Sometimes I Dream About this Potato Salad

I went to the buffet with my parents today...I hate most buffets because there isn't usually anything really good at them....but I go anyways because my parents LOVE it....they're like kids in a candy store when they get there...how could I deny them that....

But anyways....I went to the buffet with them tonight...there is usually this potato salad that they have that is passable--as in...something I would actually choose to eat...but for some reason it didnt taste any good today....how disappointing....but it got me thinking about this potato salad I made a while ago.....it was THE BEST potato salad I have ever had.....the potato salad to end all potato salads. This was even better than my momma's potato salad...even though her salad is mayo-based and very different from this one so I feel like you cant really compare them.

The recipe came from a blog that I love/hate....I love that The Cookbook Blog goes through sooo many recipes in one cookbook, but I hate that he doesn't share the recipes so if there is something I want to try...I either have to buy the cookbook or search high and low for the recipe (although I totally understand....it must be some sort of copyright issue and it is kinda unfair to the cookbook authors).  The original recipe came from La Cucina: The Regional Cooking of Italy.  {side note: I really want to buy this book, but I do hate that there are no pictures.....perhaps I shall put it on my XMAS list :P). The book says the recipe is from the Liguria region of Italy.

It is super easy and really really delicious. The flavors melded together so amazingly well...the tart sweetness of the tomatoes, the freshness of the cucumber, the salty briny-ness of the anchovies (Yes....I know....eeeeewwww anchovies???!!! but it is sooooooo good in this recipe!!!)  and olives, and the fragrant citrus-y notes in the yummy olive oil i used. It is really important to use GOOD quality ingredients here because each ingredient brings so much to the table....get the good tomatoes and use the good olive oil. I also used really fresh eggs from the farmers market and made them soft boiled. I'm drooling just thinking about it!!!

Give this a try and I promise you wont be disappointed....as always....stay consumed!

Ligurian Potato Salad 

Ingredeients: 
1 lb Plum Tomatoes, sliced
1 Cucumber, sliced
2 Potatoes, boiled, cooled, and sliced
  {I used 5 or 6 small red skinned potatoes}
1 Chili Pepper, sliced
  {I didnt use a chili pepper, i did sprinkle it with a very very light sprinkling of red chili pepper flakes}
1/2 c Green Olives, pitted and diced
5 Anchovies, chopped up very finely
A few basil leaves, chopped
3 Tbs Olive Oil {remember...use a good olive oil!)
2 Tbs White Wine Vinegar
2 hard boiled eggs, cut in sections
  {I used soft boiled and I feel like this really added to making it the best potato salad ever!}
Salt to taste
 {I didnt need to add any additional salt as the anchovies and olives are already salty enough}

Directions:

Combine tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes, chili pepper, olives, and anchovies. Mix Olive oil, vinegar and basil and pour over the potatoes and toss gently. Top with eggs and serve.