Spooky Potato Salad Dip

As usual, we want to do it allllllll! 

In 48 hours we dressed, dined, danced at a black tie late-night fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital, went to bed late, woke up early, knocked out some renovation work, jumped in the shower, hiked to a bluegrass festival, whiled away the afternoon, raced back to the house, and frantically searched for something to bring and what to wear for a Day of the Dachshund costume party. 

And that was AFTER our three-events-on-Halloween *and* a pre-Halloween "Hike Hanover" party!

I opened closets. I closed closets. I walked back and forth and opened closets again. I explained to our skeptical son, “I am just saying hello to my clothes and waiting for a Halloween costume to jump out at me. It’ll happen…” In the meantime, as I chewed on who to be, I also looked in the pantry to see what I could make. Potatoes… some jars in the fridge… not much! Let the challenge(s) begin!

When I visit friends, I like to contribute food that is allergy-friendly. It’s enough our lovely hostess thought to invite us. Why make it hard to extend us invitations? Just bring food! Lots of it! Because of this, my friends have learned to love my allergy challenges, and now see my allergy as a benefit, not a hindrance.

Savory Potato Dip: 
Mince potatoes and onions, 2:1. Heat a pan, stir in Duke’s mayonnaise (or make it vegan with oil or veganaise), add the mix. Sprinkle over seasoning salt, stir… as it cooks add a little water and put the lid on to cook. The potatoes should be cooked but hold their diced shape.

Add dollops of vegan cream cheez (I avoid those made with nuts when serving people), tablespoons of horse radish, glugs of ACV, hot sauce, shakes of dill, and now: dump in a lot of sweet relish. Fold it all so it doesn’t turn mashed.

You want it super savory so that it is still flavorful when you eat it with corn tortilla chips. Now you have a gluten-free, alpha-gal-safe appetizer! That… wait. Did I just make POTATO SALAD? How in the world is THIS going to go over with a crowd?

Well… it was a hit! Multiple guests asked where I bought the dip, that they couldn't stop eating it, and where might they find it? I told them I’d write it down. CHEERS to another creative fail that ended up delicious! I will definitely make this again!!!

Preservation Notes:
What a special home! Our hosts kindly shared vintage articles celebrating the original homeowner who designed this 1930s jewel of a chateau-inspired house and garden. 

After completing studies at UVA, U of R, Harvard, and Columbia, H. Mitchell Meyer first made his career in Richmond as a lawyer and dry goods operator. At 60, he and his wife took advantage of VCU's "free classes for seniors" program where he earned his Master’s of Fine Arts. Meyer then joined VCU’s staff teaching history, winning several art show awards, and becoming active in the Federal Arts Council of Richmond.

Our friends are only the second owners after the Meyers, and continue to lovingly and carefully restore this special space. I hope you enjoy the vintage article on the home and designer, below!

We had a blast deepening friendships and making new friends at the Day of the Dachshund party! 

Who am I? No one in particular… YET. I’ve just left the holler for the shiny lights of Nashville, where I’m going to be a BIG star! Did you meet my manager? He handles country AND Western! Today, that’s who I am. Who might we be, tomorrow?