Waldorf Salad

For many fans of comedy, the phrase "Waldorf salad" will of course bring to mind a 1979 episode of the classic British TV sitcom, Fawlty Towers. In the episode, manic, and rather foolish hotelier, Basil Fawlty (played by the Monty Python actor, John Cleese), is completely lost when an American guest asks him to prepare a Waldorf salad, and refuses to consider any alternative dish. In real life, Waldorf salad is indeed unusual salad, enjoyed by many people, and if you are fan of it, you too may not wish to consider alternatives.

The Waldorf salad gets its name from the Waldorf Hotel (forerunner of the modern Waldorf-Astoria Hotel which opened in 1931) in New York City, USA. According to the most popular story (although there are variations on this story which credit other people), the salad was invented in 1890 by Oscar Tschirky, who was the maître d'hôtel at the time (incidentally Oscar Tschirky is also often credited with inventing Eggs Benedict as well).

There are many different variations on the basic recipe for Waldorf salad, but all involve finely sliced apple and celery in a mayonnaise-based dressing. Grapes are also usually added, although some recipes substitute them with maraschino cherries. Today, Waldorf salads nearly always also include halved walnuts (indeed this aspect of the salad is repeatedly referenced in the Fawlty Towers episode), although the original recipe apparently did not include walnuts. In my personal opinion, Waldorf salad is best served chilled, and can also be nicely enhanced with a garnish - perhaps of a few freshly chopped chives.

By S. Tanna. Discover the Waldorf Salad recipe at http://www.recipesmaniac.com/recipe_waldorf_salad.php

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