Advent Calendar Day 10: A Jane Austen Word Scramble!

Welcome to day 10 of the Austen Variations Advent Calendar! For today’s festivities, we actually have a double celebration, since in addition our regular advent fun, tonight also marks the beginning of Hanukkah!

For those of you who’d like to learn a little bit more about the Jewish Festival of Lights, you can read a brief description of the holiday here. And if you scroll down to the bottom of the post, I’ll be sharing a recipe for potato pancakes (or latkes), which are a delicious addition to any meal, whether you celebrate Hanukkah or not!

But first, it’s time for today’s advent treat — a Jane Austen word scramble! Below are 10 Austen-related words, jumbled up for your puzzling pleasure.  Can you crack the case and unscramble them all? Well, to sweeten the pot, we have a prize for the first one to do it! A $10 Amazon gift card! To claim the prize, you must be the FIRST one too correctly list ALL 10 words, in order, in the comments. (I will also post the answers here on December 23rd).

Okay, without further ado: On your mark, get set, go! And may the best fan win. 🙂  ***UPDATED TO SAY THAT WE ALREADY HAVE A WINNER! I hope you’ll still feel free to play for your own amusement, but avoid the comments if you do not want to see the answers. Or scroll down if you do. 🙂  

1. ELEFDTRIHEN
2. GYNTEHILK
3. RRAEHNOGTN
4. INEAARMN
5. OCATNHW
6. WIZLTLAIIFM
7. PSPCSREOUR
8. FCWDRORA
9. TTEHWNORW
10. SHRUFDON

Now, on to part two of our holiday celebration, with a recipe for potato pancakes, or latkes. For those of you who have never tried them, they are absolutely delicious and relatively easy to make. If you end up giving them a try, please let us know how they turned out!

Potato Latkes

(Makes about 12-16 pancakes)

Ingredients:

5-6 large Russet (baking) potatoes

1 medium onion

2 large eggs, beaten

1-1/2 t. Kosher salt

 2-3 dashes of white pepper (white is stronger than black)

2 T flour, or more if needed

Canola oil for frying

Instructions:

Peel potatoes and place in bowl of cold water.  Peel onion.

Cut potatoes and onion into pieces small enough to fit into the tube of a food processor.   Using the large, main blade, alternately pulse/puree the potatoes and onions.  Alternating onions with potatoes keeps the potatoes from oxidizing. (Note: If you do not have a food processor, a blender will also work).

Place grated mixture into a colander which has been lined with either cheesecloth or a Handi-Wipe cloth and seated in a large bowl.  Gather ends of cloth and wring out mixture to remove as much water as possible.  Discard any liquid that has dripped into the bowl.

Transfer mixture into large, dry bowl.  Add beaten egg and seasonings.  Stir well, and add flour a little at a time until mixture achieves the desired consistency – not too thin or too thick.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in one or two skillets over medium-high heat until a “test drop” of batter sizzles.  Pour batter into pans using a large soup spoon or a 1/4 cup dry measure.  Flatten out the pancakes in the center so they cook evenly.

Cook about 2-3 minutes and turn when edges and bottom turn golden brown; cook the same amount of time on second side.  Repeat process until all batter has been used.

Remove with spatula onto platters lined with paper towels.  Serve as soon as possible, either “plain” or with sour cream and/or cold apple sauce.

Thanks for reading! Wishing those who celebrate a very happy Hanukkah!

Until next time.

JA