French Dressing or Basic Vinaigrette

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a small bowl mix the vinegar and salt and let stand a few minutes. Add the pepper and slowly whisk in the oil. Taste for acid and salt and add more if too bland. Stir to blend before using, or store in a jar with a tight lid and shake well before using.

2. Mustardy French Dressing.

   Step 2

   Add 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard. Blend well. Include onion and garlic, if desired.

3. Onion or Garlic French Dressing.

   Step 3

   Add 1 to 2 tablespoons minced onion, scallions, or shallots or 1/2-1 teaspoon minced garlic.

4. French Dressing with Fresh Herbs.

   Step 4

   Add 2 teaspoons fresh chopped herbs, such as basil, chervil or tarragon.

5. Curried French Dressing.

   Step 5

   Add 1 teaspoon curry powder and blend well.

6. Cream French Dressing.

   Step 6

   Add 3 tablespoons heavy cream or sour cream and blend well.

7. Fruit Salad French Dressing.

   Step 7

   Use lemon juice instead of vinegar and add 1/3 cup honey. Blend well.

8. Blue Cheese Dressing.

   Step 8

   Add 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese. Blend well.

9. Cumberland Dressing.

   Step 9

   Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream, 1 tablespoon currant jelly, and 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind. Mix until well blended.

10. Chiffonade Dressing.

    Step 10

    Add 1 tablespoon minced parsley, 2 tablespoons minced red pepper, 1 tablespoon minced onion, and 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped fine. Blend all ingredients well.