Sunday, May 26, 2019

Grab The Picnic Basket


It's Memorial Day Weekend! The official gateway to summer! We've waited through a cold winter, a very wet spring, and now we can see the sun and feel the warmth on our face again. 

Summer is the perfect time to grab the picnic basket, pack the cooler and head to a favorite park for a old fashion picnic! I was talking to someone the other day how it's becoming a forgotten tradition; and I for one am on a mission to make sure it doesn't totally go to the wayside.

When I was growing up, we went on too many picnics to count. I know why too. It was cheap entertainment! Sometimes dad would splurge and get a bucket of KFC to take with us, but most of the time it was mom packing some yummy favorites and us heading out on a Sunday afternoon. It is something I've tried hard to continue with my family, and if you ask my boys I think they would say I've done a pretty good job!

This retro recipe would be perfect for eating on a blanket or picnic table. It comes together in almost no time, and  you can easily pack it separate from the buns or bread, and assemble sandwiches on site! 
 If you read it and think it sounds familiar, yes, it is my version of the stuff sold at deli counters when we were kids! At our house, we call it "poor man's ham salad"! 

If you haven't taken a picnic in a while, now is your chance. It doesn't have to be fancy (this recipe proves that) to be fun! Pack up the car. Tell the kids to leave the devices at home and see what adventure awaits you!

Sandwich Spread
1 lb. bologna, chopped
2 hard boiled eggs, halved
1/3 c. sweet relish
1/2 c. mayo
Salt and Pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in food processor. Pulse until fine. Chill until ready to eat. Serve with buns.


Shared at Weekend Potluck

15 comments:

  1. My Mom also used Spam. She made as listed on this recipe and added onion to taste, wrapped individual filled buns with aluminum foil and heated in oven maybe 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Comfort food from long ago.

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    1. I’ve heard Spam a few times since posting this recipe! Great memories!

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  2. This is how I make it but I add boiled eggs. I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo for the extra zing

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  3. My mom made it with leftover chopped ham, dill relish, hard boiled egg, mustard, mayo, and chopped onion. No measurements. All by taste. I still make it her way!

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    1. Yep. Moms is best. I make a great ham salad too, but most sandwich spread sold in the deli (which was the inspiration) doesn’t have a lick of ham in it. My husband used to be a butcher at a old fashion deli counter. In fact most places add beet juice for color lol

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  4. I grew up in Oklahoma in the 50’s. Moms cut corners whenever they could. My neighbor lady always froze the ends and scraps of beef roast, pork roast and ham. When she got enough she chopped the meat and made (mystery) meat spread. It was wonderful with the seasoning from the roasts. She put the typical ingredients in it and it was loved by all. Miracle Whip ruled!

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  5. This is made with Ring Bologna, not regular bologna. They don't taste the same. My stepdad was from Michigan and made this (Bologna Salad) all the time. He used Miracle Whip, rather than Mayo and it was MUCH better. We run everything through an old, hand cranked, meat grinder to get better texture and spreadability.

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    1. Many people have their own version. Our family never used ring bologna. Ever. Recipes can be different for different folks :)

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  6. Mom made the spread with potted meat :)

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  7. My mom made them with ham and we called them ding-a-ling sandwiches. Oh what memories.

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  8. can't wait to make these. can you make these without eggs. I'm allergic.

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    1. Sure! Maybe add some diced onion or celery for texture, or don’t worry about it at all! A lot of people don’t make it with eggs :)

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  9. Do you use the Oscar Myer type of bologna you buy in a package for around $2.00?

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    1. I use the “off brand” from ALDI but yes, same idea :)

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