FLETCHER MILLER'S POTATO SALAD


This recipe if from an old friend, Chet Beckwith,
who shared lots of his recipes with me before he passed away.
He was honored that I was putting them on my website;
I was honored that he was willing to share them.
POTATO SALAD BASE: 5 LBS. MEDIUM-SIZED NEW POTATOES,
COOKED, COOLED, AND SLICED
3 LARGE RIBS OF CELERY, CHOPPED
1 BELL PEPPER, DICED
10 OR MORE SPRIGS OF PARSLEY, SNIPPED
1 MEDIUM WHITE ONION, CHOPPED
6 LARGE CLOVES OF GARLIC, MINCED
2 TSP. SALT
1 TSP. CRACKED BLACK PEPPER
1 TSP. CRACKED RED PEPPER

Mix above in large mixing bowl.
Be gentle so as not to tear up the potatoes any more than necessary.

POTATO SALAD DRESSING:
3/4 C. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
2 HEAPING TSP. DRY MUSTARD 1/4 TSP. SUGAR
1 1/3 HEAPING C. HELLMANN'S MAYONNAISE

To make the dressing, mix a small amount of
vinegar with the mustard to make a paste.
Let stand 10 minutes BY THE CLOCK.
Add sugar to paste and mix.
Let stand 5 minutes BY THE CLOCK.
Add remaining vinegar and mix well. Pour over potato mixture and combine well,
still trying not to break up the potatoes any more than necessary.
Add mayonnaise and mix some more.
Check seasonings.
Add more salt, pepper, and red pepper if necessary.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! Occasionally I make a smaller version, using only
2 1/2 lb. potatoes. I prepare it exactly the same way
and use the same amount of everything
except the vinegar and mayonnaise.
The smaller version uses only 1/4 c. plus 1 tbs. vinegar
and 2/3 c. mayonnaise.

I have been told that potatoes other than new potatoes can be tried,
But new potatoes are the only kind I have ever used.
I have long since stopped peeling them.
I just slice crosswise, the best I can.
The peeling is both nutritious and colorful.

Pour over potatoes and combine well,
still trying not to break up potatoes any more than necessary.
Add Hellmann's mayonnaise and mix again,
using a rubber spatula.

Tip: The garlic and vinegar combination is the secret to this recipe.
Do not, repeat DO NOT, eliminate or cut down on ingredients.
Mix vinegar, etc. exactly as directed.
Serves 8-12 generously.