Learning to Cook

I have always been surrounded by wonderful cooks and bakers. While this has been delightful for my taste buds, I always wondered if I would ever be able to cook like them. When I lived in Brazil, I was forced to learn how to cook because the ingredients at my disposal were so different. The experience was, at first, frustrating. But, once I began to experiment, the world of cooking opened up to me. My recipe box is now brimming, and I thought others might be interested in trying some of the recipes I have found. I haven’t tried them all yet, but I plan to in the future! I hope you enjoy, and please feel free to add your own suggestions/comments.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Honey Vinaigrette

Use leftover vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken or to dress a salad later in the week.

Yield: about 2/3 cup (serving size: 1 tablespoon)

Ingredients
1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon minced shallots
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation
Combine all ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.

Note: Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Asian Vinaigrette

Yield: 1 cup


Ingredients
1/4 cup minced red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup peanut oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a jar; cover tightly. Shake vigorously.

Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

Yield: 1 3/4 cups (serving size: 2 tablespoons)

Ingredients
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil (about 2 ounces)
2 cups boiling water
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup no-salt-added tomato juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, peeled

Preparation
Combine sun-dried tomatoes and 2 cups boiling water in a bowl; let stand 20 minutes. Drain.
Place sun-dried tomatoes, 3/4 cup water, and next 7 ingredients (3/4 cup water through garlic) in a food processor or blender; process until smooth.

Brown Sugar-Cider Vinaigrette

Yield: Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients
2/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 green onions, minced
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation
1. Whisk together all ingredients until blended.

Orange Vinaigrette

Yield: 3/4 cup

Ingredients
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil

Preparation
Whisk together first 5 ingredients; gradually whisk in olive oil until well blended.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients
1/2 cup basil leaves
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation
Place of the all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.
Note: Vinaigrette will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Mustard Vinaigrette

Yield: Makes 3/4 cup

Ingredients
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced garlic
9 tablespoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Preparation
Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl. Whisk in oil; stir in salt and pepper.

Maple-Cider Vinaigrette

Ingredients
1/3 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup olive oil

Whisk together first 5 ingredients. Gradually whisk in oil until completely blended. Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.