My cole slaw kicks your cole slaw's @$$

We had a family birthday cookout not long ago.  I'm not a huge fan of the mayo-based cole slaw, and luckily, my aunt brought a vinegar based slaw.  It was DELISH!!  She sent me the recipe and I was so excited!  I went to the store and bought cabbage, but in my usual style, I neglected to make sure that I had all of the other ingredients.  So, I improvised.  Using her method as the base, I made a cole slaw that was absolutely kickin'!

Her receipe, the classic, is wonderful, and so nice for a family picnic.  She got it from her friend, Judy, who probably got it from a friend, who got it from a friend...  Passed down and tried and true.  Mine is a kicked-up knock your socks off version - not too kid friendly.  So, I have included both recipes.  Both a perfect, inexpensive, pot luck dish. 

I used the slaw on bbq pork sliders on Hawaiian rolls. 

Thanks to Kraft for the picture.  I will say that mine looked better, but they went so quickly and we were having so much fun, I forgot to take a picture!

Aunt Jane's Cole Slaw

One head of cabbage shredded or chopped

1 green pepper finely chopped

1 jar of chopped pimiento (this is only for color so small or medium size will do)

1 cup sugar (I use about ¾ cup)

¾ cup oil

1 cup vinegar (cider)

1 tsp dry mustard

1tsp celery seed.

Mix together sugar, oil, vinegar, mustard and celery seed.  Add to mixture of cabbage, pimento and pepper.  Let it rest for a few hours - it tastes great right away, but melds together over time.  You can make it a day in advance, and it will be wonderful! 

Kicked-up cole slaw

One head of cabbage shredded or chopped

1/2 jar of spicy hot giardinera - an italian veggie condiment (including oil) - you can get it at World Market and at nice markets.

1 cup sugar

1 cup cider vinegar

1 tablespoon hot dijon mustard (European style if you can find it) 

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

Separate the vegetables and oil from the giardinara.  Chop veggies and add them to the cabbage.  You can add a few jalapenos if you like.  

Add the oil (should be about 1/2 cup) to the sugar, vinegar mustard and cumin seeds.  Whisk together.  Add together and voila - it is so so good!! Same thing applies as above, you may want to leave it overnight for maximum yumminess!