german potato salad

2 1/4 pounds medium-size red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

6 bacon slices, chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

1/2 cup water

2 teaspoons coarse-grained mustard

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Steam potatoes until tip of knife easily pierces center of slices, about 10 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. 

Sauté bacon in large skillet over medium heat until brown, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels. Discard all but 2 1/2 tablespoons drippings. 

Heat drippings in skillet over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 2 minutes. Whisk in next 6 ingredients. Simmer until mixture is reduced to 2/3 cup, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add potatoes to skillet and toss to coat with dressing. Let stand 3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped bacon and fresh dill; toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Transfer potato salad to serving platter. Serve room temp or warm.

shared by Epicurious.com

farfalle "bow-tie" pasta salad

1 lb of bow-tie pasta cooked, drained and cooled

16 oz container of fresh mozzarella balls, drained and cubed
1 -2 c cherry tomatoes....cut in half or fourths depending on size...I like to use multi-colored
1/2 c chopped red onions
1/2 c toasted pine nuts
1 c coarsely chopped fresh basil

mix in with pasta

drizzle favorite olive oil and balsamic vinegar....pasta will soak up the oil and v --- estimate 1/3 c oil & 1/4 c vinegar but start slow and keep adding until desired wetness

salt and pepper to taste

chill for a few hours and ok to make the night before but sit our for an hour or so before serving

variations:  shaved fresh parmesan in lieu of fresh mozzarella, add salami or pepperoni with cubed cheddar cheddar in lieu of mozz, add drained kidney beans, add chopped cucumber, or can even cheat and add already prepared vinaigrette in lieu of olive oil and balsamic

this salad is a no fail....

shared by my dear friend Tracy F