Sweet Potato Latkes with Apples and Fresh Goat Cheese

Serves 4.

•  2 Tbsp. butter

• 1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced

• 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar

• 3 Tbsp. applejack brandy

• 3 medium-size sweet potatoes, peeled

• 1/2 medium onion

• 1 large egg

• 3 Tbsp. matzo meal (or flour)

• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp. pepper

• 1 Tbsp. fresh, grated ginger

• 1/2 cup peanut oil

• 3 ounces fresh goat cheese

 Melt butter in a skillet. Add apple and brown sugar, and saute until tender. Stir in brandy and cook just until heated (do not boil). Remove from heat, and ignite with a long match; let flame 1 minute. Keep warm.

Grate potatoes and onion. Combine vegetables, egg, and next 3 ingredients.

Drop mixture by large spoonfuls into hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry 5 minutes or until crisp, turning once. Drain on paper towels, and place in a shallow baking dish. Cut goat cheese into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and crumble each over a hot latke.

Bake at 350° for 5 minutes. Serve latkes warm with warm apple mixture.

Note: You may substitute apple juice for applejack brandy