The Other Woman Cooks

The history of food has always fascinated me amd the wide variety of recipes from countries spread around the globe using basically the same main ingredient. Potato salad is a universal party food and different versions are served at different temperatures. Most potato salads are served at room temperature or chilled, though a popular German recipe is served warm. In the United States we like our potato salad refrigerated in advance and served chilled. Mayonnaise is a favorite ingredient. Brazilian potato salad is called batata calabresa, named after a spicy ingredient, the pimenta-calabresa -- a South American chili pepper.  Bulgarian potato salad is made with potatoes, leeks or onions, oil, salt and black pepper. Slovakian potato salad is part of the traditional Christmas meal as a side dish to fish. It contains potatoes, carrots, green peas, pickled cucumbers, celery, yogurt, eggs and onions.  German potato salad is generally prepared with vinegar and ...

It all started with an impulse purchase of a Southern Living Almost Homemade magazine. Pictured on the cover was Lemonade Pie and the promise of the recipe on page 77 was too irresistable. Up to now, I balked at the temptation to create an “almost homemade” recipe of my own and hate to admit giving in. Once you try my Berry Streusel Ginger Muffins I think you’ll agree, there might be something to this lazy cooking style rage. No berries on hand? No problem. Substitute dried cranberries instead of fresh raspberries in the recipe. If you are a ginger fan, these are the best muffins ever. By the way, I haven’t tried Lemonade Pie yet. But on page 15 -- OMG! There’s a heavenly recipe for Blackberry Mojito Punch. The issue is on sale until July 13, 2012. BERRY STREUSEL GINGER MUFFINS Batter: One 14 ounce boxed gingerbread mix 1 cup orange or apple juice 2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Topping: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or margarine 2 tablespoons biscuit mix 2 tablesp...