A delicious way to lighten up the latkes

With Chanukah just a few days away (it starts Friday night), I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes for latkes, or potato pancakes, a customary food for this Jewish holiday.

Traditionally, latkes are deep-fried in vegetable oil, which isn't exactly the healthiest way to celebrate the festival of lights. ;-)

I've made a few creative substitutions that will cut the calories and fat, without sacrificing the wonderful potato flavor and texture Jewish families have enjoyed for generations.

"Lite" Chanukah Latkes

1 box Manischewitz potato pancake mix
1/2 cup egg substitute
2 1/4 cups cold water
cooking spray

In a medium bowl, combine the water and egg substitute, and mix until well-blended. Add the potato pancake mix. Mix well. Let batter thicken for 3 to 5 minutes .

Spray large skillet with cooking spray and place over high heat. Drop batter (1 tbsp. per pancake) on the hot skillet. Before flipping, spray the uncooked side with cooking spray. Flip and brown the other side.

Serve with fat-free sour cream or unsweetened applesauce.

Makes about 20 pancakes. Serving size: 2 pancakes.

Enjoy!!