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The World’s Alex Gallafent gets some pretty tough assignments. Like this one: trying out potato jalapeño latkes made by Chef Julian Medina. Medina owns a number of Mexican restaurants in New York City. But he married into a Jewish family, so the holidays make for a spicy culinary mash-up.

Potato Jalapeño Latkes

12 pieces (2 per person)

Ingredients:
2 Large russet potatoes, peeled
1 Egg yolk
½ cup Matzo meal
1 Jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1 t Kosher salt
Olive oil for frying

To Make:

1) Using a box grater, coarsely grate the potatoes into a medium-size bowl. Add the egg yolk, jalapeño, salt, and matzo meal; mix well and let cool in the refrigerator for five minutes to allow ingredients to bind.
2) Remove bowl from refrigerator and drain off any excess liquid.

3) Over a medium flame, heat ½ cup olive oil in a 10-inch skillet until hot but not smoking. Take 1 heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture at a time and place into the pan, being careful not to crowd the latkes. Cook each latke until golden brown on both sides (approximately five minutes total). 
4) Transfer latkes to a paper-towel-lined plate, add additional salt if desired. Add ¼ to ½ cup of olive oil (if needed) to pan and repeat process with remaining latke mixture.
5) Serve immediately (traditional apple sauce is fine)

(Recipe courtesy Chef Julian Medina)

Audio extra: Rabbi Michael Sternfield discusses Jewish fusion food