Pats Potato Salad Food

PAT'S BEST 'TATER SALAD (POTATO SALAD)

Steps:

• After boiling the potatoes (do not overcook!), rinse them in cold water and place them in the refrigerator for an hour.
• Once the boiled potatoes have cooled in the refrigerator, scrape off the peelings with a paring knife and, using a filet knife or other thin-bladed knife, cut the potatoes into crouton-sized cubes.
• Halve the eggs and remove the yolks. Roughly chop the whites and set them aside. Mash the egg yolks in the mixing bowl until there are no lumps, then add the mustard and salad dressings. Stir until smooth.
• Put the potato cubes in a large mixing bowl and add the chopped egg whites, the yolk mixture and all other ingredients except for the paprika, saving the mayonnaise as the final addition. While adding the mayonnaise in last, stir carefully and slowly until the salad is well blended. Too much mayonnaise can make the potato salad runny -- if you don't need all the mayonnaise, then stop when you have a good blend.
• Transfer the potato salad to an adequate serving bowl and sprinkle the paprika over the top as a garnish. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours prior to serving.
• NOTE: I do prefer to use Heinz mustard but any regular yellow mustard will do. Also, Yukon Gold potatoes can be substituted.

PAT'S PICNIC POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook until just tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
• Pulse the basil, mint, garlic, pecans, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt and pepper, to taste, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. Drizzle in the olive oil while the machine is running.
• Spoon the pesto into a large serving bowl, then add the potatoes and toss to coat. Serve cold or at room temperature.

PATTI'S POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough salted water to cover by 1-inch. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Pour out most of the water and place the pot in the sink. Run cold water over the potatoes for about 2 minutes, or until cool enough to handle. Drain well.
• Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl. Chop 4 hard-cooked eggs and add to the potatoes, along with the red onion, green pepper, and celery. Sprinkle with the celery seed. Gradually stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, and relish (wear rubber or plastic gloves and use your hands, if you wish), being careful not to smash the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a large serving bowl. Slice the 2 remaining hard-cooked eggs. Arrange the slices on top of the salad and sprinkle with paprika. Serve immediately, or cool, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.

PAT'S BAKED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
• Meanwhile, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble. Set the bacon aside.
• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
• Combine the potatoes, Cheddar cheese, relish, onion, and olives in a large bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise, celery salt, and black pepper. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle with bacon.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are browned and the cheese is melted, about 45 minutes.

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Boil, peel and cube 2 pounds russet potatoes; toss with 2 tablespoons cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix 2 cups mayonnaise, 2 chopped scallions, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 tablespoon each dijon mustard and vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt. Toss with the potatoes.

GRILLED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare a grill using the snake method or for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, stack the unlit charcoals around the perimeter of the grill, about halfway, then light the first few at one end so the snake begins to burn slowly. (This results in a controlled 325 to 350 degrees F heat.) If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
• Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.
• Lay out 2 sheets of aluminum foil in a cross and place the potatoes in the middle. Gather up the sides to create a foil packet, add 2 tablespoons of water and seal the foil packet.
• Place the foil packet over direct heat and steam until the potatoes are cooked through, about 30 minutes. Open the foil packet and continue to cook until the potatoes take on some smoke and dry out, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the peanuts, remaining 1/4 cup oil, vinegar, cilantro, mustard, celery seeds and sugar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Remove the potatoes from the grill, add to the bowl with the vinaigrette and toss to coat.
• (Alternatively, you can bake the potatoes in a 375 degrees F oven for 30 minutes.)

POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• In a large pot, add potatoes and water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender. Drain and cool. Peel cooked potatoes and cut into small chunks. Put in a very large serving bowl or container. Peel and finely chop hard boiled eggs and add to bowl. Add mayonnaise, green onions, celery, mustard, white pepper and salt. Mix until just combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours before serving.