Merciful God, You are great in compassion and Your tenderness for us is without measure. We ask You to give us today our daily bread, and also provide for the needs of all of Your hungry children around the world. Through Christ Your Son and Our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Ham Salad

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When you grow up eating certain foods, it doesn't seem to matter how long it's been since you ate it, you go right back to your childhood at the first bite. Earlier this week I planned soup and sammies for supper and decided on Monday morning that Ham Salad sandwiches sounded good. I have no idea why, but I got a hankerin' for it and I had to have it. At first bite there I was, about six years old again, eating a ham salad sandwich in my childhood kitchen. Funny how foods do that. I don't often make ham salad, and I never buy it pre-made, but I really should make it more often. I have eaten every day for lunch and it's been such a treat. If you have a food process it takes under five minutes to make. If you don't have a food processor, take up a collection and getcha one.

I started with Isaly's Chopped Ham because it's a very tasty regional favorite, but any good tasting cooked ham will do. Check your deli -- you might be able to get Isaly's too.


Ham Salad


3/4 to a pound of ham -- I just buy a chunk about an inch or so thick
1/3 c. roughly diced onion
1/4 c. roughly chopped celery
1 heaping tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 eggs, hard boiled, quartered

Cut ham into large chunks and place in processor bowl. Add onion and celery and pulse until onion and celery are finely chopped (not pureed). Add relish, mayo, mustard and egg and pulse until egg is finely chopped. Serve on soft white bread or rolls with lettuce, if desired, with a side of pickle. Also good on white or wheat toast.



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5 comments:

Charlotte (WaltzingM) said...

This must be a regional thing because, honest to goodness, I have never heard of ham salad sandwiches. Sounds good though!

Abby said...

My mom used to give us some of those canned meats when we were kids, and we ate it up! I haven't had it in forever, but my husband still buys it for himself occasionally. I'm sure one bite would transfer me back to Year 4, summertime, out by the baby pool.

Ham salad is something I've never had, but it seems so summery to me, too. I could use some summer right now!

Barbara said...

Charlotte, I really have no idea if it's regional. I've only lived in two places and I don't think Florida counts because it's such a mish-mash.

Abby -- You mean deviled ham. Fresh ham makes a much better ham salad, but I admit I buy it once in a while, too.

Kathy said...

Just an added plus to your recipe, the ham salad freezes well too. In case you don't feel like eating the leftovers for a week or you'd rather savor them over time :).

Barbara said...

Good to know, Kathy. Thanks!