Wash, pare and grate raw potatoes. Strain but not too dry, and use juice for soup or sauce. If juice is retained, a little more flour will be needed for thickening. Grate and add the onions; add salt and the egg. Beat well. Mix reamining ingredients and beat into potatoes; mix well. Drop by spoonfuls into hot fat that is deep enough to almost cover the cake. Brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper. Serve with applesauce, if desired.