Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Potato Salad with Dijon Mustard, Horseradish and Dill

I cannot put up a picture of this dish. It does not look nice. But . . . ooooh! the taste.

2 pounds waxy potatoes
3/4 cup or more Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise)
1 bunch scallions, white only, minced
1 bell pepper, seeded, peeled somewhat and diced
3/4 cup finely chopped dill
4 tbs. Dijon mustard
2 to 3 tbs. horseradish (extra hot or not, your choice)
1/4 cup malt vinegar
1 fl. oz. dill pickle juice from a jar.
2 tsp. salt for the salad
1 tbs. salt for the 'tater boiling water
1/2 tsp. white pepper
6 hardboiled eggs, well chilled

The malt vinegar gave the 'taters a brown-ish cast. Not at all appetizing looking.

Using a sharp pin (I use a push pin) make a pinprick in the top (wide side) of each egg. Bring a pot of water to a boil that covers the 6 eggs by 2 inches. Add the eggs with a slotted spoon. Return the pot of water to a boil. Watch carefully. The moment the water returns, remove from the heat, cover and set a count down timer for 18 minutes. When done, remove the eggs with a slotted spoon run the eggs under a cold water bath (at the sink) for 5 minutes. Return the pot of still hot water to a boil. After the eggs have chilled for the 5 minutes, put the eggs back in the boiling water for 90 seconds. Again remove them to the cold water bath for another 5 minutes, whence crack the eggs under running water, put in a bowl and refrigerate overnight, covered. Alternatively, if you have cooked the eggs on the day you are making the salad, put the eggs in the freezer, having previously dried them individually in a paper towel. They won't be completely dry, but the moisture won't cause them to stick and break the whites, either.

Mix the malt vinegar, dill pickle liquid and salt in a cup. Allow to stand, reserved, to give time for the salt to dissolve.

Bring the 'taters to a boil in salted water, lower the flame to a simmer and cook them 25 minutes. Remove the 'taters with a slotted spoon and drain them in a colander so the skins dry. That takes but a minute or two.

In a large bowl, put one of the hot potatoes. Mash it with a potato masher and add the vinegar liquid. Stir well to make a puree. Add the remaining potatoes and mash them and stir it well to incorporate the vinegar into the rest of the mashed 'taters. Next, add the mayonnaise and stir well to mix thoroughly, add the mustard and horseradish and stir thoroughly to incorporate. Add the dill and white pepper, mix in thoroughly then add the scallions and bell pepper. Mix. Slice the eggs and decorate the top of the salad with them. Allow the bowl to sit on the counter until the bottom is cool to the hand, about 1 hour. (This is a judgment call, I don't put warm food in the refrigerator.)  Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Serve.

Goes well with barbecued meats and hamburgers.

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