Root Veggie Latkes

Welcome to December, the theme for Veggie Buds Club is "Root Veggies Rule!". Root veggies are delicious, colorful, nutritious, and versatile, and we cannot wait to share yummy recipes and fun activities featuring root veggies this month!
To get the ball rolling, please enjoy these delicious Root Veggie Latkes, this is the recipe that is featured in this month's Veggie Buds Club subscription box.

This recipe was developed by Heather Staller, a mom of two boys, ages 6 and 3, and cooking instructor specializing in bringing cooking into preschool classrooms. After college, Heather knew she wanted to be a teacher, but first followed her lifelong dream of going to culinary school. Teaching cooking combines both of her passions, and she truly enjoys introducing young children to the joys of cooking with fresh ingredients. Find Heather on Instagram (@heather_kidskitchen), where she shares inventive kid-friendly recipes and ideas for cooking with kids at home.

---

Root Veggie Latkes

Turn a bowl full of winter root veggies into crispy fritters to enjoy any time of day. Have your little chef help peel and grate the veggies, either by hand, with a box grater, or using a food processor. Crack the eggs together, then mix in a couple more ingredients and you are ready to cook. Top the veggie pancakes with a little Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even applesauce. If you have a French fry fan or potato lover, these are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 2 cups peeled, shredded potato (about 1 large Russet potato or 2 smaller Yukon Gold potatoes)
  
• 1 cup shredded turnip
  
• 1 cup shredded carrot, parsnip, and any other root vegetable or combination of root vegetables
  
• 2 eggs*
  
• ¼ cup flour (any kind)
  
• ½ teaspoon coarse salt
  
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  
• Neutral oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. Place shredded potato in a kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. Add the potato and other shredded vegetables to a large bowl.
   
2. Have your child help you crack the eggs into a separate small bowl then beat eggs with a fork to scramble. Add eggs and remaining ingredients (except the oil) to the shredded vegetables and stir well to combine.
   
3. Using your hands, make small patties of the vegetable mixture, squeezing together to remove any excess liquid as you form each one. Lay patties out onto a parchment lined pan or plate. 
   
4. Heat a cast iron or other skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook vegetable cakes until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side, adding more oil to the pan as needed after each batch. Sprinkle the tops with a little salt and eat warm. Store any leftover veggie latkes in the fridge and reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

* For egg-free latkes, substitute eggs for 2 tablespoons of ground flax mixed with 4 tablespoons of water. Latkes will be a little bit softer but still hold together.