DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ll bet my letter is only one of a great many you will receive in response to No Name asking about the Marjorie Standish potato salad (June 30).

Any good Maine public library should have copies of “Cooking Down East” and “Keep Cooking the Maine Way,” both by Standish. The potato salad recipe is in the first and is called Best Potato Salad. My family says this is the best!

The dressing (I mix it in a blender) is to be added to the potatoes and refrigerated overnight. Just before serving, add mayonnaise. My family loves it without the mayonnaise, and there is a tendency to raid the fridge and test the salad way before serving time the next day. — Pat Troy, Casco

ANSWER: No, Pat, you were far from alone in responding. Sun Spots was inundated with letters, some offering cooking tips.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The newly printed version of this cookbook is in collaboration with another author. She has tweaked some of the original recipes, which may or may not appeal to one brought up on Marjorie Standish’s recipes, as I was.

Anyway, I also use this dressing recipe on macaroni salad my family enjoys as well. This dressing keeps well in a jar and refrigerated, if one doesn’t like to use as much.

Hope you can get permission to print as it is so good! — Connie B. via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am fortunate to have two autographed copies of Marjorie Standish cookbooks. I have “Cooking Down East” (yellow cover) and “Keep Cooking The Maine Way” (green cover). The potato salad recipe is in the yellow one. If I could have an e-mail or phone number, I will share the recipe. — Evelyn, Lewiston

ANSWER: Thank you, Evelyn, but that won’t be necessary. Down East Books gave Sun Spots permission to reprint the recipe in the column!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Marjorie Standish’s cookbooks are worth the investment, even in this day and age of checking on the computer for recipes. I have well over 50 cookbooks, including most of the Pillsbury bake-off ones. The Betty Crocker seventh edition (1950) has special recipes, including the blueberry cream pie that is not in the newer Betty Crocker editions. I enjoy cooking from scratch! — Phyllis Lothrop via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Marjorie Standish potato salad recipe is legendary in my family. My cookbook automatically opens to the page. This cookbook is full of all the recipes anyone would need for cooking “the Maine way.” — Norine Clarke, Dixfield

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Majorie’s cookbooks can be found in many bookstores, and they are loaded with delicious recipes! The recipes are not complicated or loaded with a lot of unnecessary ingredients. I love her “down to earth” recipes and have been using them for years. — Rondajo, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I usually have to make a double batch because everyone has second helpings. The recipe does take a little more planning because of the marinade, but that’s the secret. Stir so each piece of potato is coated and refrigerate several hours or overnight — important! I mix it with Miracle Whip. — Phyllis, Auburn

ANSWER: It looks like Sun Spots will have to try this highly recommended recipe. Here it is:

Best Potato Salad

Pare and cook eight medium potatoes. Drain and cool enough so they may be handled. While potatoes are still warm, dice them into a bowl.

Pour the following dressing over them. Doing this while they are still warm ensures better flavor.

8 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons vinegar

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

a shake or two of red pepper

1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

2 tablespoons finely minced onion

Stir salad with dressing so that each piece of potato is saturated. Cool, then refrigerate. Leave in refrigerator several hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, mix with mayonnaise. Serve on lettuce. Serves 8.

Marjorie says: Secret of a good potato salad? Cook pared potatoes so they are very tender; dice small as soon as they are cool enough to handle, and follow these directions.

2010, Marjorie Standish, from “Cooking Down East, Favorite Maine Recipes,” Revised Edition, Down East Books.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link