The Greater Tater 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.

TANGY TATER SALAD

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Salt well and bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, reserving 1 cup of water in a separate bowl. Return the pot to the stove top over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and fry until crisp, then remove it to a paper towel lined plate.
• Carefully remove all but 3 tablespoons of bacon fat and return the pot to the heat. Add the garlic, scallions, jalapenos, paprika, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Cook over medium heat until the scallions and jalapenos are tender, about 3 minutes. Add the flour, and stir until the vegetables are evenly coated, about 2 minutes. Stir in the sugar, vinegar and reserved 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until thickened and slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Stir in the potatoes and the crispy bacon. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

UNCLE JEFF'S TATER SALAD

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover by 1-inch. Season the water generously with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once at a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Add the vinegar and, using a rubber spatula, toss gently to combine.
• Toss the potatoes with the celery, onions, mayonnaise, pickled relish, whole grain mustard, chives and parsley and taste for seasoning. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and to let the flavors meld, about 30 minutes.

POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Place the potatoes and 2 tablespoons of salt in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a knife. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then place the colander with the potatoes over the empty pot and cover with a clean, dry kitchen towel. Allow the potatoes to steam for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, dill, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Set aside.
• When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in quarters or in half, depending on their size. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl. While the potatoes are still warm, pour enough dressing over them to moisten. Add the celery and red onion, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend. Serve cold or at room temperature.

GERMAN TATER TOTS SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F.
• Bake TATER TOTS as directed on package.
• Meanwhile, cook and stir bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Set aside. Discard all but 3 Tbsp. drippings from skillet. Heat reserved drippings in same skillet. Add vinegar, water and sugar; stir. Cook 3 to 4 min. or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
• Toss cabbage with apples and onions in large bowl. Add vinegar mixture, TATER TOTS and bacon; mix lightly.