Ingredients

  • 2 12 lbs young nugget potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 sprig of fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 4 large eggs, hardboiled and chopped
  • 12 large sweet red pepper, seeded and diced small
  • 2 large celery ribs, from the center of the bunch chopped small
  • 4 large radishes, chopped smal
  • 2 large green onions, chopped small
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy, then crushed (optional)
  • 2 cups mayonnaise (Kraft Miracle Whip preferred)
  • 12 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 14 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
  • 14 cup processed horseradish
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill weed or 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill
  • 12 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • 2 large green onions, chopped small
  • 14 cup chopped gherkin
  • 14 cup juice from the gherkin pickle jar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 34 teaspoon lemon pepper or 34 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 14 cup mayonnaise, to spread over the top of the salad

Method

  • Wash the potatoes well, do not peel.
  • Cut potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes and place in a large saucepan set over high heat.
  • Cover with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and mint sprig and bring to boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Do not overcook.
  • When done, drain well, discard mint leaves, leaving the potatoes in the saucepan, and while the potatoes are still hot, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and toss lightly to coat.
  • Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to cool.
  • Meanwhile cook bacon in a frying pan, (if using) on medium-low heat until very crispy, turning often, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove to paper towels to drain and cool.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, place the eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • Drain, and immediately pour cold water over eggs, changing water at least 3 times, then cover again with cold water to cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Peel the eggs, rinse with cold water and place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to completely cool.
  • Chop eggs when ready.
  • DRESSING.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, hot pepper sauce, horseradish, dill weed, crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onion, chopped Gherkins, Cherkin juice, salt and pepper; stir to mix well and set aside.
  • Transfer the cooled potatoes and chopped hard boiled eggs to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add red pepper, celery, radishes and green onions and gently stir to incorporate.
  • Pour dressing over the potato mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until well mixed.
  • Level the top.
  • Sprad 1/4 cup of mayonnaise hinly over the potato salad.
  • (This helps seal the moisture in the potato salad.
  • ).
  • For presentation, lightly sprinkle some Hungarian paprika over the salad.
  • If desired, cook 2 extra hard boiled eggs, cut into slices and arrange on top of the salad.
  • Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1/2 hour before serving.
  • Crush the cooked bacon and place on the table to use as desired.