Condiments & Spices
Italian Salad Dressing
This is probably my favorite dressing for salads. I remember my mom making this and now I make it for my family. It also makes a nice marinade.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tsp parmesan cheese
Combine all ingredients and mix well. It should chill for at least a few hours (preferably overnight). Shake well before using.
Steak Seasoning
This seasoning is a family favorite. My son wanted to cook for the family and asked me to find a seasoning. This is what I stumbled across.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbs 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbs 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
Combine all the ingredients. I like to blend it a few seconds in a coffee grinder.
It’s very easy to adjust this to your personal taste.
Homemade Mayonnaise
I remember my mom making homemade mayonnaise when I was little. I used to make sandwiches with just thick slices of onions and her mayonnaise. I even packed them in my lunch which probably didn’t make me very popular at school, but I enjoyed them too much to care.
It only takes about five minutes to make and even less if you have an immersion (stick) blender. This makes about 1 cup.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbs vinegar (I like cider)
- 1 cup olive oil
If you are using an immersion blender combine all the ingredients (including the oil) in a container. I use a pint jar.
Insert the blender and start to emulsify.
Move the blender up and down until it is completely emulsified. It will only take a minute or two. Store it in the refrigerator. It will be fairly thick and it will thicken more as it cools.
If you are using a standard blender combine the egg, mustard, salt, and vinegar. Blend for a few seconds. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the oil. Turn the blender off and scrape the sides a couple times to keep the oil mixing in. It’s important to drizzle in the oil. You will not get the right emulsification if you combine everything and blend.
I think it can be stored for a week or so.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )Smoked Salt
I like making smoked salt to give as gifts. It takes a little time, but it’s easy to do. I cold smoke it, but it can probably be smoked with heat as well.
Ingredients:
2 cups salt
I use Celtic sea salt
Put the salt into a fine mesh sieve and spread it out as much as possible. Some of the salt will sift out, but not a significant amount. You can also put it on a plate.
I use a cold smoker and hickory dust. I purchased this online and it is very easy to use. I just fill it up with the dust and put a tea light in for a few minutes to get it smoking.
I put it in my cabinet smoker, but that is just for convenience and is not necessary. Stir the salt several times so that it all gets a nice amount of flavor. Smoke the salt until it reaches the desired color. I smoked it for about 24 hours.
The Cooking Cobb 