Paul O'Neill > wrote in message
...
> I have bought everything to make a beef stew tonight in my crockpot.
==> Potatology of Crockpots 201 <==

Some of the best stews I've made were in my crockpot. Potatoes are
always cut into quarters, placed in the bottom, carrots next, onions,
and then the browned beef. Cook the whole shabang for 4 hours (8 on low)
and right towards the end of the cooking-time, add in the browning gravy
for thickening and added flavor. To pre-boil the potato, as you noted,
will only make them too soft and liquidy or pulpy in the final product.

> "supermarket potato salad with undercooked potatoes"

Believe it or not, it's done on purpose because the customers that were
part of some obscure focal group chose under-cooked, almost-raw potatoes
over other choices. If you're that discouraged, make it yourself and you
can't go wrong.

Here are two Clan Ranger favorites that can be easily reduced.

GERMAN POTATO SALAD

INGREDIENTS:
5 slices thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon, crumbled
1 small Bermuda/Maui onion, chopped
2 Tbs. flour
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1-1/3 cups water
1/8 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
pinch pepper
6 cups potatoes, cooked and sliced (whites are best)

METHOD:
Fry bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towel. Reserve 2 to 3 Tbs.
drippings. Crumble bacon. Sauté onion in bacon drippings until
translucent. Blend in flour, slowly; stir in vinegar and water. Cook
mixture until steadily boiling and mixture thickens -- slightly;
back-of-spoon test. Add sugar, salt, pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Layer
potatoes, bacon, and sauce in top of double boiler. Keep warm over hot
water for three hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve warm.

Confetti Potato Salad

Ingredients:
1 hard-cooked egg, chopped
3 cups diced potatoes
1 Tbs. chopped pimiento
1 Tbs. chopped jalapeno
1/2 cup sour cream (or creme fraiche)
2 Tbs. whole milk
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Method:
Mix all ingredients together and chill for three hours prior to
serving.

The Ranger
--
"All Scottish cooking began as a dare."
Mike Meyers