It's fairly simple: combine your choice of oil with your choice of vinegar (i.e. wine vinegar balsamic vinegar). Blend or shake and pour.
If you like a little extra in your vinaigrette, you have the option of adding extras to jazz it up. See the options Chef Brian provided for the class:
Basic Vinaigrette
(Makes about 1 Cup)
Ingredients
3/4 to 1 cup olive oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or any good-tasting oil
1/4 cup good-tasting vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Extras (choose 1 or 2 , to taste)
1 minced shallot. 1 minced or grated garlic clove, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon grainy mustard, 1 to 2 tablespoons minced herbs, 1 to 2 tablespoons finely grated cheese, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon honey, grated ginger, grated apple.
Instructions
Combine the oil with the vinegar or lemon juice and salt and pepper. Shake until blended. Taste and adjust to taste. Add optional extras. Shake until fully blended.
Store in a closed container, Refrigerate for 3 to 5 days.
Mayo Basics
We learned the basics of a good mayonnaise starter. Technique is key to making a good mayo. From separating the yolk from the egg white, to constantly whisking the egg yolk while slowly dribbling the oil into the pan - these all are important to making a good mayo foundation. Similar to the vinaigrette, the Starter is easily customizable, .
Watch the mayo appear before your eyes -
Basic Mayonnaise
Yield : 2 cups
Ingredients:
1 egg yolk
pinch salt
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil
Procedure:
Whisk together egg yolk and dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine lemon juice and vinegar in a separate bowl then thoroughly whisk half into the yolk mixture. Start whisking briskly, then start adding the oil a few drops at a time until the liquid seems to thicken and lighten a bit, (which means you've got an emulsion on your hands). Once you reach that point you can relax your arm a little (but just a little) and increase the oil flow to a constant (albeit thin) stream. Once half of the oil is in, add the rest of the lemon juice mixture.
EXTRAS: dilute with a little water and add extra ingredients to suit your taste: onions, garlic, herbs, grated cheese, etc. to make a very pleasant salad dressing.
