POTATO LATKE CASSEROLE (POTATO KUGEL) WITH CRANBERRY APPLESAUCE

I head home on Tuesday, just in time to catch the last night of Chanukah 'en famille,' followed by my grandmother's 90th birthday. Considering this time last year, it will feel great to spend some happy, celebratory time together as a family, filled with good food and wine, laughter and probably some highly inappropriate dinner table conversations. I can't wait.

With the last night of Chanukah and Christmas fast approaching, I wanted to post a recipe that could swing both ways -- ideal for Chanukah, but perfectly suitable as a Christmas side as well. Consider this dish to be a happy medium between latkes and scalloped potatoes. Don't get me wrong, I do love me a good batch of Chanukah latkes, but sometimes, just sometimes, I don't feel like smelling like a deep fryer for days on end. Potato kugel is very similar in flavour and texture to a latke, just a whole lot easier to make. Top it with a cranberry infused apple sauce, and you have yourself a perfectly festive holiday appetizer.

Wishing you joy, peace, and a whole lot of love. Happy Holidays xx

APPLE CHIPS, APPLE SAUCE + ALL THE FALL COLOURS

Unlike last year, we spent Thanksgiving weekend in and around the Collingwood area. I've come to realize, that no matter where you are, Thanksgiving in Canada is absolutely breathtaking. The chill in the air, the colour of the leaves, and the short, yet well spent time with the sun, makes for a truly spectacular landscape and a fantastic way to spend a three day weekend. We consumed enough turkey, pumpkin treats and apple cider to last a while, and came home with half a peck of apples -- leaving me no choice but to whip up an apple extravaganza in the kitchen. Crisp, massive pancakes, compote and maybe even some more granola still to come. And while I'm at it, maybe some butter, a cinnamon roll, a biscuit waffle or donut. Because, why not?

APPLE CHIPS //

Preheat oven to 225.

Ingredients:

2 large, or 3-4 smaller, apples
half a lemon
white sugar
cinnamon

What to do:

Using a mandoline, thinly slice the apples, and toss in a large bowl with juice from half a lemon.

Spread in a single layer onto 2 parchment lined baking sheets, and sprinkle with white sugar and cinnamon.

Bake for 1 hour and check on the chips. Depending on how thin your original slices were, the remaining baking time will vary, so use your judgement. Keep a close watch as they can easily burn.

• If the tops are crisp, flip and bake for an additional 10 minutes;
• If the tops still feel soft, bake for another 15-30 minutes until crispy -  then flip, and finish with an additional 10 minutes.

Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

CHUNKY APPLE SAUCE //

Ingredients:

3 pound apples, peeled, cut into chunks

2 T water

2 T brown sugar

1 T lemon juice

cinnamon

What to do:

Place apples and water in saucepan; stir over medium-high heat until bubbling. Reduce to low heat, cover and cook, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes. Stir in sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Cover and simmer for  another 3-5 minutes.