Fill a large bowl or pot with cold water.

Peel potatoes, and as you finish each, place in cold water to prevent browning.

Pour oil about one-fourth the way up the side of a large skillet and heat over medium heat.

Cut potatoes lengthwise into halves or quarters so they fit into food processor feed tube. Process potatoes using the blade that creates thin, shoestring-like strips and transfer to a large bowl.

Add eggs, matzo meal, salt, and pepper and mix well.

Add cranberries and mix well until combined.

Drop heaping tablespoons of mixture into hot oil. Using the back of a spoon, pat down each latke to flatten it. Put as many as you can in the skillet without crowding. Putting them too close together will make them soggy.

Fry three to four minutes on each side until golden and crisp around the edges; repeat procedure until finished with all the batter.

Drain on paper towel lined baking sheets.

Serve warm with applesauce if desired.