G.G.'s Coleslaw

This used to be my attitude about coleslaw. I can't believe I was ever this way. I think it may have come from too many years of eating watered-down mystery KFC slaw, not sure. Thankfully Grandma G.G. came into my life and fostered my newfound love of coleslaw with her tangy, mouth-watering, flavorful version that sticks.

Of course when Grandma G.G. told us the recipe, it was "a dash of this, a smidgen of that, a pinch of this, a dab of that" and you would just have to accept that. If you pried for specific measurements she would respond, "Just a dash! Just a pinch! Taste it until it's right!" with a wink. (We can't help but love our grandmas for this- it's part of their charm, their magic, right?) 

via GIPHY

Taste it until it's right, like Grandma G.G. and Julia 

This really got me thinking, though. What exactly is a dash? a pinch? a smidgen? a dab? I thought, well, I'll look it up. Merriam-Webster says it means, "A small amount, a bit." 

That didn't really help. Yes, we know it's a small amount. But how small!?!?! The questions started to linger. I turned to the experts at Cooking Light...(youtube) 

Then, I saw these spoons, which also helped answer my burning measurement questions. I feel better now. 

So...I am bringing you this recipe today, having had to interpret Grandpa G.G.'s instructions the best I could. Here goes. First, a little song for Grandma G.G...

What you will need--(Grandma G.G.'s version): cabbage, a bit of mayo, a splash of of apple cider vinegar, a few dashes of sugar, a smidgen of celery seed, and salt & pepper to taste. 

What this translates to:  A bag of shredded cabbage (or half a head), 1/4 c. mayo, 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar, 3 Tbs. sugar, a smidgen of celery seed, salt & pepper to taste. 

Mix it all together in a bowl. Taste as you go- Grandma G.G. style. Add some more of each ingredient as needed. Use clean spoons each time you taste (safety first- it is covid season after all). 

Now it's time for a little drink with juuuuuusssst a dash of gin in honor of Grandma G.G. Just a dash, Grams. 

Cheers to Grandma G.G. for creating the best slaw west of the Mississippi.

I think Grandma G.G. had it right- we're supposed to measure some recipes in pinches and heaps, spoonfuls and smidgens...it makes the finished dish that more interesting and surprising. If it ends up tasting better, we have the pleasure of pondering why- and really noticing the flavors. That's how we become better cooks. ​

Wishing you...

Bonus Gin Cocktail Recipe- Click-- "French 75."  Today's fun finds: *

In the comments, tell me about your grandma! What does she like to make? Happy cooking! 

G.G.'s Coleslaw