Fun days ahead

The next week will have it all. Fireworks, strawberry cake, water parks, a space shuttle launch (*knocks on wood*), St. Augustine site seeing, a birthday party, cook out, and a house full of family to share it with. Not sure how much updating I'll have time to do here once sis and her six kids roll in during the whee hours between Friday night and Saturday morning, but now you'll know what I'm doing!

I started the preperation today by beginning the shopping. Friday, I'll begin the cooking - and probably won't stop until the 5th, when they leave and I demand my husband buy pizza and other take-out for a week while I recover. But for now, I've got cooking on the brain. First up - German Potato Salad.

This recipe isn't exactly like Grandma Montgomery used to make, but it's pretty close. I like to add a bit more vinegar, until it's tart enough to make your eyes water. Goes great with a cold beer ;)
German Potato Salad

1 1/2 lbs. potatoes
8 slices bacon, fried until crispy
1 whole onion, sliced to please
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
3 stalks celery, sliced to bite size
1/4 c. boiling water
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 c. cider vinegar

Boil potatoes until tender (not mushy). Slice into a deep bowl (peel if you like, but I like the skins and leave them in).

Fry bacon until crispy. Remove to drain, and saute onion and celery until slightly soft. Add salt, pepper and sugar to the bacon pan (keep the grease - I didn't promise this was going to be healthy). Add water and vinegar, simmer until it thickens. Pour over potatos and toss lightly. Serve warm.
Makes 6 servings.

I can taste it already. And it goes great with brats and burgers!