For Hollis Cooper local Long Branch resident, cooking has always been a love language. Born from family gatherings filled with laughter, gospel music, and the comforting hum of conversation, her recipes carry a legacy of warmth and connection.
“My mom always asked what I wanted for my special meal,” Hollis recalls. “It was always ham, fried chicken, potato salad, collard greens, and candied yams.” Those dishes became the cornerstone of family celebrations—a reflection of her mother’s care and a symbol of home.
Over the years, Hollis has shared that same joy of cooking with friends and family, often preparing her signature potato salad in quantities big enough to feed a crowd. “I’ve made it anywhere from a small bowl to 25 pounds,” she laughs. “It just depends on how many people I’m feeding!”
Faith and gratitude infuse everything she does. Hollis describes her greatest achievement as building a life of independence and stability—purchasing her own home and creating a place where loved ones are always welcome. “My perfect happiness,” she says, “is getting together with old friends who’ve become family, and seeing more love in this world.”
Hollis’ Family Potato Salad
Ingredients:
-
Baking potatoes
-
Celery (chopped)
-
Onion (chopped)
-
Eggs (hard-boiled and chopped)
-
Pickled relish or finely chopped Gerkins sweet pickles
-
Mayonnaise
-
Mustard
-
Dash of sugar
-
Dash of white vinegar
-
Paprika (for garnish)
Preparation:
-
Boil the baking potatoes with skins on (they’ll peel more easily once cooked).
-
Peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes.
-
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes with chopped onions, celery, and pickles or relish.
-
Add chopped eggs.
-
Mix in mayonnaise and mustard to taste, then add a dash of sugar and white vinegar for balance.
-
Stir thoroughly until creamy and well-coated.
-
Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
-
Garnish with paprika for a classic finish.
Comforting, nostalgic, and filled with heart, Hollis Cooper’s Family Potato Salad is more than a recipe—it’s a reminder that the best dishes are those shared with the people you love most. For more recipes like this visit @gardenstatecitylifestyle.