ROUSES_Summer2024_Magazine Pages Web

Photos by Romney Caruso

PICKLE JUICE ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT Pickle juice works wonders as a meat tenderizer. The salt and garlic flavors are already present, and the acid in the juice — particularly the vinegar — helps to break down the muscle fibers in meat, making it more tender. However, it’s important to note that the flavor of the pickle juice will also infuse the meat, so it’s best used with meats that will be complemented by the flavor of pickle juice. QUICK PICKLES ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT Refrigerator pickles, hard-boiled eggs, Brussels sprouts, asparagus and other soft vegetables can be quick-pickled in about a half-hour. Add a tablespoon of sugar to the brine if you want a sweeter flavor in your tangy vegetables.

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD Serves 6 to 8 The key to better potato salad is adding some form of vinegar while the potatoes are still warm. We opted for sweet pickle juice, but you could also use dill pickle juice. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 3 pounds russet, Yukon Gold or Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice ¹⁄₃ cup of reserved potato cooking water Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste 1 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon finely diced onions 2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped pickle, sweet or dill 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced small 1 teaspoon finely chopped celery (optional) Paprika, for garnish HOW TO PREP: Place the potatoes in a large pot; add 1 tablespoon salt and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Set over high heat and cook just until fork tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes into a colander, but reserve a cup of the cooking liquid to dress the potatoes.

PICKLED EGGS ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT A pickled egg is a hard-boiled egg that has been soaked in a vinegar based solution, typically flavored with various spices and seasonings, just like a pickle is. Pickled eggs have a unique taste that combines the rich creaminess of the egg with the tanginess of the brine and the complexity of the spices.

PICKLES, SALAD & SLAW

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