Ham Salad

Ingredients:
3/4 lb ham, finely chopped
3 tablespoons-1/4 cup chopped jarred cornichons and the onions
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons very grainy mustard
1/8 teaspoon celery seed
1/8 teaspoon allspice
freshly ground pepper

Directions:
Stir together all ingredients until a smooth mixture forms. Refrigerate.

My thoughts:

I brought back a jar of Maille cornichons from the Caribbean (I love buying European goods on the islands, they are so much cheaper than what they are here in the US. Of course, I also brought back a ton of Caribbean and East Indies ingredients as well). I like using them and the little pickled onions that are included in salads when I can. Normally I am more of a dill pickle girl but they go great with salt and savory ingredients like ham.

Honestly, I did not grow up eating ham salad, although I hear it is an East Coast thing. I had it for the first time from a local German deli and I noticed it changed from week to week or at least, visit to visit. It is an awesome way to use up leftover ham and makes a spread that can be dressed up or down as the occasion requires.

8 Comments

  1. It's also a midwestern thing. I grew up in Indiana and I have never been to a social gathering in Indiana, Michigan or Wisconsin where ham salad was not served, and now I'm rather craving it. I had an aunt who ground it in a meat grinder and served it on white bread cut into triangles.

    Of course, there's a lot of German heritage in that area, so that may account for it.

  2. What a yummy, simple bite! Love anything with cornichons too. BTW; snow predicted for tomorrow. For you too? Dying for it after all the blizzard-chat from the East Coast.

  3. Boulder: I hope not! I am still having flashbacks about last year's blizzards.

  4. I think it looks tasty, a nice treat to hold off dinner.

  5. This is super tasty!
    The allspice in particular gives it sort of a surprising kick. Thanks!

  6. We love this!
    Have made it several times. Perfect cocktail hour appetizer.
    Thanks!

  7. We have made this several times and it turns out great! Makes a delicious cocktail hour appetizer.
    Thanks!

  8. we love it too- have done it for year- my mom used to do it-
    I add cheese grated to mine too and sometimes pickle relish or chopped pickles.. lately we have used the turkey ham (:) thanks for sharing ..patty