When I was a child, every month my brothers and I would receive the magazine Cricket in the mail. Not sure if any of my Gen X readers remember this publication, but it was a children’s literary magazine, consisting of illustrated stories, essays, and comics aimed at early/mid readers. As a voracious young bibliophile, I always looked forward to he latest issue.

It is interesting the things that stick with you throughout your life. It was a story in a December issue of Cricket that first introduced me to the minor Jewish holiday of Channukkah, and specifically, the potato latke.

The Channukkah Guest, tells the story of an old woman, mostly blind, whipping up a huge batch of of latkes for the rabbi and other guests, who were expected later in the evening. A hungry bear shows up at her door, and the woman,  mistaking him for the rabbi with her poor vision, feeds him latke after latke, smeared with applesauce and sour cream, until the bear, full and satisfied, stumbles back to his cave to hibernate, but not before the old woman wraps the scarf she had knitted for the rabbi around his neck.

I have learned since this memory sprang to mind recently that this story, written by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Giora Carmi, was later published as a physical book, and I secured a used copy online which should arrive later this week. I look forward to sharing it with my young niece.

Ever since I have had a minor obsession with latkes. Crispy fried rounds of shredded potato and onion, their connection with the holiday of Chanukkah is probably limited to the fact that they are cooked in oil. The holiday is, after all, commemorating the miracle of the oil, where one day’s worth of the sacred substance needed to light the menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem lasted all eight days.

The Festival of Lights.

It is likely that the popularity of Channukkah in North America is due to its proximity to Christmas, as it is certainly not a significant event in the Jewish faith. Latkes reflect the Eastern European descent of the Ashkenazi Jews, the Yiddish name referring to a “small fried pancake”, that were popular in this region during the Middle Ages. Potatoes, one of the greatest contributions of the Americas to the world, were incorporated later.

If you have not had to pleasure, here is the latkes recipe that has become my go to every December, when this Gentile always prepares enough latkes to feed a bear, or at least the small pack of teenagers who live in my house. 

Shred potatoes and onions, in a three to one ratio. I use the food processor, and usually work in batches. Gather the vegetables in a clean cloth, and squeeze, with all your strength, over a bowl, collecting the juices and making them as dry as possible. Dry equals crispy. Allow the starch to settle from the liquid, strain it off and add the starch back into the potatoes. Using your hands, mix in a couple eggs, a bit of salt, and a cup or so of matzo meal until it just holds together and can be formed into a patty. Heat up a 1/2 inch of the fat of your choice in a frying pan, and fry until crispy and brown. 

I always make homemade applesauce — a remarkably simple task — and serve with sour cream. I have also started including Ducktrap smoked salmon — Jewish bacon, as a friend of mine once referred to it as. The boys demand protein.

This year, I finally sought out the traditional cooking fat of the Ashkenazi people, schmaltz, rendered chicken fat. The common options such as lard and butter not being an option for observant Jews in the days before Crisco. Amazon shipped a tub of it to my door in a day. Tracee shook her head and called me weird, but I can’t wait to see how it makes my latkes taste come Monday evening.

This nation is such an amazing blend of cultures, and what is more demonstrative of a culture than its cuisine? With latkes, the potato, first domesticated by native South Americans comes back as a signature dish of a people long oppressed, who came here, like so many others, to find home. 

The longest night of the year rapidly approaches. Cook something delicious, make light against darkness, welcome the stranger. The stranger often knows how to make something delicious you have never even tried.

Thank You, Ken Weed

After an amazing 51 years on the Lincolnville Volunteer Fire Department, Ken Weed finally decided it was time to hang up his boots and helmet. I have no doubt he showed up at this old house a time or two during the too frequent chimney fires of the 1970s and early 1980s. On behalf of Lincolnville, thank you for your service, sir!

And thank you to the entire crew at the LVFD. These folks are always ready to respond when you need them. As they say, "When in doubt, call us out."

Remembering Harry Crockett

Sympathy to the family of Harry Crockett, motor head and rock star of Lincolnville Center. I am far too young to have ever seen Harry and his band play, and I mostly remember him as the guy with the coolest and scariest Halloween display in the Center, giving my kids candy with the the biggest grin on his face face.

Library Happenings

Tuesday the library will host “Conscious Aging” at 1:30 p.m. followed by the needlework group at 3. On Thursday the 19th, the library will have the Lincolnville Central School after school group with games and snacks from 3 to 5.

Some of my favorite childhood memories were of collecting a pile of books to check out at the Camden Public Library. I think I got the hardbound Star Wars storybook every time. The kids of Lincolnville are so fortunate to have our own little place right in the middle of the Center.

Alright Lincolnville, have a great week. The new year is upon us, the air is cold, and the lights are shining. Make some latkes, you will not be disappointed, and invite a guest. Be kind, be neighborly, and reach out at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Tuesday, December 16

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Wednesday, December 17

Library Open, 2-5 p.m., 208 Main Street

Thursday, December 18

Library open 2-5 p.m., 208 Main Street

AA Meeting, 7 p.m., Lincolnville Historical Society, 33 Beach Road

Friday, December 19

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Waldo County Budget Public Hearing, 6 p.m., Commissioners Courtroom, 39B Spring Street, Belfast

Saturday, December 20

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, December 21

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages, 10:40 a.m. Coffee and Baked Goods, 11:00 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway