My newest obsession…

I am currently OBSESSED with shallot vinaigrette! I’ve been making this
dressing for the past few weeks, having a butter lettuce salad at least
once a day. I can’t seem to get enough of the delicious dijon
mustard-shallot combo – it takes me directly to France on a cool fall day.

I’m so into making this particular dressing that I’m also giving it away
as a gift (the photo above is from a gift bag for our friend Julia’s 30th
birthday last weekend). And I just brought some to my dear friend, Judy,
who owns Emily Joubert Home & Garden in Woodside (THE place to go for
French-inspired goodies by the way! http://emilyjoubert.com/ ).

Wow, I just realized it’s MY “Judy & Julia” moment! I have been
tremendously inspired by that movie; it makes me want to roast chickens
and continually nosh on dijon mustard flavored things. In the spirit of
sharing, here is a loose guide to creating a shallot vinaigrette of your
own:

1 tablespoon finely minced shallot
1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustart (I like A LOT so tend towards 2+)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar (not too strong or gourmet – it’s overwhelming)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Whisk first 3 ingredients and add salt/pepper. Taste and correct according
to your preference (I like a strong mustard/shallot flavor). Whisk in
olive oil until thoroughly combined. The best salad with this, in my
humble opinion, is butter lettuce with thinly sliced cucumber and radish.

Vive Le France!

Kathy

[Photo by Kathryn Besser]