I find that I am wondering if our neighborhood will host a block party this year. I know that it's early to think about it, but I do like parties. There are three definite divisions to any party.
Preparation
The Party itself
Clean up
My favorite is the middle one.
Since most people prefer to hang out with friends and eat, as opposed to working, I have a couple of recipes to reduce the misery of preparation time.
1 1/2 tablespoons salt (gotta go easy here, if you have blood pressure like mine)
3 eggs, hard cooked
7 cups diced, cooked potatoes
1 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2-oz. jar chopped pimiento, well drained, reserving 1 teaspoon
Three 3-inch green onion tops
9-oz. package Green Giant Frozen Early Baby Peas, thawed, drained on paper towels
Line bottom and sides of a 9x5" loaf pan with waxed paper. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard and salt. Slice one hard-cooked egg diagonally to obtain 3 slices. Set aside for garnish. Chop remaining eggs. Gently stir chopped eggs, potatoes, celery, sliced onions and pimiento into dressing mixture.
To create garnish, place 3 reserved egg slices, green onion tops and reserved chopped pimiento in center of prepared pan. On top of garnish, layer 1/2 of potato salad mixture, then peas, and then remaining potato salad mixture. Cover. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. To serve, turn onto platter or serving tray.
Yields: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 5 hours -- Do it the day before the party.
