Use a little of the bacon drippings to add flavor to a warm potato salad.
Potato salad is traditionally served cold at summer gatherings. But you can also enjoy this comfort food warm. Although potato salad is often heavy with mayonnaise, this recipe is light and creamy using a rich Dijon mustard, vinegar and olive oil dressing. A little bacon gives the salad a smoky flavor and a bit of salty crunch.
Instructions
1. Place bacon slices side-by-side in a cold skillet on the range top. Turn the heat to medium. The bacon initially sticks to the skillet. Allow the bacon to sizzle until it is translucent and releases easily with tongs or a fork. Turn the slices and let them sizzle on the other side until they easily release again.
2. Continue to turn the bacon frequently so it browns evenly on both sides. When it is as crisp as you like, remove from the pan and drain the slices on paper towels. Once cool, crumble the slices into bits and set aside. Reserve 1 tbsp. of bacon drippings in the skillet for step 4. Discard the remaining drippings.
3. Combine the Dijon and whole grain mustards and vinegar, whisking until well blended. Continue to whisk while slowly drizzling in the olive oil to make an emulsified dressing. Set aside for step 6.
4. Scrub the potatoes and place them in a large saucepan. Cover them fully with water. Bring the potatoes to a boil, uncovered over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. While the potatoes cool, saute the onions in the reserved bacon drippings from step 4 until they are golden. Continue to simmer the potatoes for about 16 minutes.
5. Test the potatoes with a fork. They should be tender but not mushy. Drain and allow the potatoes to cool slightly. Cut the potatoes into quarters and place in a warm serving dish. Distribute the onions and drippings evenly over the potatoes.
6. Pour the dressing, chives and bacon bits over the potatoes; toss lightly with a rubber spatula until the potatoes are evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and freshly-ground black pepper. Toss again and serve warm.
Tags: bacon drippings, heat medium, little bacon, over potatoes, potato salad
