German-Style Potato Salad

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 4 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 hard-cooked egg, chopped;
• 2 tablespoons snipped parsley; or 2 slices bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled (optional)

Instructions

1. In a covered saucepan cook potatoes in boiling salted water for 20 to 25 minutes or till just tender; drain well. Cool slightly. Peel and slice potatoes. Set aside while preparing dressing.
2. For dressing, in a large skillet cook 4 slices bacon on till crisp. Drain and crumble, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Set the bacon aside. Add chopped onion to reserved drippings. Cook till tender. Stir in flour, sugar, salt, celery seed, and pepper. Stir in water and vinegar. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Stir in potatoes and bacon. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more or till heated through, stirring gently. Season to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with hard-cooked egg, parsley, or additional bacon, if desired.
3. Microwave directions: Peel and slice uncooked potatoes 1/4 inch thick. In a 1 1/2-quart casserole combine potatoes and 1/2 cup water. Micro cook, covered, on 100% power (high) for 8 to 10 minutes or till the potatoes are just tender, stirring twice. Let stand, covered, while preparing the dressing. For dressing, place 4 slices bacon in a 2-quart casserole. Cover with white paper towels. Cook high for 3 to 5 minutes or till crisp, stirring once. Drain and crumble, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Set bacon aside. Add onion to reserved drippings. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes or till tender. Stir in flour, sugar, salt, celery seed, and pepper. Stir in the 1/2 cup water and the vinegar. Cook, uncovered, on high for 2 to 3 minutes or till thickened and bubbly, stirring every 30 seconds. Drain the potatoes. Stir potatoes and bacon into dressing. Cook, covered, on high for 1 to 2 minutes or till heated through, stirring once. Serve as above.