A Vinaigrette template (scroll down fo the Peanut Sauce)
The Basics:
A largemouth mason jar and an immersion blender are a fantastic combo for achieving homemade dressing, otherwise mincing with a good sharp knife and shaking the jar are unstoppable.
The Olive Oil to Vinegar ratios range from 1:1 to 1:2 depending on your love for zing, some even go 1:3.
1 cup Olive Oil
1 (or 1/2) cup Vinegar
2 tsp. Mustard
2 Tbs. Sweetness
Dijon Mustard is the ultimate emulsifier, holding the oil & vinegar in a blended, suspended state, start with 2 tsp., add more & add variations of mustard flavors.
Sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar balance the tang of the vinegar.
Salt & Pepper to taste
Now you choose the flavors, or see what you have on hand
Garlic: OF COURSE and to your discretion.
Don’t overlook the delight of fresh herbs (or dried): Take a pinch or a handful of herbs, finely mince and add them to the jar. Keep a few fresh herbs in a pot, in your garden close, hopefully, close to the kitchen door. Picking a few fresh leaves is a bonus all around. Options include parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, tarragon, cilantro, sage, marjoram, cayenne… what did I miss?
Enrich your dressing with anchovies, finely minced from a tin or in a paste, these add umami and omega-3 fatty acids. Hold the salt if you add the anchovies.
Cheese! Shredded parmesan or romano are easy to add to the dressing and round out the zippy flavor.
Explore lemon juice, cut 1/2 the vinegar, and substitute lemon juice.
Stretch the flavor options by using vinegars such as balsamic, red, or white wine vinegar.
Whatever you put in the jar, immerse the blender and let it do its magic, or shake the jar and let the flavors combine.
Vinaigrette keeps 1 to 2 weeks in a jar in the fridge.
Apply generously to Chi’s Farm famous salad mix!! Enjoy!
PEANUT SAUCE
1/2 cup salty creamy peanut butter
2-3 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce
2-3 tablespoons of lime or lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup
1/4 tsp cayenne
Tablespoon grated ginger
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup water
This sauce is another friend of the immersion blender or any blender. You can also shake this one into deliciousness.
This is good stuff! Drizzle over salads, greens, & stirfrys.
Chi's Farm 