Irish Potato Pancakes

Growing up, potato pancakes were a family staple and were frequently served for both breakfast and dinner. On Sunday mornings my mom would top them with scrambled eggs, sausage, and melted cheese, which was absolutely delicious! For dinner, she would serve them hot and crispy, with homemade applesauce and a dollop of sour cream. Potato pancakes will forever hold a special place in my heart. I can still see my mom, smiling to herself as she put forkfuls in her mouth. I imagine she was remembering her mom and grandmother making the same for their family meals when she was a kid. Who knew a simple potato could hold so much love? - Trula Hepner

Irish Potato Pancakes
By Trula Hepner
Ingredients:

- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup raw potatoes, grated
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup Irish cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- Eggs, over easy (optional)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except eggs in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. Prepare griddle or skillet by heating a small amount of oil over medium heat.  Pour batter onto prepared skillet to make pancakes; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown, and flip. Cook until both sides are golden brown.
Top with 2 eggs and additional fresh chives.