Potato pancakes or latkes are a wonderful thing. As the Hanukkah season kicks off this coming weekend, latkes are a classic Hanukkah dish.

For those of us who aren't Jewish, potato pancakes can and should be eaten 12 months a year. There should NOT be an off-season for these wonderfully fried starch discs.

The Diner's Journal at the New York Times has a demonstration and recipe for the classic potato latke.

 This will enable you to make great potato pancakes at home. If you're lazy and just want to enjoy them, I highly recommend Mohnen's Family Restaurant in Darboy.

You can order their "World Famous" potato pancakes as a main dish, or added to any other breakfast item as a substitute for regular pancakes.

It's definitely worth the drive if you are jonesing for latkes. 

As also remember that latkes or pancakes can be made in a similar fashion using different ingredients. Carrots, onions, parsnips, sweet potatoes and rutabagas are just some ideas to expand your latke repertoire.