Happy 4th of July to all readers celebrating our Independence Day! Our family always includes this macaroni salad as part of its holiday menu. I think the recipe probably came from one of my grandmother's great old PA Dutch cookbooks because it doesn't include any, should we say, "exotic" ingredients. And I suppose that is why I like it so much! Sure there are times when I crave artichoke hearts and arugula with my pasta; but for the good old-fashioned picnic, this simple, easy recipe is our favorite.
All you need is cooked macaroni (I used about half a pound), grated onion (I grate until I start tearing up, usually about a tablespoon or two, i.e., half a decent-sized onion), a couple grated carrots, three chopped celery stalks, two diced hard-boiled eggs, enough mayo to make you happy (my grandmother only ever used Hellmann's), a little freshly ground pepper, and a couple shakes of celery salt.
I always make the salad in the morning, allowing the flavors to meld. However, the danger is that we sneak spoonfuls before mealtime---it really is that more-ish. Fingers crossed there is still enough left for our little family cookout tonight! :-)
Have a great holiday, and remember to keep your pets indoors this evening during the fireworks!
The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people.
---Walt Whitman
