Saturday, April 25, 2009

SALAD DRESSINGS, EASY AND QUICK

SANE AND SENSIBLE SALAD DRESSINGS …


Let us start the summer with easy dressings that you and the kids can create in five minutes. Start with basic ingredients that you constantly have in the kitchen and refrigerator.
Olive oil…cold pressed is the best.
Apple cider vinegar.
Balsamic vinegar
Fresh lemons, in preference to lemon preserved juices.
Techina, hummous, sweet red peppers, pickled cucumbers and olives are great to have as extra dressings.
Herbs….mint, basilica, parsley, oregano, dill, chives, rosemary, lemon balm and marjoram.
I keep mustard seeds, vegetable salts, peppercorns, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, black cumin seeds, coriander, curry, turmeric and bay leaves with my favorite spices.
Keep some nuts, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, sesame seeds ( the roasted ones are great) sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and poppy seeds.
,I sweeten with honey, molasses, brown sugar, cranberries, dates coconut and the date spreads.
Garlic, onions, green onions, chives and parsley are a must.
Keep some empty bottles handy for storage of dressings.

BASIC IDEAS.

CLASSIC DRESSING.

3 Tablespoons olive oil.
2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
1 teaspoon vegetable salt.
1 crushed clove of garlic.
Ground fresh pepper.
Mix all and use for green salads, tomato sslads or with steamed vegetables.

VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
I love this with fresh salads, steamed or grilled vegetables.
I cup olive oil.
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar.
1/4 cup lemon juice.
1 teaspoon salt, dry mustard, dry onions, and a dash of paprika
2-3 chooped green olives, 2 diced pickled cucumbers, some parsley and black pepper. Mix all and keep in a bottle in the fridge.

MUSTARD AND POPPYSEED, HONEY DRESSING.
One teaspoon of poppy seeds, 2 teaspoons of Dijon or prepared mustard,
Two teaspoons o honey. Mix all with half a cup of olive oil and a teaspoon of dried parsley. And some lemon juice. Mix well and use on fresh spinach, chopped cooked potatoes, cooked rice or quinoa. Add chopped walnuts and serve.


HERB DRESSING.
This is great with a green salad or with asparagus, tomatoes and peppers.
I mix two teaspoons of parsley, a little thyme, oregano and mustard seeds. Mix with olive oil and lemon juice.

CURRY DRESSING.
I use this on hot, baked cubed potatoes, or with artichoke hearts, cooked zucchini or cooked rice.

Make a French Dressing and add 1 teaspoon of curry and one teaspoon of coconut and a few tablespoons of chooped raisins and dates. Mix well and serve with the vegetables. It is also great with boiled eggs .

You can make a few bottles of onions, garlic, peppers and olives in vinegars, oils and have them on dispay and ready to use. Enjoy the creativity.They are great to give as a gift as well.

Have a fun week and I hope the spice of life and joy of salads with the dressings will "light" up your meals.

Love and light RONA.

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