I was able to teach the local help and I was enjoying my time off. One day, while we were preparinng to set up the meal for lunch, I noticed that we had opened a large can of potatoes, mashed and ready for warming up. This was a constant staple for army chow. It was filling and easily prepared, but really boring.
I was suddenly inspired to ask the local kitchen staff ” Kenst du machen Cartuffle latkes? ( Can you make potato latkes?) Their excited reply was “ Yah, Yah Latkes. .Zer Gut”. We set up the ovens and metal griddle and began frying the potato pancakes, Chanuka Style.
Our GI buddies were totally surprised when we called them up to get their lunch meal. Most of the unit never saw or heard of Latkes. But I convinced them to try it and to put some apple sauce on it, which was also a staple canned food supplied by the army. The cuisine change was a big success and we, the kitchen staff beamed at the excitement this caused. We had to prepare and serve seconds and thirds to the guys.
This is my Latke story and whenever I think of it I beam and smile. I introduced a new item in the Army menu and taught the GIs a Yiddish word “ Latkes”.
Mark said
I’ve always enjoyed the Latke story. I wonder if, as a result of this experience, any of the troops brought the latke recipe back to their home towns?
IrvRoth said
No recipe given..I,also made them with spinach mixed in. But the plain potato latke was the welcome surprise. IR