By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
Latkes, Latkes everywhere! Next week, we will be knee-deep in fried, crispy goodness.
I make a latke variation with just potatoes, onions, and garlic. I shred potatoes, zucchinis, and carrots. I use powdered onion and garlic powder, faux cheese, and fry in olive oil. It probably still makes the same mess of oil splatters as the traditional latkes.
Sometimes for dessert, I shred apples with cinnamon and faux cheese (I know, sounds weird) and fry them in olive oil and top with faux whipped cream.
Today, I received a recipe from Chabad.org for cauliflower latkes. Here is the recipe:
1 large cauliflower
1 medium onion
2 large eggs (or Just Egg substitute)
1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt (personally, I do not add salt, but to each their own)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Neutral frying oil (vegetable, canola, olive, or avocado)
Directions: Cut the cauliflower into florets and place the florets into a food processor. Pulse the cauliflower until it is finely chopped into rice-sized pieces. Do not process into a puree. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Add peeled and roughly chopped onion and pulse until finely chopped. And add to the bowl with the cauliflower. Add the eggs, kosher salt, and flour to the bowl and stir together until well combined. Add oil into a large skillet and add about ¼ cup of mixture for each latke and carefully place in the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of a spatula. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked latkes to a plate lined with a paper towel or a wire cooling rack. Serve hot with sour cream, applesauce, or other toppings.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Other pending events, previously reported in this column, may be found in our Jewish community calendar.
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Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “Walk on Wednesday: San Carlos” at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. This event is open to all; babies and children are welcome. This Wednesday, Dec. 10, members will be walking at 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail. Click here to check out the trail in advance.
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Lawrence Family JCC announces its “Hanukkah Happening” beginning at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, with its “Festival of Lights Run,” which will include a one-mile fun/walk, USATF Sanctioned 5k and 10k. Finisher medals, podium medal awards, festive t-shirts, refreshments, soup, donuts, fun for kids, parents, friends, families, grandparents, and more. The ticket includes access to all Hanukkah Happenings activities. Click here to register. At 9 a.m., activities will include a dreidel palooza tournament, donut decorating, DIY Hanukkah jewelry, make your own snow globe, Hanukkah pop-up shop, children’s Jewish book fair, latke tasting, and eating contests. At 10:15 a.m., “Shalom Baby 25th Anniversary Bash and Fundraiser” includes a catered Kosher meal, alumni service project, baby crawl race, story time with community guests, appearances by special characters, tote bag and access to all Hanukkah Happening activities.
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Camp Gan Israel presents its “Chanukah Pajamukah Party” at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, at North County Mall. Families are invited to an evening filled with Chanukah bingo, fun themed prizes, edible crafts, a short Chanukah movie, popcorn, hot cocoa, a pajama fashion show, menorah lighting, latkes, Chanukah treats, and every child will go home with a goody bag. Click here to rsvp.
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Ner Tamid Synagogue announces its “Family Event: Hosted by The Man” at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24. The event includes Chinese food and movies. Click here to register.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
Chula Vista announces its “Community Chanukah Celebration” at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, at Otay Ranch Town Center. The event includes menorah lighting, latkes, donuts, hot cocoa, s’mores, a magic show, crafts for kids, and Chanukah music. Click here to rsvp.
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Downtown presents its “Chanukah Festival at Liberty Station” at 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. The event will include ice skating, donuts, a fire juggler, music, dreidels, and children’s crafts. Click here to rsvp.
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University City presents its “Menorah Lighting at UTC Mall” at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14. The event will include a live magician, hands-on arts and crafts, donuts, music, and a community menorah lighting. Click here to rsvp.
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Downtown announces its “Public Menorah Lighting at Seaport Village” at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. The event includes menorah lighting, music, entertainment, donuts, dreidels, and more. Click here to rsvp.
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University City’s Men’s Club announces its “Chanukah Men’s Night” at 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18. The evening includes smoked brisket, latkes, l’chaims, and more. Click here to rsvp.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
The Association for Fundraising Professionals San Diego Chapter celebrated National Philanthropy Day at the Gaylord Pacific Resort by honoring six individuals and two organizations for their outstanding community contributions at its annual luncheon. Among the honorees is Carlsbad’s Sharyn Goodson, who earned honors as the 2025 NPD “Outstanding Development Professional” for her work with the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. Goodson is known for her uncanny ability to build meaningful relationships and develop innovative nonprofit training programs that lead to expanded impact.
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Beth Jacob Congregation reports it has Chanukah supplies available in the office for purchase/pick up, including pre-filled E-Z oil cups ordered in advance. Click here for more information.
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Chabad of Downtown reports its “Kindle Kindness: End of Year Campaign” has started. The goal is to raise $100,000 in 52 hours, and every dollar will be doubled by generous matching donors. Click here to donate.
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Ohr Shalom Synagogue reports it had a very busy weekend. Kabbalat Shabbat services with Amos Davidowitz were moving and informative, and the congregation was grateful he was able to spend time during his visit from Israel. Sisterhood made sufganiyot dough, Religious School has a Chanukah play and activities. The new members’ lunch was well attended, and congregants donated 16 pints of blood at the San Diego Blood Bank Mobile.
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Sharon Sinder has died. She was the wife of Daniel Sinder, mother of Talia and Jillian. The funeral took place on Monday, Dec. 8, at El Camino Memorial Park, Congregation Beth Am reports.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.