Kris' Macaroni Salad

This is a recipe, like the pickle wraps, that I learned from my godmother, Kris.  And, just like the pickle wraps, this recipe is very simple.  And somehow I've found a way to make it even more simple than usual.

See, I didn't have any gherkins.  (By the way, I love gherkins, so this is a really big deal.)

But I did have a jar of relish.  Relish=cut up pickles.  See where I'm going with this?

So really, you can use chopped gherkins or relish - the macaroni salad comes out pretty much the same either way.  If you happen to love gherkins, like moi, then you will notice the difference if you use relish, but it's kind of a good difference.  For lacking gherkins, anyway.

Sorry, I'm really using the word "gherkins" way too much.  I just love typing it.  Gherkins.  Lol!

Kris' Macaroni Salad

1 box ring (anellini) noodles*

1 cup finely chopped green olives (approximately 1 jar)

1 cup finely chopped sweet gherkins OR pickle relish

1 cup Miracle Whip**

1. Cook the noodles according to the directions on the box, omitting the salt.  Once cooked, place in a large bowl.
2. With a wooden spoon, combine noodles with chopped olives and chopped gherkins or relish.
3. Add Miracle Whip and stir until evenly combined.  Taste.  Add more Miracle Whip if necessary. Store covered in refrigerator.

*The only place I've found these noodles is in Minnesota.  If you can't find them where you live, you can use regular ring noodles, but the texture won't be right.

**This HAS to be Miracle Whip.  No mayo.  NONE.

Breaking it down:

Cook your lovely ring noodles.

Chop olives like this:

The chopped gherkins should be about the same size.  Or you can use relish.  Anyway, combine the pickles and the olives and the noodles...

Add Miracle Whip and don't even THINK about using mayo instead...

And give it several good stirs.

There you have it!  A really yummy macaroni salad, perfect to eat with hamburgers or hot dogs or anytime during the summer.

Or anytime at all, really. ;)
-JJ