Common diet mistakes: Getting healthy "Not-to-do's"

Hanukkah has arrived and oil is definitely in the air.

To celebrate olive oil’s miraculous burning power (story of Hanukkah), Jews across the world whip out their skillets for eight days of fried latkes (potato pancakes).  It seems that no matter how healthy a household may be, Hanukkah tends to be that one holiday that exceptions are made- the more olive oil, the better.

I understand the significance of frying latkes, but honestly I am not a huge fan of crunchy, greasy latkes. I’d much prefer them baked or lightly lightly fried.  So this year I decided to go about my olive oil celebration a different way, not only by eliminating its large quantity, but also by playing with my latke ingredients… perhaps my versions are not true latkes, but they’re definitely “latkes”.  Sometimes it’s good to stray from tradition, right?

Cheese + Green Onion Latkes
Alterations to link above: Substituted corn meal for matzo meal, Substituted garlic powder, salt, and pepper for original spices, Added green onion, Substituted a bit of cooking spray for olive oil

Sweet Potato + Zucchini + Green Onion Latkes
2 sweet potatoes
1 zucchini
3-4 sprigs green onion
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
2 egg whites
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
Oil spray

1) Preheat oven to 425 deg
2) Combine sweet potatoes, zucchini, and green onion in food processor
3) Add to large bowl with remaining ingredients, mix
4) Coat two baking sheets with oil spray
5) Drop 1/4-cup cupfuls of batter onto the prepared sheets; press the pancakes down
6) Bake 15 minutes; flip and bake approx 10 more minutes longer (until latkes are brown all over)

Latkes are perfect for Hanukkah (obviously) but really are a great side or main dish any time of year.  They are perfect for portion control and can be totally altered to satisfy whatever your taste-buds may be hankering: Mediterranean with a feta cheese, kalamata olive, and spinach latke, or Mexican with sweet potato, black beans, and corn topped with a bit of pico de gallo, or Italian with sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, and pesto, OR dessert with sweet potato, apple, walnut, and cinnamon?

Once again, the possibilities are endless… What sounds good to you?

Click here for 18 other scrumptious (although oil filled) recipes.