Dressing Food

CHICKEN SALAD WITH LEMON-SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• In a large (12-inch) skillet, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium-low. Add the chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and cook, breaking up into small pieces, until opaque and just cooked through, 3 to 6 minutes. (You're not looking to brown the meat here, which would risk drying it out.) Remove from heat to cool.
• In a large bowl, stir together the miso, lemon zest and juice, ginger and 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil.
• When the chicken is no longer hot (warm or cool both work), use a slotted spoon to add it to the bowl with the dressing, leaving any chicken juices behind. Stir to combine. Add the sliced celery, celery leaves, basil and sesame seeds; stir to combine. Taste, and if it needs more spice, add black pepper; if it's bland, add salt; if it's dry, add sesame oil. Eat warm or at room temperature. (Leftovers will keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.)

HOMEMADE DRESSING

Steps:

• Saute the onion and celery in the butter until tender. Add mushrooms if you would like!
• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well. I use a healthy sprinkling of poultry seasoning -- that is what makes it smell soooo good while cooking!
• Place into a 13x9x2 inch baking dish.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
• If dressing begins to look too dry, add more chicken stock. (While waiting on the turkey to finish, you might leave the dressing in the oven -- in this case, add more chicken stock!).

"SIMPLE IS BEST" DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°F. Butter a 13x9x2" baking dish and set aside. Scatter bread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until dried out, about 1 hour. Let cool; transfer to a very large bowl.
• Meanwhile, melt 3/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onions and celery. Stir often until just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add to bowl with bread; stir in herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in 1 1/4 cups broth and toss gently. Let cool.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk 1 1/4 cups broth and eggs in a small bowl. Add to bread mixture; fold gently until thoroughly combined. Transfer to prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of dressing registers 160°F, about 40 minutes. (Note: Dressing can be made one day ahead up to this point. Uncover the dressing, let cool, then cover again and chill. The next day, proceed with the final bake as described below.)
• Bake dressing, uncovered, until set and top is browned and crisp, 40-45 minutes longer (if chilled, add 10-15 minutes).

BASIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING WITH 8 VARIATIONS

Steps:

• Shake all ingredients for your chosen variation together in a tightly-lidded container OR whisk together in a small bowl.
• Let stand 10 minutes to rehydrate dried herbs and blend flavors.
• Shake again then dress salad as desired.
• Note -- I recommend the lemon dressing on spinach.
• Note -- I recommend the Bacon Dressing, Mustard Dressing, and Balsamic Vinaigrette on strong greens such as escarole, curly endive, and dandelion greens.
• Note -- The sweeter version of the mustard dressing is great for a vinegar coleslaw if you discover that you have accidentally gotten one of those occasional cabbages that are a touch on the bitter side.
• Note -- feel free to play with other seasonings, more complex blends, flavored oils, and flavored vinegars. Once you've learned the technique you can customize your salad dressing to suit just about any meal.