'The Joy of' Warm Potato Pancakes on a Cold Cold Day

I've been flipping through the joy of cooking for old faves. It's rainy and cold today and our heat is not working in our apartment (the landlord doesn't get back for a week!) So, what better excuse for warm comfort food? (and a fuzzy sweater straight out of the drier)? We used to make these when I was little; I've missed 'em! :0)

Makes about 12 three-inch cakes.
This recipe demands mature potatoes. (Russets that have been sitting in the cupboard for a while are great.) Potatoes don't do well in the fridge...

Peel and grate coarsely until you have:
2 cups grated potatoes (about 4 medium-sized mature russet potatoes)
Fold the gratings into a tea-towel and wring it to extract as much moisture from the potatoes as possible. Place them in a bowl. Beat well:
3 eggs
Stir them in the potatoes. Combine and sift:
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt (and add a fresh grating of  and fresh ground pepper)
1 to 3 tsp grated onion (I like 2.)

I've changed the recipe to add:

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 
1/4 tsp paprika,
lemon zest (lots!)
Chopped Fresh herbs of your choice:  I used rosemary & cilantro make a nice mix (or 1/2 tsp dill weed)
3/4 tsp Madras spice
1/2 tsp vinegar
Heat in a skillet (deeper is safer, I find):
1/4 inch or more canola oil
Place spoonfuls of the potato mixture in the skillet, forming them into patties 3 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. I like them as thin as I can get them, since they puff up a little. Thinner makes them crispier, of course. Brown then turn and brown the second side until crisp. (Flip them gently and away from you to avoid splashing.) Place on a plate with paper towel and pat dry with another paper towel to remove extra oil.

These are very best served hot (but they can be cooked in advanced and re-crisped under the broiler with a watchful eye...) I love them served with sour cream; though, the "Joy of Cooking" book suggests applesauce (no thanks!) ;0) Maybe chutney though (and sour cream) , mmmmm... that with a little extra of the Madras (or curry powder) would be delightful. :0P

Enjoy!
Mel