Norah's Menus and Recipes: Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

About my cooking

This is a place for me to track recipes we try. Sometimes we like the recipe, sometimes we do not, and sometimes only one or two members of our family like the recipe. I try to cook from scratch and we try to avoid processed foods. As such some of the recipes I post can sometimes be a little time consuming. I also try to buy and cook with locally grown organic products. I am willing to pay a little more to achieve this goal. If I can't find local organic I buy locally produced foods and then organic foods from elsewhere. I'm a big supporter of the "eat local" idea. I do belong to 2 different CSA's here in Utah, I buy from Crossroads Urban Center's food co-op, and I am a frequent shopper at local farmer's markets.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Another great salad dressing from Cook's Country. This is from their April/May 2009 issue. Overall it was a great dressing however I should point out that the size of the shallot is going to make a difference. I used a medium shallot and it was over powering. I suggest using a small sized shallot.

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper

Whisk vinegar, Parmesan, shallot, garlic, oregano and pepper flakes in small bowl. Microwave until cheese is melted (vinegar will look cloudy) and mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Let cool.

Process mayo, sour cream, basil, and vinegar mixture in food processor until smooth. With motor running, slowly add oil until incorporated, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Serve. (Dressing can be refrigerated in airtight container for 4 days.)