Ham Salad

I had leftover ham and a craving for some ham salad.  It's great on fresh bread or spread on crackers (or even on celery!). This is not really a recipe, but just the way I've always made my ham salad.

1.  Grind sliced cooked ham until fine.  (Here, I'm using the Cuisinart chopper my son got me for Christmas). It does a great job!

2.  With finely-ground ham, I add Hellmann's mayo, sweet pickle relish (and a little of the juice for moisture), and a few spashes of hot sauce.  All to taste!

 

3.  Blend to a smooth spreading consistency.  Chill.

4.  Place in container with a tight lid for storing in the fridge.

Leftover Eggs? Egg Salad-4 Ways

If you had an "eggs-travagant" Easter and still have boiled eggs in the fridge, don't fear! Here are 4 different ways to make a delicious sandwich spread from your boiled eggs. We always called it "egg salad" at our house, but it is good on a bed of lettuce or spread on bread or crackers. My favorite version always includes hot sauce...ditto for deviled eggs. Happy Springtime!
~Marcia

Egg Salad #1
3 C chopped hard-boiled eggs
1 C minced celery
1/2 C minced stuffed olives
pinch of salt
dash of pepper
1/4 C mayonnaise (I like a little more)
Blend and chill.

Egg Salad #2
Blend 6 hard-cooked egg yolks with 2 TBSP melted butter or margarine.
1 TBSP French dressing
1/4 tsp prepared mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
pinch of salt

Egg Salad #3
Mince 6 hard-cooked egg whites (from #2 above) . Blend with 2 TBSP pickle relish , 2 TBSP minced green pepper, 1/4 C mayonnaise and a pinch of salt. Chill.

Egg Salad #4
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
3/4 C chopped celery
1/2 tsp mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Tabasco hot sauce (I like a little more!)
1/2 C mayonnaise
Mix and chill.

My humble opinion: Unless you have your grandma's homemade recipe for mayonnaise, buy Hellmans' original mayonnaise. It is the best one on the shelf! If you're going to the trouble of making fresh chicken, pimento, egg or any other salad, why on earth would you skimp on the mayonnaise? I'm a bargain hunter at heart, but I'm particular when it comes to a crucial element in the recipe. For fresh salads and spreads, mayonnaise is crucial (those of you on special diets for health reasons can totally ignore me! Pay attention to your Dr.'s advice :)

***Special thoughts and prayers go out to our son, Blake, who's in the midst of final tests and presentations this week and next***