| Directions
Mix all
ingredients together and let sit overnight.
Store in the
refrigerator, but serve at room temperature.
This vinaigrette
becomes more flavorful over time.
Tips from Chef
David Cerchio, The Nutmeg Inn, Wilmington:
The two most
important ingredients for this or any vinaigrette
are the olive oil and vinegar. We prefer either a
Tuscan olive oil such as Badia, or an Umbian olive
oil such as Trevi. Both oils are cold pressed,
extra virgin, and made from 100% Italian olives.
The olive growers in these two Provinces harvest
their crop earlier than in most regions of Italy
and most areas of the world, which results in a
gentle, nutty, and less acidic olive taste which
will not be overpowering (an especially beneficial
feature for cold preparations).
We always like
to go directly to the product source whenever
possible, believing that is where the best value
lies. That is why we use Vinegar de Jerez,
Cepa Vieja 40-Year Sherry Wine Vinegar from Spain.
Always remember
that the optimal ratio of oil to vinegar is 3 to
1.
This flavorful
Sherry Wine Vinaigrette Dressing is also used as
the base upon which to build other variations.
Depending upon what flavor we feel will go best
with the entree, or what herbs and spices are in
season, we may add any one or more of a number of
ingredients. Try to take into consideration
the salad ingredients and other items on the menu.
For example, you may wish to add juniper berries
if venison is on the menu.
If you wish to
experiment, try adding some of the following herbs
and spices:
- oregano
- tarragon
- tarragon with
a little sugar
- tarragon with
some orange oil
- thyme
Be creative!
Don't be afraid to incorporate some of your
favorite herbs and spices into the basic recipe.
Another tip: We
never entirely empty the bottle of dressing. Wait
until it is about 1/3 full to replenish and adjust
the seasonings, herbs, and spices. Then let
it sit overnight at room temperature. We find that
allowing some of the ingredients to mature in the
bottle tends to develop a more flavorful dressing.
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