Herbaceous Mayo Food

BALSAMIC MAYO

Steps:

• Combine balsamic vinegar, peppercorns, thyme and garlic in a small pot over low heat. Let simmer until reduced to about 2 tablespoons and slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool and strain.
• Whisk together the mayo and reduced strained balsamic in a medium bowl. Serve as a spread on sandwiches or use as a dipping sauce.

PERFECT HERB MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cool water and let sit until absorbed, about 5 minutes. Put the bowl in a pan of hot water and stir to melt the gelatin.
• In a blender or food processor, combine the gelatin mixture, the egg and egg yolk, mustard, sugar, garlic, and herbs and process until smooth. With the machine running, add the oil in a slow steady stream (just drips at first, adding more rapidly once the mayonnaise begins to thicken) to make a very thick mayonnaise. Stop and add the lemon juice and vinegar once the mixture begins to thicken and then add the remaining oil, stopping just before it has thickened to your liking. It will thicken a bit more once it is chilled.
• Scrape into a small bowl, season with salt and pepper, and cover the surface with plastic wrap. Chill until ready to use. The mayonnaise will keep 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator, though the garlic flavor will intensify over time. Makes 2 cups.

HERBED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• For the potato salad: Place the potatoes and whole garlic cloves in a large pot and cover by 2 inches with cold water. Season the water liberally with salt. Bring the potatoes to a simmer over medium heat and cook until fork-tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the potatoes and garlic in a colander. Transfer to a sheet tray or cutting board. Gently press each potato and garlic clove to smash them and set them aside in a bowl, covering the bowl with aluminum foil to keep the potatoes warm.
• For the vinaigrette: In a large bowl, whisk together the shallots, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt and a generous grinding of pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to emulsify the vinaigrette.
• Add the warm potatoes to the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Add the parsley, dill and tarragon to the potatoes. Toss to coat, seasoning with additional lemon juice and salt to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the Fresno chile and chives. Serve at room temperature or keep covered in the refrigerator overnight, tossing again before serving.

SALAD NICOISE

Steps:

• Blanch the wax beans: Plunge the beans into salted boiling water and let cook, 2 minutes. Remove and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Dry off completely.
• Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, capers and pepperoncini in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Drain the tuna. Leave the tuna in big chunks; do not crumble. Place the lettuce on a platter. Arrange the tuna, onions, wax beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, roasted peppers and olives on top. Drizzle liberally with the dressing. Garnish with the herbs and season with salt and pepper. Serve.

LEMON-HERB MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• Stir garlic, mayonnaise, herbs, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl to combine; season with salt and pepper.
• Do Ahead
• Mayonnaise can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill.