Tips from a latke pro

Tips from a latke pro

From latke maker and food writer Amy Rogers of Charlotte, N.C.:

n Crisp latkes mean getting the water out of the potatoes. After you peel them, don't cover them with water. Just work very quickly to shred them into a cotton dish towel and squeeze the water out.

n To keep from nicking your knuckle on the grater, hold your hand flat and press the potato against the grater with your palm, keeping your fingers out of the way.

n Before you drop the cakes in the hot oil, drop in a shred of potato. It should get bubbly immediately.

n If you want to press the potato cakes with the flat of a spatula while they're frying, spray the spatula with a little nonstick cooking spray so it doesn't stick and tear the crust.

n Don't turn the latkes more than once. Once you turn them, they won't get any browner if you turn them again.

n To tell when they're brown enough, watch the edges: Brown will creep up the sides when they're ready.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Tips from a latke pro ."