THEY CAN EVEN MAKE JEWISH FOOD EDIBLE:

Southwestern Potato Kugel (Contra Costa Times, 03/04/2008)

Recipe from Evan Levy of Danville, who was flown to New York last week to compete as a finalist in the Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off.

4 eggs

4 cups water

2 6-ounce boxes Manischewitz Potato Pancake Mix

2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained

2 8-ounce cans mild green chiles

1½ 11-ounce can corn, drained (or 1 pound fresh kernels)

1 tablespoon chile powder

2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided use

6 tablespoons canola oil

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, slightly beat the 4 eggs. Add 4 cups water to the eggs and stir well. Add Manischewitz Potato Mix and stir well. Allow mixture to stand for 5 minutes to thicken up.

2. Stir in black beans, chile, corn, 1¼ cups cheese and chile powder. Pour 3 tablespoons of the oil in a 9½-by-11-inch Pyrex dish. Pour kugel mixture into the pan and level out the top. Drizzle 3 tablespoons oil on top. Bake for 45 minutes, sprinkle with remaining ¾ cup cheese, and bake for another 5-10 minutes. Serve, if desired, with a garnish of fresh cilantro, salsa and sour cream.