The first night of Chanukah upon us, I’m once again returning to my now yearly tradition of making latkes.

Also per tradition, I’ve picked up a few excellent Chanukah gifts for myself (a surefire way to make sure you end the holiday happy with what you’ve received), and will therefore be using the kitchen opportunity to simultaneously test out my brand spanking new chef’s jacket.

I’m hoping that, beyond a debonaire air of officiality, the jacket may also lend an additional measure of cooking skill. As, in years past, I’ve inadvertently ended up with latkes more akin to hash browns or hockey pucks, I could use all I can get.