Recipe for Homemade Vinaigrette

Wow!  It has been so hot here in Southern California that I can hardly wait until this heat wave disappears!  It's the humidity that's the worst and it doesn't cool off in the evenings.  The weatherman says it's suppose to return to normal next week.  And, to think it's September!

I have been busy working on numerous projects but none are finished to share with you yet.  I thought you might like this easy recipe for homemade vinaigrette.  I like to make this ahead of time and it keeps for a couple of weeks in the frig.  It's easy, inexpensive and I think it tastes better than those store bought ones that you pay a lot of money for.

Here's what you will need:

* Oil - I use grape seed oil but use the oil of your choice
* Assorted vinegars - balsamic, red wine, rice wine vinegar, etc
* Salt and pepper
* Fresh garlic
* Tarragon
* Dijon mustard

Shahnaz's Vinaigrette

In glass container, press two cloves of garlic.  Add in1/3 cup of seasoned rice vinegar and 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar.  Add in 1/2 cup of oil and 1/2 teaspoon of each black pepper and salt.  Last, add in 1 teaspoon of crushed dried tarragon.  Stir well and let sit one hour before using or refrigerating.

 

Have fun experimenting with different oil and vinegars.

Dijon Vinaigrette

In a glass container, crush one clove of fresh garlic, add in 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, 4 ounces of balsamic vinegar (I used white balsamic) and 4 ounces of oil.  Stir well and let sit about one hour before using or putting in refrigerator.

The fresh garlic adds a unique flavor to the vinaigrette without overpowering the taste.  

After living here in Southern California and shopping at the Persian markets, I have discovered this wonderful grape seed oil.  I now use grape seed oil for all my recipes that use oil.  I found this wonderful white balsamic vinegar at my local Trader Joe's store. 

I hope you have fun experimenting with these recipes. As long as you keep the oil to vinegar measurements, you can mix up the vinegars and the seasonings.

Until next time, have a wonderful week.  And, please stop by Handmade Harbour and check out their Handmade Monday post to see some great craft ideas.

Take care,

Pat :)