Good morning everyone! Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend. We had some fantastic news on Saturday: Bean is doing great! Thank you again for all the positive puppy vibes sent our way. On our end, Andy and I got antibody tests (still waiting for results) after finding out a local hospital had easy appointments; we dove into the Chicago Bulls documentary (ABC is showing two episodes each Saturday night) and fired up the grill for a Memorial Day barbecue. And if the calendar wasn’t shouting “summer is coming,” today’s recipes definitely will. Here’s your daily dose of PPP… and some unexpected Potato Gift inspiration!
Close-up of German potato salad with bacon, dill, and scallions, showcasing its vinegary and savory profile.
Project: German Potato Salad – A Savory Potato Gift
For all of you potato gift enthusiasts who lean towards the tangy side rather than creamy, this one’s for you. It’s a recipe from my previous book and, as you’ll notice, it features a generous amount of bacon. If you’re skipping meat, it still works if you leave out the pork, but don’t skip the sugar. The sweet-and-sour balance is what makes this potato gift truly special, in my opinion. And if you’re avoiding meat altogether, you might also want to skip the burgers, which is what we paired our potato gift with. This German Potato Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a thoughtful and flavorful potato gift for any occasion.
3 pounds small firm potatoes (red, white, Yukon gold) peeled, and quartered
5 bacon slices, chopped roughly
⅓ cup white wine vinegar
1 heaping tablespoon whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts only, chopped (about ¼ cup)
Instructions:
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with generously salted water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until a knife easily slides through the potatoes, approximately 15 minutes. While the potatoes are boiling, fry the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. Crumble the bacon. In a large bowl, add the reserved bacon grease and let it cool slightly. Whisk in the vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper, followed by the olive oil. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and immediately toss them in the large bowl with the dressing, allowing the warm potatoes to soak up all the flavors. Add the crumbled bacon, dill, and scallions, and toss everything together to combine. This German Potato Salad makes for a unique and delicious potato gift that stands out from the usual sweet potato desserts or simple baked potatoes.
Overhead shot of German potato salad in a white bowl, highlighting the bacon, potatoes, and dressing.
Pantry: Buttermilk-Berry Cake – A Sweet Potato Gift Alternative
This delightful one-bowl cake came about from the classic fridge dilemma: Buttermilk on hand, berries on the verge of going bad. Now what? While I was out for a Saturday morning run, I texted the recipe link to our family group chat with a simple request: “Who wants to bake this for me today?” By the time I returned, it was already in the oven. Maybe that’s why it tasted extra special? While not technically a potato gift, this Buttermilk-Berry Cake offers a sweet and charming alternative for those looking for homemade food gifts. It’s a wonderful option when you want to give a gift from the kitchen, and although it doesn’t contain potatoes, it shares the warmth and comfort of a home-baked treat, making it a thoughtful gesture, much like a potato gift could be.
Slice of buttermilk-berry cake on a plate, showcasing the moist crumb and berry filling.
Purpose: How to Be a Person – A Gift of Wisdom
I’m starting to think DALS might be turning into Catherine Newman A Love Story, but really, you can blame her for consistently creating books I’m eager to read and offering advice on living the kind of life I aspire to. (Remember her Yay it’s Wednesday Cake!?) Her latest book, How to Be a Person, is an illustrated guide for kids, filled with engaging tutorials on everything from practical skills (how to empty a dishwasher, turning a 33-cent ramen packet into a meal) to more profound topics (how to apologize, how to have a conversation). It’s brimming with Newman’s signature wit and charm and would be perfect for the almost-adult in your life preparing to venture out on their own – whether it’s to college or into the real world. While not a tangible potato gift, this book is a valuable gift of knowledge and guidance, offering lessons that are far more lasting than any material present. Consider this book as an intellectual potato gift – something nourishing for the mind and soul.
Close-up of the buttermilk-berry cake, emphasizing its texture and fresh berries.
Stay safe and consider giving the unexpected potato gift of homemade food or thoughtful books.
The aim of the Project, Pantry, Purpose series is to help us stay sane, entertained, and connected. Please continue to share your recipe suggestions, project ideas (for kids and adults), good deeds, donation opportunities, stories, movies, games, and puzzles in the comments below. Or simply let me know how you’re doing, what your daily routine looks like, and especially how DALS can assist you or others in your community. You can also reach out to me directly via email at [email protected].
