by sy (architect by day, entertaining maestro any other time)

Find a small jam jar with screw top lid. Put all ingredients into jar and shake vigorously to mix – almost like what a bartender would do. Add more of whichever ingredient you think gives it a kick and it’s as simple as that. Just remember the vinegar should always be slightly more than the oil but not too much otherwise your salad will wilt quickly.

Add finely chopped fresh herbs for more oomph e.g. parsley, cilantro, basil, mint …. Dried herbs can be added but you need to let the dried ingredients soak in the dressing for at least 15 minutes to infuse its flavour into the dressing.

It’s all a matter of practice before you’ll be making up your own secret cocktail dressings!!

Basic oil & Vinegar (Vinaigrette) dressing (Serves 4-6)

• 4 tbsp good Olive Oil
• 6 tbsp red or white wine vinegar (Balsamic vinegar has the best flavour)
• 1/2 pip crushed garlic
• salt & pepper to taste
• sugar or honey to taste (1 tsp or less)

Note: vinegars can be substituted by fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice even orange juice!

Oriental Dressing that cannot go wrong (serves 4-6)

• 4 tbsp groundnut/peanut Oil
• 6 tbsp sweetened sushi rice wine vinegar
• 1 small tsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey

Shake it all up – and top with toasted sesame seeds. It’s great with curly leafed lettuce or cos lettuce, finely shredded carrots, red or yellow peppers, small cherry tomatoes

Honey Mustard Dressing (serves 4-6)

• 6 tbsp mayonnaise ( get light variety if you are calorie-conscious)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (with seeds in it)
• pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp honey

Whip with whisk or fork or whiz with blender for smooth finish. This dressing is great for baby spinach leaf and hard boiled egg salad with chunky chopped walnuts

Simple Mayonnaise Quickie Dressing

• 6 tbsp mayonnaise ( get light variety if you are calorie-conscious)
• a few drops lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste
• finely chopped herbs e.g. parsley, basil, mint etc

Whip with whisk or fork

This dressing is great for boiled small baby potatoes or chunky potatoes – parsley is good herb for this sour cream or light cream cheese softened with a bit of milk may be substituted for mayonnaise

Next…soups…

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