Spring Vanilla Vinaigrette Food

CREAMY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, pepper and shallots until the vinaigrette is emulsified.
• Toss the greens with enough dressing to moisten and serve immediately.

CLASSIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk together the vinegar, mustard and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Whisk in a couple turns of freshly ground black pepper.

VINAIGRETTE FOR GREEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, garlic, vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified.
• Place the salad greens in a medium bowl and add enough dressing to moisten. Sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper, if desired, and serve immediately.

SALAD GREENS WITH ORANGES, STRAWBERRIES AND VANILLA VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Mix oil. vinegar, vanilla extract, salt, sugar and ground black pepper in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended.
• Toss greens with oranges, strawberries and pecans n large bowl (or divide among individual serving plates). Serve with vanilla vinaigrette.

VANILLA VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients.
• mix well.

SPRING VEGETABLES WITH WARM VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring a wide pot of salted water to a boil. Trim the baby carrots, leaving just 1/2 inch of the green tops, then peel and halve lengthwise. Trim the spring onions, removing the root and all but 2 inches of the tops, and halve lengthwise. Snap or cut off the tough ends of the asparagus and peel the bottom half of each. Cut each spear in half crosswise (or into thirds, if long).
• Fill a large bowl with ice water. Add the carrots to the boiling water; cook until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to the ice bath to cool, then remove to a colander to drain. Add the spring onions to the boiling water; cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes, then cool in the ice water and remove to the colander. Repeat with the asparagus, cooking about 3 minutes. Pat the vegetables dry with a clean towel. (The vegetables can be prepared up to this point several hours ahead; cover and refrigerate.)
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the spring onions; sprinkle with the sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring once or twice, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium; push the onions to one side of the skillet. Add the vinegar, mustard and 1/4 cup water to the other side of the skillet, whisking to combine; bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, 2 minutes. Toss with the onions. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
• Add the carrots, asparagus, parsley and dill to the skillet; toss to combine.

SPRING ROLL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine the first 10 ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 30 minutes. Add the meat broth and continue to simmer until mixture reduces to 2 cups, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Add the scallions, ginger, honey and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with spring rolls (above).

VANILLA-PEAR VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Drain pears, reserving 1/3 cup pear juice.
• Combine pears, juice, vinegar, and remaining ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.

SPRING ONION VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.

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.