No Latkes for Dixie

By Crystal Mandell • Illustrated by Linda S. Pierce

“Mom, these latkes are good!” Aaron took another big bite. His dog, Dixie, stared at the potato pancakes on Aaron’s plate. “Look, Dixie wants some, too.”

Mom laughed. “No, Dixie, those latkes are for Aaron.”

“I smell latkes!” Rachel said. She sat down next to her brother. She put three potato pancakes on her plate. Then she added some applesauce. “Mmm! These are good!” she said. Dixie began to drool. Rachel giggled. “No, Dixie, these latkes are mine.”

Dad walked into the kitchen. “I’m so hungry I could eat a hundred latkes,” he said. He stood by the stove and watched the potato pancakes sizzling in the pan. Dixie wandered over and sat down beside him. She sniffed the air. Dad chuckled.

“Sorry, Dixie. These latkes are for me.”

Mom was putting more latkes on the table when the doorbell rang. “Happy Hanukkah, everyone,” Nana said as she walked into the kitchen. She kissed Aaron and Rachel. “Latkes! They look so good!”

“They are good, Nana,” Aaron said. “I’ll fill up a plate for you.”

Dixie poked Nana’s hand. Nana laughed. “No, Dixie, no latkes for you. But I know someone who will want some. He’s bringing in the Hanukkah presents.”

Papa came into the kitchen. He hugged Aaron and Rachel. “My, those latkes smell good. I like mine with lots of sour cream.” He put a big spoonful on his plate. Then he took a bite. “They are good!” he said. Dixie wagged her tail and barked. Papa laughed. “No, Dixie, these latkes are taken.”

Papa finished the crumbs from the last potato pancake. “They were the best latkes I ever had!” he said.

Mom put her arm around Papa’s shoulder. “You always say that, Dad, and I always love to hear it.” She kissed his cheek. “Now it is time to light the menorah.”
Dixie looked at the empty table. Her ears drooped. Slowly she followed everyone into the living room.

Softly Dad recited the blessing. Aaron and Rachel took turns lighting the candles on the menorah. When the last candle glowed brightly, Mom announced, “Time for presents.”

Dixie flopped down beside Aaron. She put her head on her paws and watched until the last gift was opened.

Mom gathered up the torn scraps of colorful wrapping paper. Aaron grabbed a long piece of silver ribbon and tied a big bow around Dixie’s neck. He laughed. “Dixie looks just like a present,” he said. Then he frowned. “Oh no! We didn’t get Dixie anything for Hanukkah!”

“You’re right, Aaron. Poor Dixie,” Mom said.

Suddenly Aaron smiled. He whispered in his mother’s ear. She nodded and smiled, too. Then they both went into the kitchen.

“I smell something,” Rachel said.

“Let’s find out what your mother and brother are doing,” Nana replied.

Dixie stretched and padded after them.

“Oh, good, Aaron, more latkes!” Papa said.

“No, Papa, these latkes aren’t for us.” Aaron hugged Dixie. “Happy Hanukkah, Dixie. These latkes are for you!” Aaron put the latkes in Dixie’s dish on the floor. And Dixie ate every last one, even the crumbs.

Good-to-the-Last-Crumb Latkes By Jeff Mandell Ask an adult to help you with this recipe.
Ingredients: 3 large russet potatoes, peeled 1 egg 1 tablespoon grated onion 1 teaspoon minced garlic 3 tablespoons flour a dash of cayenne pepper (optional) salt and pepper to taste		Directions: 1. Grate peeled potatoes into a bowl of cold water to keep them from turning dark. 2. In a large bowl, beat egg lightly. Add all other ingredients except the potatoes, and mix well. 3. Squeeze as much water as possible from the potatoes, and drain them on paper towels. 4. Add potatoes to the egg mixture and mix well. 5. Form the potato mixture into 2-inch patties.
Have an adult do these three steps. 6. Heat one-half inch of cooking oil in a frying pan. 7. Fry the patties in very hot oil 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. 8. Remove patties to a wire rack over paper towels to drain. Makes 8 to 10 latkes. Serve warm with applesauce, sour cream, or Jeff’s favorite, ketchup.