Hot German Potato Salad

Posted on September 13, 2025September 11, 2025 by Dusty Roads | 2 Comments

Hot, Not Haute: My Love Affair with German Potato Salad 🥔❤️

Forget the cold, mayo-drenched blob masquerading as potato salad at your average cookout. I’m here for the warm, tangy, bacon-kissed glory that is German potato salad. It’s comfort food with a passport—and I’ve been hooked ever since I tried to impress a German boyfriend with my culinary skills. Spoiler: the relationship didn’t last, but the recipe sure did.

Why I Love German Potato Salad 🥔

Yes, it’s hot—meaning it’s served warm, not spicy. I’ve been making German potato salad for years, ever since I dated a German guy and tried to master his homeland’s cooking, so he’d have a taste of home.

I don’t like American potato salad. You know, the cold, mayonnaise-laden stuff? Won’t touch it. But German potato salad? That’s a real weakness of mine.

German vs. American Potato Salad

Let’s break it down:

Feature	American Potato Salad	German Potato Salad
Temperature	Cold	Warm
Main Dressing	Mayonnaise	Vinegar-based with bacon fat
Texture & Flavor	Creamy, mild	Tangy, savory, slightly smoky

I’m sharing a recipe from Allrecipes titled “Authentic German Potato Salad” by Angela Louise Miller. It’s a solid version, but I’ve made a few tweaks over the years. I’ll share those in the notes below.

Hot German Potato Salad- Photo Deb Neumann

Authentic German Potato Salad

Submitted by: Angela Louise Miller
Tested by: Allrecipes Test Kitchen

Ingredients

3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
4 slices bacon
1 small onion, diced
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Boil the potatoes:
Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water (1–2 inches above the potatoes). Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Cook the bacon:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry bacon until browned and crisp (10–12 minutes), turning as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
Sauté the onion:
Cook diced onion in the bacon grease over medium heat until browned (6–8 minutes).
Make the dressing:
Add vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
Combine:
Add the cooked potatoes and half the crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir and cook until heated through (3–4 minutes).
Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with remaining bacon, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

My Notes & Tweaks ✍️

Potato skins: I never peel my potatoes. I like the texture and flavor of the skins but go with your preference.
Vinegar: The original recipe calls for white vinegar. I first made it with apple cider vinegar because that’s what I had—and it worked beautifully. Both are great, just different.
Sugar: I skip the white sugar. It wasn’t in the version I learned, and I don’t think the salad needs the extra sweetness.
Parsley: It’s probably a lovely touch, but I rarely have fresh parsley on hand. Still tastes amazing without it.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. I’m hooked. It’s my go-to side dish for chicken schnitzel, and it never disappoints.

Your Birthday Is in September—Are You Special?

Posted on September 12, 2025September 10, 2025 by Dusty Roads | 2 Comments

🎉 Your Birthday Is in September—Are You Special?

Calendar page for the month of September. Closeup, top view ...

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According to Good Housekeeping, the answer is a resounding yes. They’ve compiled a list of 21 reasons why September babies are extra special. I won’t spoil the whole list, but a few fun facts caught my eye—and I couldn’t resist sharing.

🍼 Fact #1: September Is the Most Common Birth Month in the U.S.

Let’s do the math. September is the ninth month. Human gestation takes about nine months. So what was happening in the U.S. right before January? Ah yes—holiday parties, mistletoe mischief, and New Year’s Eve revelry. It all adds up. Conception abounds!

1,300+ Baby New Year Stock Illustrations, Royalty-Free ...

🎂 Fact #2: September Babies Have a Better Shot at Reaching 100

The article doesn’t explain why, but statistically, more people born in September live to see triple digits. Maybe it’s all that autumn air and birthday cake?

Father Time And New Year’s Baby (Old And New Year)

🚌 Fact #3: You’re Likely the Oldest in Your Class

Thanks to the September 1 school enrollment cutoff, many September-born kids get an extra year before hopping on the big yellow bus. That means a head start in height, maturity, and maybe even snack negotiation skills.

School Bus - Customizable Clipart Image

🍁 Fact #4: September Folks Are Less Prone to Mood Disorders

Could it be the crisp fall weather, golden leaves, and pumpkin-scented everything? Whatever the reason, September babies tend to be a little sunnier in disposition.

😮‍💨 Fact #5: But… You’re More Prone to Respiratory Issues

September giveth and September taketh away. Asthma and other respiratory conditions are more common among those born this month. At least you’ll be cheerful while catching your breath?

☀️ Fact #6: Born on September 16? You Share a Birthday with Positive Thinking Day

Coincidence? Maybe. But if you’re a September 16 baby, you might just radiate optimism. Or at least have a good excuse to fake it.

🍕 Fact #7: My Personal Favorite—September 20 Is National Pepperoni Pizza Day

That’s right. You can celebrate your birthday with pizza and cake. Two major food groups, one glorious day. Yum!

77,000+ Pepperoni Pizza Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty ...

🎈 That’s a Wrap

If you want to see all 21 reasons, check out the full article in Good Housekeeping. As a February baby myself, I can’t vouch for the accuracy—but I might be just a teensy bit jealous.

So here’s to you, September stars. May your month be filled with joy, deep breaths, and extra slices of pepperoni pizza. Happy Birthday!

photo credit Deb Neumann

From Orchard to Basket: Fun Facts About Apples

Posted on September 4, 2025September 4, 2025 by Dusty Roads | 2 Comments

Fun Facts About Apple Picking Season 🍎🌳

Crisp air, golden leaves, and the crunch of fresh apples—it must be apple picking season! Visiting an orchard is more than just a fall tradition; it’s an adventure full of history, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re filling a basket with Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith, here are some juicy facts to make your apple-picking trip even sweeter.

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1. Apples are ancient travelers.
Did you know apples have been cultivated for thousands of years? They originated in Central Asia, near Kazakhstan, and slowly spread across the globe thanks to traders and explorers. Today, they’re grown in more than 100 countries.

2. There are thousands of varieties.
While you might only see a few dozen at the orchard or grocery store, there are over 7,500 different apple varieties worldwide. Each one has its own flavor, texture, and best use—some are perfect for pies, while others are best for snacking.

3. The U.S. loves apples.
Apples are the second most consumed fruit in the United States, right after bananas. Washington state leads the way in production, but orchards across the country bring local charm to the harvest.

4. They float for a reason.
Ever wonder why apple bobbing works? Apples are about 25% air, which makes them buoyant enough to float in water. It’s science and fun all in one!

5. Picking your own is fresher.
When you pick an apple straight from the tree, it can last weeks longer than store-bought ones, since they haven’t traveled through storage and shipping. Plus, nothing beats that first juicy bite in the orchard.

6. Apples symbolize health and wisdom.
You’ve heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While not a magic cure, apples are full of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a smart seasonal snack.

Growing Delicious Apples at Home: From Planting to Harvest

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So, grab a basket, head to your local orchard, and celebrate apple picking season with a little extra knowledge. After all, fall is the perfect time to make memories—and maybe even a pie!

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Easy Apple Pie

Amazing apple pies start with amazing pie crusts. Here’s one tried and true pie crust recipe to get you started

All-Butter Pie Crust

Amy Duska

An easy, all-butter pie crust recipe that gives you a tender, flaky pie crust every time! This recipe makes 2 pie crusts

Prep Time 15

Chill Time 1

Servings (9″) pie crusts

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into small cubes
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ 1 teaspoon sugar
▢ ½ cup cold water plus one ice cube
▢ 2 teaspoons vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Prepare the water/vinegar mixture. Drop an ice-cube into a measuring cup and fill the measuring cup up with water to the ½ cup mark. Add 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and set aside.
Mix Flour and Butter. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar together in a medium sized bowl and toss with a fork to mix evenly. Add the cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture forms large, coarse crumbs.
Add Water. Pour the water mixture, a few tablespoons at a time, into the flour/butter mixture and toss with a fork until the dough is evenly moist. Add water slowly to get the right texture.
Gather the dough. Use your hands to quickly bring the dough together in the bowl. Do not over work the dough.
Divide and Chill. Divide the dough in half and flatten into disks. Wrap the disks separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Bake according to what your pie recipe calls for.

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The Pie Recipe

Amy Duska

This is hands down the BEST and easiest apple pie recipe! It has a tender, flaky, homemade pie crust with apple slices drenched in sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 1

Servings

Ingredients

Instructions

- Start by preparing this flaky pie crust recipe which makes 2 (9″) pie crusts, one for the bottom and one for the top of the pie. The pie dough will need to chill for at least 1 hour before rolling out. Or use a store-bought pie crust and follow package directions.
- Place oven rack in the center position and Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice and lemon zest; toss to coat evenly.

Remove the pie crust dough from the fridge and let rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc into a 12″ circle that is ⅛” thick. Carefully lay the crust into the bottom of a deep dish pie plate.
Spoon the apple filling over the bottom crust and discard juices at the bottom of the bowl. Roll out the second disc of pie crust until it is ⅛” thick and lay it over the apple filling.
Use a sharp knife to trim the dough along the outside edge of the pie plate. Lift the edges where the two pie crust meet, gently press to seal and fold them under. Rotate the pie plate and repeat this process until edges are neatly tucked under themselves. Cut 4 slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to vent. Place the pie on a baking sheet.
Brush the surface of the pie crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Cover the edges with a pie shield or a strip of foil to keep them from over browning during the first 25 minutes.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the pie shield, turn the oven down to 375° and continue to bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the juices are bubbly. Cool at room temperature for at least 3 hours.

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A Whirl Through August 28

Posted on August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 by Dusty Roads

Sips, Style, and Sentiment: A Whirl Through August 28

I was muddling around wondering what to write about today, August 28. Then I saw it—National Red Wine Day. Naturally, Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” popped into my head (though technically, that’s UB40’s version). But beyond the occasional glass with dinner or a cozy wine-and-cheese evening, I’m no connoisseur. I do enjoy cooking with wine—there’s something magical about a silky wine sauce draped over chicken or fish.

How To Make A Light White Wine Cream Sauce | Shelly Lighting

Internet

White Wine Sauce for Pasta – Perfect for Seafood and Chicken and Pasta Dishes

Olive Oil – High quality extra virgin olive oil adds a hint of flavor.
Minced Garlic – You can freshly mince, but I just use minced garlic purchased in the produce aisle of the grocery store. You’ll never notice the difference and it’s one of my favorite shortcuts.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a little heat to this simple sauce.
Salt – I like to use salt from a grinder for thick flakes, but table salt works well, too.
Pepper – Fresh ground black pepper adds beautiful thick flakes and a subtle spicy flavor.
Butter – The base for this delicious sauce. Salted or unsalted, your choice.
White Wine – Use your favorite crisp white wine or white cooking wine.

Directions

Sauté – In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic, red pepper and sauté until golden (about a minute).

Make Sauce – Add salt and pepper, wine and butter.

Simmer – Stir two minutes, remove from heat and toss with pasta, chicken breasts, shrimp, or scallops.

I once attended a wine tasting and couldn’t quite get past the whole “sip then spit” routine. So… moving on.

Bow Ties

How do you feel about bow ties? Unless they’re paired with a tuxedo, I’m not a huge fan. But if you are, today’s your day to celebrate that natty little accessory. Bow Tie Day is all about embracing quirky charm and dapper flair. If that doesn’t tie up your attention, maybe Radio Commercial Day will strike a nostalgic chord.

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Radio Commercial Day

Does anyone still listen to the radio? I mean, really listen? Back in the day, radio commercials—those catchy little “jingles”—were everywhere. Some were so memorable they stuck in your head for decades. They were the soundtrack of morning commutes and weekend errands, a kind of audio wallpaper that shaped our daily lives.

165+ Thousand Old Radios Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Pictures | Shutterstock

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

This one hits me right in the heart. Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day honors the pets we’ve loved and lost. The Rainbow Bridge is a comforting idea—a place where our furry companions wait for us, whole and happy, until we meet again. But honestly, I cry buckets every time I say goodbye to one of mine. Saying they’ve “crossed the Rainbow Bridge” is a sweet thought, but it doesn’t always ease the ache.
Most people have heard of the Rainbow Bridge, but have you ever read the full poem? It paints a vivid picture of reunion and unconditional love. The part that always gets me:
“Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.”
That line alone is enough to unravel me.

Little Joe, Smokey & Rocky- Gone but not forgotten

Closing Thoughts

August 28 may seem like a random patchwork of observances—wine, bow ties, radio jingles, and remembrance—but maybe that’s the beauty of it. Life isn’t neatly categorized. It’s a swirl of flavors, fashion, nostalgia, and love. Whether you’re raising a glass, tying a bow, humming an old tune, or holding space for a beloved pet, today invites us to pause and feel. And maybe, just maybe, that’s worth celebrating.

Best 100+ Wine Pictures [4K] | Download Free Images on Unsplash

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National Waffle Day

Posted on August 24, 2025August 24, 2025 by Dusty Roads

National Waffle Day: Let’s Talk Syrup, Grids, and Golden Crispy Joy

I kid you not—this is the very first item on today’s list of National Days and Observances. Numero uno. Right there, top of the stack: National Waffle Day.

Why? Because on this day, the first U.S. patent for a waffle iron was issued. And honestly, that’s reason enough to celebrate. Waffles are more than breakfast—they’re edible architecture. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly designed to cradle syrup, berries, whipped cream, or whatever your heart desires.

Now, let’s take a quick peek at the other contenders:

National Peach Pie Day: Tempting, but we already gave peaches their moment this week.
National Maryland Day: A nod to the 7th state to join the Union. Respect, but not breakfast.
Pluto Demoted Day: Poor Pluto. Still spinning out there, doing its thing, even if it’s no longer a planet. I doubt it cares.
Feast of Saint Bartholomew: A solemn observance, not quite waffle-adjacent.
International Strange Music Day: Intriguing, but I’m not sure what qualifies as “strange.” Kazoo symphonies?
National Knife Day: Sounds like the setup for a murder mystery. Hard pass.
Kobe Bryant Day: A heartfelt tribute to a legend. Beautiful, but heavy.

So, back to waffles. One of my favorite breakfast foods—hands down. Whether you like them Belgian-style, buttermilk, or sweet potato-infused, today’s the day to fire up the iron and celebrate those golden grids. Bonus points if you drizzle maple syrup in slow motion like it’s a food commercial.

Waffles deserve their spotlight. And today, they’ve got it.

looking at two buttermilk waffles, topped with butter and syrup

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🏪 Waffle House: Southern Comfort on a Plate

Comedians love to poke fun at Waffle House, but Southerners? They swear by it. Why? Because it’s dependable.

“People may disappoint us in life, but Waffle House is literally there for us—open 24/7 and on virtually every interstate stop in the South.”

Whether you need a sunrise pick-me-up or a 2 a.m. soul-soothing meal, Waffle House is always open. It’s a South and Midwest chain that serves classic Southern breakfast fare. I’ve had the pleasure of dining in them in both Florida and Georgia. I’ll skip the grits, but the waffles? Absolutely worth the name.

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🏨 Hampton by Hilton: Waffles in the Spotlight

Even hotel chains know the power of a good waffle. Hampton by Hilton features waffles prominently in its advertising, and their breakfast buffet includes “baked-by-guests” Belgian-style waffles.
Those ads always make me hungry. But they also raise a question: what exactly is a Belgian waffle?

Hampton by Hilton Ad

🧇 Belgian Waffles vs. Regular Waffles: A Tale of Two Textures

Not all waffles are created equal—and no, Eggo waffles don’t count (sorry, freezer fans).

Let’s break it down:

🇧🇪 Belgian Waffles

Batter: Made with yeast-leavened dough or whipped egg whites folded in for that signature fluff.
Texture: Crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside—like biting into a cloud with crunch.
Appearance: Big, bold, and beautiful. Deep pockets thanks to a specialized waffle iron.
Leavening: Yeast or whipped egg whites give it lift, not baking powder.

Belgian Waffle Images – Browse 113,433 Stock Photos, Vectors ...

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🇺🇸 Regular (American) Waffles

Batter: Denser, pancake-like, often enriched with buttermilk for a richer flavor.
Texture: More cake-like and compact.
Appearance: Thinner with shallower pockets—still tasty, just less dramatic.
Leavening: Baking powder does the heavy lifting here.

Belgian waffles are the red carpet version of breakfast—ready to be dressed up with berries, whipped cream, or syrup waterfalls. American waffles? More like your cozy flannel pajamas: familiar, comforting, and always welcome.

185,800+ Waffles Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...

American Waffles Stock Photo

Waffle Recipes

Homemade Belgian Waffle Recipe

This Homemade Belgian Waffle Recipe is easy and makes delicious, authentic, Belgian waffles! These waffles are perfectly crisp and golden on the outside while being light and fluffy on the inside!

CourseBreakfast

CuisineAmerican

Prep Time15

Cook Time 20

Total Time35

Servings

Author Nichole

Ingredients

2 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
3 Tablespoons Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Large Eggs Separated
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 Cups Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Preheat your waffle iron, spray with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
In a medium bowl beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In a separate medium bowl mix together the egg yolks, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
Add the egg yolk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
Fold in the egg whites.
Pour the batter onto your hot waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s directions**
Serve immediately with butter, syrup, powdered sugar or any other favorite toppings.

American Waffles

Tender and Easy Buttermilk Waffles

These buttermilk waffles are crisp on the outside and tender in the middle. I love the results this gives while not having to separate the eggs and take time to whip egg whites! These will also reheat in the toaster for a quick workday breakfast.

Submitted by Diana Perry

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups low-fat buttermilk
⅓ cup melted butter
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Gather all ingredients.
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl until evenly combined.
Whisk buttermilk and melted butter together in a separate bowl; whisk in eggs.
Stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture until just combined and batter is slightly lumpy; stir in vanilla extract.
Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
To cook each waffle, pour enough batter into the preheated waffle iron to reach 1/2 inch from the edge. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.

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Whether stacked high with berries or simply kissed with syrup, waffles remind us that joy can be golden, crispy, and served with a side of comfort. Waffles may not solve life’s big problems, but they sure make breakfast feel like a hug from the inside.”

Hot, Not Haute: My Love Affair with German Potato Salad 🥔❤️

Why I Love German Potato Salad 🥔

German vs. American Potato Salad

Authentic German Potato Salad

Ingredients

Directions

My Notes & Tweaks ✍️

Final Thoughts

Share this:

Like this:

🎉 Your Birthday Is in September—Are You Special?

🍼 Fact #1: September Is the Most Common Birth Month in the U.S.

🎂 Fact #2: September Babies Have a Better Shot at Reaching 100

🚌 Fact #3: You’re Likely the Oldest in Your Class

🍁 Fact #4: September Folks Are Less Prone to Mood Disorders

😮‍💨 Fact #5: But… You’re More Prone to Respiratory Issues

☀️ Fact #6: Born on September 16? You Share a Birthday with Positive Thinking Day

🍕 Fact #7: My Personal Favorite—September 20 Is National Pepperoni Pizza Day

🎈 That’s a Wrap

Share this:

Like this:

Fun Facts About Apple Picking Season 🍎🌳

Easy Apple Pie

All-Butter Pie Crust

Ingredients

Instructions

The Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Share this:

Like this:

Sips, Style, and Sentiment: A Whirl Through August 28

White Wine Sauce for Pasta – Perfect for Seafood and Chicken and Pasta Dishes

Directions

Bow Ties

Radio Commercial Day

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Closing Thoughts

Share this:

Like this:

National Waffle Day: Let’s Talk Syrup, Grids, and Golden Crispy Joy

🏪 Waffle House: Southern Comfort on a Plate

🏨 Hampton by Hilton: Waffles in the Spotlight

🧇 Belgian Waffles vs. Regular Waffles: A Tale of Two Textures

🇧🇪 Belgian Waffles

🇺🇸 Regular (American) Waffles

Waffle Recipes

Homemade Belgian Waffle Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

American Waffles

Tender and Easy Buttermilk Waffles

Ingredients

Directions

Whether stacked high with berries or simply kissed with syrup, waffles remind us that joy can be golden, crispy, and served with a side of comfort. Waffles may not solve life’s big problems, but they sure make breakfast feel like a hug from the inside.”

Share this:

Like this: