Cat's Vinaigrette
Cat's Vinaigrette Recipe with Oil, Cider Vinegar, Honey, Mustard, Salt, and Pepper
Introduction
Cat's Vinaigrette is a versatile and flavorful dressing that can be used on salads, vegetables, or even as a marinade for meats. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
History
Cat's Vinaigrette is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations. It is believed to have originated in France, where vinaigrettes are a popular dressing for salads. This particular recipe has been adapted and modified over the years to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of oil
- 0.25 cup of cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp of honey
- 1 tsp of dry mustard
- 0.5 tsp of salt
- 0.25 tsp of pepper
How to prepare
- In a bowl, whisk together 0.75 cup of oil, cider vinegar, honey, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
Variations
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor.
- Stir in some minced garlic or shallots for added depth.
- Experiment with different types of mustard for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to whisk the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure that the dressing is well emulsified.
- You can adjust the amount of honey and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
- Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Cat's Vinaigrette is delicious drizzled over a mixed green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.
Cooking Techniques
Whisking the ingredients together is the best way to ensure that the dressing is well emulsified.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any type of vinegar in place of cider vinegar, and maple syrup can be used instead of honey.
Make Ahead Tips
Cat's Vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Cat's Vinaigrette in a small pitcher or jar for a rustic presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This dressing pairs well with a variety of dishes, including salads, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Cat's Vinaigrette contains approximately 220 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Cat's Vinaigrette contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Cat's Vinaigrette contains approximately 22 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Cat's Vinaigrette contains negligible amounts of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Cat's Vinaigrette is a good source of vitamin E, which is important for skin health and immune function.
Alergens
This recipe contains honey, which may be an allergen for some individuals.
Summary
Cat's Vinaigrette is a flavorful dressing that is relatively low in carbohydrates and protein, but high in fat and calories. It is a good source of vitamin E and should be consumed in moderation.
Summary
Cat's Vinaigrette is a versatile and flavorful dressing that is easy to make and customize. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dressing that will elevate any dish.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cat's Vinaigrette. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her kitchen for a cool glass of lemonade.
As we sat at her kitchen table, chatting about this and that, Mrs. Jenkins reached into a drawer and pulled out a weathered, yellowed piece of paper. She handed it to me with a smile and said, "This is a recipe that has been in my family for generations. It's called Cat's Vinaigrette, named after my great-grandmother Catherine. She was known for her delicious salads, and this dressing was her secret weapon."
I took the recipe in my hands, feeling the weight of history in the faded ink. The ingredients were simple - olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. But it was the proportions and the method of mixing them together that made it special. Mrs. Jenkins explained each step to me, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia.
She told me how her great-grandmother would make a big batch of the vinaigrette and keep it in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Whenever she wanted to make a salad, she would simply pour some of the dressing over the greens and toss it lightly. The result was a salad that was tangy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
I was intrigued by the story and the simplicity of the recipe. Mrs. Jenkins offered to make a batch with me, showing me how to measure out the ingredients and whisk them together until they emulsified. The aroma of garlic and mustard filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.
When we finally sat down to eat our salad, dressed with Cat's Vinaigrette, I was blown away by the flavor. The sharpness of the vinegar, the creaminess of the olive oil, and the kick of the mustard all combined to create a dressing that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was bold and zesty, yet somehow light and refreshing at the same time.
From that day on, I was hooked. I made Cat's Vinaigrette for every salad I served, and it quickly became a signature dish among my friends and family. They would always ask me for the recipe, and I would proudly pass on the tradition that Mrs. Jenkins had shared with me.
Years passed, and I continued to make Cat's Vinaigrette, tweaking the proportions here and there to suit my own taste. I added a little extra garlic for a stronger flavor, or a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness. But the basic recipe remained the same, a constant reminder of the day I learned to make it from Mrs. Jenkins.
Now, as I sit at my own kitchen table, surrounded by cookbooks and recipe cards, I can't help but think back to that warm summer day and the simple pleasure of learning something new. Cat's Vinaigrette may just be a salad dressing, but to me, it represents so much more - a connection to the past, a love of good food, and a reminder that the best recipes are often the ones passed down through generations.