How to Make the Most Awesome Potato Salad

It took years of honing this family recipe, a favorite made popular by one of my aunts. Now, I think I have finally got it down. Every time I bring this dish to a potluck or family gathering, or just make it for the first time for a new friend, I get raves.

My aunt's version included about a teaspoon of sugar, which I chose to eliminate in favor of a salad with more of a "bite" to it. This recipe is made the way my family prefers it, but you can make it as creamy or not as creamy as you like. As spicy or not as spicy as you like.

Remember to taste as you go.

So, against my youngest daughter's wishes to keep this "our family secret recipe", here is how to make my family-famous potato salad.

Serves four with leftovers

• 2 lbs. white or red rose potatoes
• 5 hard boiled eggs
• 4 stalks of green onions
• 2 celery stalks (closer to the heart)
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 to 10 shakes of Tapatio sauce (not Tabasco)
• salt and pepper to taste
• paprika

1. Cook the potatoes with the skin on until done. When they are cool enough to touch, peel and cut them into cubes. Put into a large bowl.
2. Chop up the green onions and celery. I like the celery to be chopped into a smaller dice, not sliced. Add to the potatoes.
3. Cook the eggs until done. Reserve 1 hard boiled egg. Peel and chop 4 of the eggs and add to the salad.
4. Add the mayonnaise and sour cream.
5. Mix well.
6. Add several shakes of the hot pepper sauce.
7. Mix it all up. If you like a creamier texture, add more mayo and/or sour cream. If you like a dryer texture, just add less.
8. Salt and pepper to taste.
9. Place the salad in a serving bowl.
10. Slice the remaining egg with an egg slicer and arrange them around the top of the salad.
11. Sprinkle some paprika over the top to give it a little color and added spice boost.
12. Cover and refrigerate. Serve cold.

Make Awesome Macaroni Salad the Same Way! - All you have to do is substitute elbow macaroni for the potatoes.

Tapatio is a liquid hot pepper sauce that is a slightly thicker consistency than Tabasco. In my opinion, Tapatio has more of a savory and flavorful taste that is spicy without too much heat.