Joyce Latimer - Potato Pancakes

Happy Wednesday, and what a lovely day it was. Here in Missoula the sun came out and warmed up those snow frosted mountains. This snow reminds me of my first adventure in this project, December right after a big dump of snow. I have known Joyce Latimer for almost a decade, she has become my second grandmother and a good friend. She was the perfect person to have my first interview with. The following is the "write up"/story I did about the experience after we made potato pancakes. Bon Appetit!

For Joyce Latimer life is simple. Everything has a place, a time, a memory. Her house and kitchen are orderly; she keeps nothing she doesn't want. She sets aside time every morning for daily exercise, and sets aside time in the afternoon for a nap. She holds dear to furniture that was in her house when she was growing up, and atop her fridge sits a mixing bowl close to a hundred years old- where all her mothers sweet southern desserts had their start. Joyce began cooking as a young bride, her experience was minimal, “My mother overcooked everything,” she said in her southern voice, though her mothers meat was tough and vegetables turned to mush her mother had a knack for desserts. “The best part about coming home was the rice pudding.” Joyce said, when so much was going on in her life the rice pudding was a comfort to a troubled mind. When cooking for her own kids she mostly stuck to the recipes until one Christmas she decided to deck the halls with a theme. “We did a ethnic cultural Christmas, I was taking German at the time so we borrowed decorations from the library and set up a meal.” She looked at it as an experience for her children, from that dinner on her kids couldn't get enough of the potato pancakes that had accompanied the German meal. They requested them on every special occasion. Back then it was labor intensive to grate the potatoes and carrots. Joyce loves her food processor, “I use it just about everyday.” she said with a slight chuckle. Joyce enjoys creating dishes from recipes, though she follows the measurements she says you can put your own spin on anything you put in the pan. Joyce also experimented with French cuisine, though it was time consuming the end product was worth the effort. Food has a place in tradition, it is a place to gather, to learn, to celebrate. For Joyce she gathers with friends and loved ones to catch up around the table, in sharing a meal they share a memory. Joyce is simple, just like the potato pancakes.

Potato Pancakes

For 12 Pancakes

3 Medium baking potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 carrot, peeled

3 cloves of garlic

2 tbls flour

2 eggs beaten

salt and pepper

Extra virgin olive oil

In a food processor mix potatoes, carrot and garlic. (May have to do in batches depending on size of machine.) Combine with flour, egg, salt and pepper in mixing bowl. Heat non-stick skillet to medium high, coat pan with extra virgin olive oil (be generous). Drop mixture into pan by large spoonfuls, squish down with spatula. Let brown on both sides, then turn heat down to medium and cook until potatoes are tender, about 5 minutes.

Enjoy with family for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Best served with a dollop of sour cream and chives or with a side of plain applesauce. Enjoy!