Aged Sherry Walnut Vinaigrette Food

THE SHERRY VINAIGRETTE I USE ON EVERYTHING

Steps:

• In a blender, combine the egg yolk, vinegar, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper on a low speed. Turn the blender to medium speed and pour the canola oil, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon water through the top in a steady stream. Taste for seasoning. This dressing can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for several weeks.

AGED SHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, whip eggs until slightly frothy. Slowly whisk oil into eggs in a slow steady stream until emulsified. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. Serve over mesclun greens.

AUTUMN SALAD WITH AGED SHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine the olive oil. sherry vinegar, shallot, chives, sugar and salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk together. Let stand for a few minutes to combine flavors. In a large bowl, toss greens, walnuts, Stilton cheese, and pear together. Pack the dressing and greens in separate containers. Before serving, drizzle just enough dressing to cover greens before serving.

WALNUT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Place all of the ingredients, except the oils, in a blender and process on high speed. With the machine running, gradually add the olive and walnut oils until the vinaigrette is emulsified, about 1 minute. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (The vinaigrette can be prepared up to 1 week in advance, covered and refrigerated.)
• Note: To toast walnuts, place the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F. oven, stirring occasionally, until toasted, 8 to 12 minutes. Cool completely.

AGED SHERRY-WALNUT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Toss the minced shallots with the salt in a bowl and let the shallots "weep" for a few minutes. This helps them flavor the vinaigrette more quickly. Whisk in the mustard and sherry vinegar. Slowly drizzle in the walnut oil and the olive oil. It's not important to keep this vinaigrette emulsified. If the oil and vinegar separate, just stir vigorously to recombine them before using. Season with the pepper and more salt if needed. This vinaigrette will keep several weeks in the fridge.
• *Once oil has been opened, store it in the fridge to slow down the oxidation that leads to rancidity - especially a problem for nut oils.

SHERRY-WALNUT OIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine the vinegar, mustard, and salt. Whisk in the oil.

SHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Pound the garlic with 1/4 teaspoons salt in a mortar and pestle until it breaks down into a puree. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, chop the garlic, then use the side of a large knife and press the garlic with the salt to make a paste.
• Combine the garlic, vinegar, and mustard in a small bowl, then whisk in the oil and seasoning with pepper.
• Taste and balance the flavors to taste. Enjoy!

SEASONAL COUNTRY SALAD WITH SPICED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Make the spiced walnuts:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, spices, and salt. Toast the walnuts lightly on a sheet pan in the oven, for about 4-5 minutes. While the nuts are toasting, heat the spiced sugar in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. When the sugar just begins to melt around the edges, toss in the warm nuts, straight from the oven. Shake the pan vigorously over the burner until all the nuts are coated in sugar - it will cling in somewhat uneven patches, but that is the effect I like. Pour the nuts onto a plate or baking sheet to cool - don't be tempted to try one until they have really cooled down, since sugar at this temperature will give you a burned tongue to remember!
• Make your salad:
• Toss the salad greens with the spiced walnuts and the vinaigrette and top with a generous slice of ham and 1 ounce of cheese per person, according to the seasons (see Weighing Your Options).
• Weighing your options:
• Spring: Grilled Asparagus with Serrano Ham and Maytag Blue Cheese (to grill asparagus, blanch the asparagus to halfway tender, brush with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until lightly brown)
• Summer: Fresh Black Mission Figs with Smithfield Ham and Aged Goat Cheese
• Fall: Lightly Roasted Seckel Pears with Pecorino Romano and Prosciutto
• Winter: Blood Oranges and Fennel with Feta and Prosciutto

WALNUT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Put the walnuts, shallots, and mustard in a mixing bowl. Add the vinegars and whisk to combine. Slowly drizzle in the oils in a stream while whisking to emulsify the vinaigrette; season with salt and pepper.

PEAR AND WALNUT SALAD WITH SHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In the bottom of your salad bowl whisk together the first four ingredients of the vinaigrette. Once blended stir in the cheese until coated.
• Add all your salad ingredients to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
• Enjoy!