Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Potato Salad Just Like Mom's

Good old fashioned homemade potato salad is one of my favorite side dishes to serve, and when it comes to my mom's recipe it was the best. Summer holidays wouldn't be the same without her potato salad.

Like any good cook, she never wrote down any of her recipes but I guess she thought we knew the amounts. I'd watch her, but still couldn't reproduce it to taste exactly like mom's.

Over the years I've fashioned my own recipes after those of my mother's hoping to re-create some of her masterpieces. I've used this recipe for years, and like mom I never keep a record of the amounts. So, when I had to write it down there was a bit of tweaking to get it right. You may need to do the same to fit your desired tastes.

If you like macaroni salad, you can use this same recipe, but substitute one pound of macaroni instead of the potatoes. Try serving it with one of my favorite sandwiches or other recipes.

You will need: large mixing bowl with lid, medium size mixing bowl, spoon, knife, egg slicer.

 

Prep time: 15 min

Cook time: 45 min

Ready in: 1 hour

Yields: 8-10

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Potato Salad

8 medium cooked potatoes cubed

3 hard boiled eggs peeled and diced

1 Kosher dill spear pickle diced

1/8 cup pickle juice

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup mustard

1/4 cup sweet relish

ground black pepper

paprika

1/4 cup celery diced (optional)

1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)

Instructions

1.    Boil potatoes until tender but not mushy. We have used several kinds of potatoes, but Russet mainly. Drain and let cool. You can even cook the potatoes the night before you make this and put them in the refrigerator.

2.    Set potatoes aside. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl then add potatoes. You may want to tweak it a bit with more mayonnaise or mustard according to your taste. Season with pepper and sprinkle paprika on top for color. Cover and store in refrigerator overnight for best flavor. Serve cold.

3.    *Note: You can keep some aside and add meat for those who prefer it in their salads.

 

Try My Oatmeal Butterscotch Craisin Cookies for Dessert

Veggie Burgers Compliment this Salad

Serve a vegetarian burger with this salad. Read my comparison review between Boca and Morning Star for a more informed shopping decision. 

Boca vs. Morning Star Soy Based Products

Vegetarian Recipes of Mine

Add any of these recipes with my Old Fashioned Potato Salad for a complete vegetarian menu. 

10 Tasty Meatless Sandwiches

 

Oatmeal Butterscotch Craisin Cookies

Hershey's Chocolate Chip Applesauce Coffee Cake 

Blue Ribbon Banana Bread Recipes 

Strawberry Bistro Vegetarian Salad 

One Pot Hearty Vegetarian Meat and Potato Recipe
 

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Easy Potato Recipes, Favored Cooking, Favored1, Old Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe, Quick and Easy Meals, Side Dishes, Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes, Salads

Hershey's Recipe Collection Cookbooks

Hershey's Recipe Collection in 5-Ring Binder

Hershey's & Me ... we go together!

We had just gotten home from grocery shopping. With bags in tow we had our arms full and hurried to get inside from the cold weather. When we opened our front porch screen door I noticed a package on the little white table. It was a large decorative Christmas bag with handles and a bit heavier than I expected.

Excited about the surprise package left at my door, I couldn't wait to open it. Even though it was a few days until Christmas, I decided to take the package out of the gift bag hoping to get a glimpse of the item. Nope, it was in a box!

Feeling like a child I shook, smelled, tilted and held the package trying to figure out what it was and who gave us this treasure. The intrigue was exhilarating and kept me guessing as to its contents until Christmas morning.

My collection of cookbooks has been depleted over the past ten years. Looking for new recipes I bugged all my neighbors for peeks at their collections. Knowing that I love chocolate, one of my neighbors (whom I have borrowed her recipe books oodles of times) had the good sense to get me a cookbook she knew I would like. As a matter of fact, when she received it in the mail she liked it so much she ordered another one for herself.

Hershey's is more than a name, candy or recipe book to me; it is part of my growing up in the Tri-State area where Hershey's is a part of everyone's family. We traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania more times then I can remember, spent time in the Amusement Park, visited the chocolate factory and gave out five pound candy bars at ball games. Having Hershey cookbooks and recipes seemed almost natural for me, so when I received it for Christmas in 2011 you can tell it was most appreciated.

About the Cookbook

There are so many things I love about this cookbook besides the recipes (which is a given). I like that it is a sturdy hardback, five ring binder making it easy to view recipes. There are two protective page covers and great tips in the front of the book for working specifically with all types of chocolate. I've learned so much from this section alone.

Overall there are 24 sections of recipes from cakes, pies, cookies, cheesecakes, candies, breads, muffins and so much more. If you aren't sure what to give someone there is also a section for chocolate gift giving ideas.

One of my favorite sections is the one called "Treats for Kids" where everyone can get involved baking, making more fun for the family. If you are in the mood for a chocolaty beverage you'll find recipes for those kinds of drinks. For meat lovers, there are recipes for chicken, chili or shrimp as well. That's right, a chocolate chili recipe!

In the very back of the book is a metric conversion chart, oven temperature suggestions and baking times according to the pans you use. All-in-all this 512 page hardbound book is a simple pleasure you will come to love and use over and over for years to come. Considering all you get, plus 475 chocolate recipes with colorful pictures for practically all the recipes, it is really a great price.

Take a look at the scrumptious recipes from my own Hershey's Recipe Collection Cookbook.

 

The sections included in this book are: Layer and Sheet Cakes, Cheesecakes, Tube or Bundt Cakes, Cupcake or Mini-Cakes, Drop Cookies, Candy, Holiday and Gift Giving Ideas, Puddings, Mousses, Cream Pies, Pastries, Coffee Cakes, Hershey Kisses Ideas and a special section for kids treats.

 

 

If you like cheesecake my Easy Chocolate Cheesecake was also a take on a recipe from this cookbook. It is the best, richest cheesecake I've ever eaten, and it's easy to make.

Another recipe that has become a favorite of ours was taken from a basic recipe in the cookbook and tweaked a bit to suit our taste. Hershey's Chocolate Chip Applesauce Coffee Cake is a great recipe for the fall and to make for those guests you have over for the holidays.

Cookbooks from Top Kitchens

Buy Hershey Recipe Collection

Buy Hershey 4 in 1 Cookbook

I have several of these cookbooks and each one is a culinary delight.

 

You won't be disappointed in the ideas or recipes.

 

 

Select one for yourself or as a gift for a friend, newlywed or for the cooking and baking lover.

 

View my recipes and ideas for the Campbell's Recipe Collection.

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Snowball Surprise Quick Cookie Recipe

Snowball Nut Cookies

I was browsing through the cookbooks in a local department store when I first came across the Favorite Brand Name:100 Best Holiday Cookies. Thumbing through it I found a section that listed "Christmas Cookie Quickies".

Looking over the selections I found the Snowball Surprise Cookie recipe. The list of ingredients could easily be tweaked to taste, and instructions seemed to be pretty simple.

Having made other recipes similar to this, I knew it was a recipe I wanted to try.

Why I Like the Recipe

There are several things I like about this versatile dessert. You can use any kind of nut or chocolate and can divide the batch to make a different assortment. This way everyone gets their favorite kind of cookie. If you are looking for a holiday dessert or snack, these are a great party treat and look festive on a decorative plate with holiday trimmings.

One of the best things about this cookie is that you can make it ahead of time and freeze it. When guests arrive, take the cookies out of the freezer and let them set for 30 minutes or so and you have a great dessert with no mess. Serve them on a nice cookie tray or dessert dish with a hot beverage while you fellowship with friends around the table. This is something I grew up doing, and we especially liked it when my Aunt sent her famous cookies like this one for Christmas.

The cookbook was right, it is an easy recipe and one that the entire family could do together. I can picture Moms and kids making this in the kitchen, while the Dads and Uncles are watching a game on television. Being a tactile activity it's one that works well for home schooling lessons as well.

I listed 2 hours as a suggested time, but that includes one hour in the refrigerator. If you don't want toasted nuts in the recipe knock off another ten minutes. So you can tell, it's "quick" to actually make the cookie. For people who have allergies, keep in mind that this recipe has nuts, but can be made with just the chocolate.

For a bit of zing, try suggested adding lemon to the recipe.

The Hershey's Chocolate Chip Applesauce Coffee Cake is a great recipe for the fall to make for holiday celebrations, brunch or afternoon tea. It is another one of our favorites.

 

Prep time: 1 hour 30 min

Cook time: 30 min

Ready in: 2 hours

Yields: Approximately 3 dozen 

Ingredients

2 sticks softened butter (one cup)

3/4 cup powered sugar (to be divided)

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 and 3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 cup toasted and finely chopped pecans or walnuts

3 ounces (1 bar) of chocolate candy with or without almonds broken in 1/2 inch pieces (about 36)

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) I don't use it myself.

Instructions

1.    NOTE: THIS RECIPE HAS NUTS

2.    Toasting the Nuts: On a cookie sheet toast pecans or walnuts 8-10 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees in a single layer. Stir often until golden brown. After cooling finely chop the nuts.

3.    Use parchment paper or lightly grease cookie sheets.

4.    Beat butter and 1/2 cup of powered sugar in bowl until blended. Stir in vanilla. Add salt and flour gradually until blended. Stir in pecans (nuts).

5.    Make 36 round dough balls using a tablespoon. Press chocolate pieces into individual balls and reshape making sure the chocolate is covered by the dough. You can use Hershey's, Rolo's, Reeses or any chocolate that can be cut into smaller pieces.

6.    Place cookies 1 and 1/2 inches apart on the cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour until the dough is firm.

7.    Preheat over to 350 degrees. Bake until edges are slightly browned about 10-13 minutes depending on oven.

8.    Cool for one minute then sprinkle the remaining powered sugar over the cookies covering them completely.

 

Purchase the Holiday Cookie Cookbook

Do you have a favorite holiday cookie?

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Christmas Cookies, Christmas Recipes, Cookbooks, Desserts, Favored Cooking, Favored1, Snowball Cookies, Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes, Cookies, Holiday Baking for Gifts, Holiday Menu.

 

Cherry Wood Tea Chest

Hand crafted solid wood tea chest.

Best Gift for Tea Lovers

My beautiful cherry wood tea chest is one of the best gifts I have ever received. As a matter of fact, it's one of my family's favorites as well.

Something that my mother, sisters and I all have in common is our absolute love for tea. We love it so much that we make sure to have lots of varieties, flavors and brands of it on hand.

When my mother first saw the cherry wood tea chest my husband gave me one year for Christmas, she fell in love with it. Each time she came to my home, she would visit my treasured gift and select a different tea to drink. It was something that we both enjoyed and did it often.

Cherry tea chest has a selection of teas, not including

the loose tea always on hand. The tea cup and saucer

are from two departed dear friends.

The following year I knew exactly what to get my mom. On Christmas day we presented her with a tea chest exactly like mine (she really wanted one like it). I can still remember how excited she was when she opened her gift.

 

Mother was smiling from ear-to-ear with joy. It made us feel good to be able to give her something actually wanted, and it didn't take her long to put it on display for the entire family to enjoy.

From that day on our tea boxes were always on a cart or table for anyone to use. Mom used hers in her banquet hall for weddings, parties or any celebration. It NEVER was put away in a cabinet. Even on the day of her home going people chose a tea bag from her fabulous assortment or blends.

Why I love this tea chest.

Our solid wood chest is heavy. Raised with only

the four corners touching the table or surface. 

It is smooth with a glossy finish.

The fact that this tea chest is exquisite is more than enough reason to buy it, but it is also practical. This particular cabinet can hold up to 8 different types of teas.

 

My mom's and mine was a larger version. That's another plus for getting a tea chest, you can get them in different sizes to suit your needs. I have seen some with as little as 4 and up to 24 sections for tea. Some people use the extra slots for packaged sugar packets.

 

The inside of ours is green velvet lining.  Tea leaves sometimes

spill in it so you need to vacuum or brush it out at times.

My choice was cherry wood, but there are other nice wooden tea chests as well. Which ever one you choose, it will always be a conversation piece.

Our tea boxes were displayed on beverage carts with glass tops that each of us received from my oldest sister.

 

This was particularly nice because you could house other related items on the same cart without adding clutter to any countertop. Giving a gift like this is sure to be one they don't forget and it will certainly get used.

 

Gold plated hinged handles on both sides.
 It's only a few inches tall.

Although most don't come with the selection of teas, ours did. With so many options you are sure to please every tea lover you know.

My mom's cherry wood tea chest is over 20 years old. It still looks good and is as cherished as ever. All photographs are mine.

 

The hinge is hidden on the back of the tea chest.

The tea chest in the introduction (top right of the article) is handcrafted from solid wood and is approximately 14"W X 8.25"W X 4"H. This one has a front closure, mine doesn't.

 

It is smooth on the inside as well as outside. I do not know if this size is lined (sorry), but they usually are as far as I know.

 

There are 8 sections as you saw in the opening photo so you still have a nice sized tea accessory to display. Once you use it, you will probably want to leave it out for guests all the time. Polish with a soft cloth and don't get it wet. If it gets a little dirty just take the bags out and shake out any tea leaves.

 

*Note: The tea chests are assembled. These teas are Gluten free, no calories or carbohydrates. Most teas are a good source of antioxidants as well. 

 

 

Purchase the Wooden Tea Chest

 

If you enjoy sitting down with a friend over a cup of tea, why not make a great dessert for them.  Try making my Hershey's Chocolate Chip Applesauce Coffee Cake or mouthwatering Chocolate Lover's Cheesecake.  Better yet, what better way to show off your new tea chest than to hold a social or brunch.

Is this a great gift?

What do you think of giving a tea chest as a gift? Let me know what you think.

 

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Cuisinart 2-Slice Metal Classic Toaster

This is my Cuisinart 2 slice toaster. It fits nicely
on the countertop. It still looks brand new.

The Best Toaster I've Ever Owned ~ Cuisinart

Somewhere along the way I must have mentioned to my oldest sister that our toaster was on its last days. Being the good soul that she is, she stored the information in her memory bank and surprised us with this brand new Cuisinart 2 slice toaster for Christmas.

Since breakfast is my favorite meal, having a good toaster is a mainstay around our home. Not only do I use a toaster for ordinary toast needs, but I like to use it for a variety of sandwiches that I like. When my husband opened the package we noticed all the wonderful things that this small kitchen appliance could do. 

Why I like this product. 

If you'll notice, this particular Cuisinart toaster has 2 slots, but it also comes in a 4 slot as well. I love the classic design of stainless steel, because to me it looks so clean and bright. Take note that the exterior has no sharp edges either, but a sleek, smooth appearance.

Notice the four settings, dial number for shade of
 toast and the heavy push down tab.

Bagels are another bread item that we eat a lot of in my home, and I never had a toaster that could handle one. If I used a toaster for it, the thing would always get stuck because it wasn't made to do bagels. Well, besides regular bread this toaster is set up to take bagels, French bread, Texas toast or waffles because it has slots 1 and a 1/2 inches wide.

There are four settings: bagel like I mentioned, defrost (love that), reheat (warm your toast without toasting it again) and cancel. The control lifter is larger and heavy duty making it easy to manipulate. You'll like this also, there is a dial number setting that lets you select the shade control of your toast. One of my sisters likes her toast almost burnt, I like a darker toast, but my husband prefers a rather light toast. Perfect!

The wide 1 and a 1/2 inch slot openings are
 great for French toast and bagels.

Clean-up is another thing that makes this a better toaster ... there's hardly any! It comes with a slide out crumb tray that can easily be whipped out keeping it looking classy on any countertop. It comes with a 3 year warranty.

I don't know what you look for in a toaster, but this one has it over some of the other name brands. Right now this item is on sale at a great price.

 

Whether you are looking for a new toaster for yourself, a wedding, anniversary or new home gift, this toaster is one you'll be proud to give or receive.

 

Some purchases have free shipping and handling and that's something to be considered these days.

 

Buy Cuisinart Toaster

 

Watch a demonstration of the toaster I have. 

 I really like the reheat setting.

 

 

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