Perfect Latkes

From Sunset Magazine, December 2004
The goal: pancakes that are light and crisp, not heavy or soggy. The trick is to soak the shredded potatoes to remove some of the starch (and keep them from changing color). Choose a Yukon Gold potato over a russet and your cake is extra creamy on the inside.

2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and rinsed
1 onion ~(8 oz.), peeled
2 eggs, beaten
3 T potato starch or all-purpose flour
1/2 t salt
~ 2 c vegetable oil

1. Using a food processor or grater, shred potatoes, transferring shredded potatoes to a bowl of water. Let stand at least 30 min.
2. Drain potato. With hands, squeeze excess water from a large handful and pile into clean dish towel. Enclose potatoes tightly in towel and twist it to wring out remaining moisture. Repeat to dry all potatoes.
3. Shred onions and drain. in dry bowl combine dry potatoes and onions. Add eggs, flour, and salt and mix well.
4. Pour oil into a fry pan with high sides to a depth of up to 1/2". Heat over medium-high heat. When surface of oil ripples slightly, shape ~1/3 cup of potato mixture into 1/2" thick cakes with hands and and place in hot oil. Don't crowd pancakes. Cook until edges of pancakes are crisp and well browned and undersides are golden brown. (Check after ~3 minutes.) Turn and cook until remaining sides are golden brown. Transfer to a paper towels to drain. Keep warm in a 200 degree oven while you cook the remaining pancakes.
5. Serve hot with applesauce, sour cream, or other accompaniments.

Baked Beef Brisket

1 beef brisket (~4-5 lbs.)
1 bottle bbq sauce (or make your own)
water (or beer)
1 envelope lipton onion soup mix OR
salt to taste,
1 t. pepper,
1 t. garlic powder, and
1 T. instant minced onions

1. Preheat oven to 325°f. Sprinkle both sides with dry ingredients. Place meat in pan and top meat with as much bbq sauce as needed to thoroughly cover the meat. If sauce is thick, dilute a little with water.
2. Cook covered with foil at 325°f. The recipe says allow 1 hour per pound but I question this formula. I think it depends more on how thick it is, not how many pounds it is. I would allow at least 3 1/2 hours for a 4 or more pounder. If you have an instant read thermometer I'd use it. The finished temp should be at least 195°f. and preferably 204°. Check after about 3 hours to make sure the thinned sauce hasn't boiled away. Add more if needed.
3. Slice and serve with leftover bbq sauce and/or sauce from pan. I find it easiest to slice the meat with an electric knife. (Thinner is better.)

Coconut-Almond Energy Bars

Great as a pre-workout snack! From Runner's World Magazine (~2009) 2 c. rolled oats 1 c unsweetened coconut 1/2 c dates (or raisins) 1/2 c raw almonds 1/2 c sesame seeds 1/2 c sunflower seeds 1/2 c cashews 1 1/2 c tahini (or natural peanut butter) 1 c honey 1 t vanilla

1. Combine rolled oats, one cup unsweetened coconut, dates (or raisins), raw almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and cashews.
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups tahini (or natural peanut butter) with one cup honey and one teaspoon vanilla. Microwave for one minute.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. On a greased baking sheet, spread mixture into a one-inch-high rectangle. Bake at 350° F for 15 minutes and cut into 12 bars.

This recipe for energy bars, adapted from The Bakery in New Paltz, New York, has powered runners, bikers, and climbers for nearly 30 years. The dates and honey provide quick carbs, while the nuts are high in healthy fats, which help sustain energy levels. "People doing the fat-free thing often find they're hungry all the time," says Cooke. The oats keep cholesterol in check, and research shows "the fiber in oats may offset the risk of upper-respiratory infections, which are common in runners," says Dikos.