Potato Klub (kloob)

OK here it goes..... this is not for the faint of heart or the kitchen novice. I grew up with my great grandma making this, only occasionally but it was quite a treat every time. I married a man who's mother used to make it in her restaurant, she actually taught me hands on how to do it. Thanks Carolyn! It is an absolute favorite. I have heard it has Norwegian as well as German roots.  No dieters allowed past this point!
 All amounts are approximate, it is not an exact kind of recipe, it is more about technique. This is a large recipe that will make about 25 klubs.
Boil ham bone in a large, very large pot filled half way.( I use my canner and another large aluminum pot) If you don't have a ham bone you can simply boil water and season with ham seasoning.
Peel approximately 15 pounds of potatoes and cut into pieces like this

Now, I use an old fashioned meat grinder......I have been asked if you can use a food processor, I don't know. I never have,  this is the way it was done and taught to me so this is the way I do it.

place ground potatoes into cool water, by handfuls, SQUEEZE the water and starch out of them and place into another bowl.

Now chop ham, left over or a Jenny-o ham, into 1/2 in squares, set aside.

For the 15 lbs of potatoes it ends up being about 10 c flour used. I keep the flour and potatoes separate and in a third bowl I begin to mix, add a little of each and form a ball, one that holds together like a snowball.  Too much flour or too little flour will cause klub to fall apart when boiling.  If you have the right consistency you can push your thumb in the middle to form a hole, place 4 or so pieces of ham inside, seal, again, squeeze hard, make sure the klub is firm, it will still be soft but should hold together well, form all balls, setting on a lightly floured surface.

Drop gently into pot a few at a time, try to keep at a full boil, cover partially with lid to keep temperature steady. When all have been added, gently stir to keep from sticking, soon....they will begin to float.

Let boil for about 1 hour and 15 min. To test doneness, let one sit for about 2 min, cut open, it will be slightly wet but firm and will continue to firm up and "dry out" if in 5 minutes it has a nice texture, it is done. Usually they don't take longer than 1 1/2 hours if the boil has been maintained.

You can remove them and let sit on a cooling rack for about 5 min, then.......Smother them with butter, salt and pepper. NO you can not merely place a little bit of butter on them, it is against the law. I know, some of you are saying..."Are you kidding?"  well...try them and see. They say you shouldn't swim for an hour after you eat.... with potato klub I think it is 4 days, you will sink!
When you are done....some fun things to know....here is all the starch sitting in the water bowl after grinding.

YUK! and here is what your kitchen will look like if you did it right.

Take that Julia! Bon Appetite