Hot Celery Mess

Summer is here, and the temps have been in the upper 80's here in Pittsburgh. So I really wanted to make a cool, refreshing Retro WW feast to accompany the season.

As I flipped through my 1974 Weight Watchers Recipe Cards, I was drawn to a very unusual salad. It was a salad unlike any other I have ever seen in my life. And believe me, I have seen a lot of salads. Just the name itself was intriguing to me: Chilled Celery Log.

Oh Yea, you know I couldn't resist this one.

It starts with 10 oz cooked and mashed cauliflower, mixed with a diced green pepper, chopped pimento, parsley, and spices. This mixture alone was yummy enough to eat.


But wait! There's more! Next, you take a bunch of celery, separate the stalks, and simmer them in chicken bouillon for 10 minutes. Drain. (NOTE: Your house will smell like boiled celery for 3 days.)

Next comes the fun part, and it's going to get messy. You're going to stuff those hot, slippery celery stalks with the cauliflower mixture then arrange them back together in the form of the original bunch formation. Tie it all up with string (I used dental floss) and chill for 45 minutes.


To serve, slice into 1-inch pieces. Makes 6 servings.


The Chilled Celery Log salad would be ideal for a causal poolside bash or a fancy ladies brunch or even an uptight office party. The possibilities are endless. Just strap it all together and you're good to go. In fact, you may want to bring an extra log, just in case things get crazy...