhile, melt your butter in a ramekin then add the olive oil and the seasonings to it. Using a pastry brush, carefully coat your waffle iron in the butter/olive oil mixture.

Then spread your potato mixture onto the iron. Before closing the iron, use the pastry brush to coat the top of the potatoes in garlic buttery goodness. This will provide some of the oil flavor without requiring you to fry the pancake (great, eh?)

Let sit for about 5-6 minutes or until your potato pancake waffles are cooked to your desired done and crispiness.

RECIPE

Apple Cinnamon Charoset  (adapted from this one at AllRecipes)

Makes approximately 6 cups of charoset

Ingredients

• 3 Granny Smith Apples and 2 Fuji Apples (or red apples), finely chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup sweet wine (Manischewitz)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 tea cinnamon
• 3 and 1/2 tea honey

Directions

Okay, it's this awesomely simple. Grab a bowl. Combine everything. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.

Enjoy on matzah crackers and savor the sweetness of life!

Hope everyone is having an easy Passover fast (if that's your custom) and hope you've enjoyed this week of home-cooked heritage food.