I love Slaw!!!!

Today I was inspired by my Yelp! Dukedom status of the local 99-cent only store! An achievement that I am not entirely sure that I am proud to wear the sash of... One way or the other it has inspired me to write a new blog post in the good old frugal fashion; furthermore all ingredients can be purchased from your local 99! 

How we love the American BBQ and cole-slaw, I also thought of my mothers coleslaw recipe. Being that she is lactose intolerant and allergic to soy here coleslaw is not the traditional sort but is wonderful for those that are looking for a low-fat/low calorie substitute. That and it's a cheap side dish that can be assembled from pantry items and cheap 99-cent store items. 

The term "coleslaw" arose in the eighteenth century as an Anglicization of the Dutch term "koolsla", a shortening of "koolsalade", which means "cabbage salad". Thank you Dutch for your delightful thought provoking vegetable that in your language sounds like Kool Aid. {Umm Pruplessaurus Rex where have you gone...} However in the United States coleslaw often also contains buttermilk or mayonnaise substitutes, and carrot (like the cole-slaw mix from the store for $0.99); although many regional variations exist, and recipes incorporating prepared mustard or vinegar without the dairy and mayonnaise are also common like the one we are doing today.

Coleslaw is generally eaten as a side dish with foods such as fried chicken and barbecued meats, and may be accompanied by fries or potato salad as another side dish. It is commonly included when ordering a fish fry in the Midwestern United States and with chicken in the south. Other uses include being placed on barbecue sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs along with chili and hot mustard. My favorite is a creamy slaw with a BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich with tangy BBQ Sauce!

I love these ladies...

Coleslaw also is used on a variant of the Reuben sandwich, with coleslaw substituting for the sauerkraut, the meat being either pastrami or corned beef, and the sandwich commonly is called a "Rachel" to differentiate it from the "Reuben". Mimi's Cafe has an excellent "Ruben" with slaw; although it's one of the highest caloric content sandwiches on the menu... Just a side note. Think cabbage patch babies in a salad.

 BBQ slaw, also known as red slaw and commonly found in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, is made using ketchup and vinegar rather than mayonnaise which I am not entirely sure sounds appealing but there's a first time for everything I suppose.  A variety of seasonings, such as celery seed and poppy seeds, may be added. Typically cabbage comes in finely minced pieces, shredded strips, or small squares.

My Mamma's Cole Slaw Recipe 
Modified from Judy Einboden original recipe (origin unknown)

And that's how it's done!

3 - Tbsp. Sugar (or splenda substitute)
3 - Tbsp. Vinegar (White or Apple Cider)
2 - Tbsp. Canola Oil (Careful with Olive oil it's really strong!)
1- Tsp. Salt (A little goes a long way)
1- Tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper1-Bag Cabbage mix* or see below
1/2 Green Pepper diced
1/2 Red onion diced
1-Cucumber seeded and diced (I know why seed the motha... but it makes it easier to eat)
1-Tbsp Poppy Seeds or Celery Seeds

1. Mix all wet ingredients in the bottom of a bowl or tupperware with a lid with the sugar salt and pepper until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the balance of the ingredients and toss to coat and mix everything together. 
3. Let sit for at least an hour so all the goodness can work it's magic behind closed doors.
4. Season to taste and enjoy!

Yes that's a photo of my cole-slaw just taken today

*Make your own cabbage mix if you're not a lazy ass:
1/2 Head Green Cabbage
1/2 Head Red Cabbage
1-Carrot
Shred all with a food processor to make approx 2-Cups