Potato Pancakes

Growing up, German Fest in Milwaukee was one of my favorite festivals to go to, and one of the best things to do there was eat! Let me tell you, there is no shortage of options in the culinary department at a German festival. From bratwurst to sauerkraut, traditional foods are in abundance. But none is more popular than the potato pancake.

At German Fest, they go through more than five tons of potatoes over the course of four days to make its signature pancakes. Shredded spuds are fried on a hot griddle then topped with cool applesauce or sausage. When you see long lines at German Fest, chances are people are waiting in line for the “kartoffelpfannkuchen.”

There’s no secret to how these pancakes are made–in fact, they’re a cinch to recreate at home. Just mix together shredded potatoes, chopped scallions, a few spices and binding ingredients, and you’ve got a festival favorite on your own kitchen table. I like to top my homemade pancakes with sour cream, but if you want to keep with tradition, serve them with applesauce or your favorite sausage links.

In less than an hour, you can bring home festival fun without ever having to leave your kitchen–or having to stand in any long lines.