Salads--aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing Recipe

Recipe: Aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing

Introduction:
Aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family. This creamy and flavorful dressing is versatile and can be used in various salads, including chicken salad, potato salad, and hot slaw. It adds a tangy and savory touch to any dish, making it a favorite among salad lovers. In this recipe, we will provide detailed instructions on how to recreate Aunt Sarah's famous dressing.

Ingredients:
- 1 pint of sour cream
- 1-1/2 tablespoonfuls of flour
- 1-1/2 tablespoonfuls of mustard (pulverized dry mustard)
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup butter (or 1/4 cup of olive oil if preferred)
- 1/2 cup good sour vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoonful of black pepper
- A pinch of red pepper (cayenne)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoonful of sugar

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the flour and mustard. Mix smoothly with a little sour cream until well combined.

2. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the mixture. Alternatively, you can use the yolks of five eggs if the whites are reserved for other recipes.

3. Once the eggs are incorporated, add the remaining sour cream and vinegar to the mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper, and sugar. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

4. Strain the dressing through a fine sieve to ensure a smooth consistency.

5. Cook the dressing in a double boiler over hot water until it reaches a creamy consistency. This typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps from forming.

6. Once the dressing has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.

7. Pour the dressing into glass jars and store them in the refrigerator. Aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing can be kept on ice or in a cool place for up to two weeks.

8. If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it by adding a little vinegar, water, or milk.

Suggestions for Use:
1. Chicken Salad: Combine 3/4 cup of Aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing with 1 cup of diced, cooked chicken. Add 3/4 cup of diced celery and a couple of hard-boiled eggs cut into dice. Gently mix all the ingredients together, coating them with the dressing.

2. Potato Salad: Use a small quantity of Aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing as a base for your potato salad. Add minced onion, parsley, and celery for extra flavor.

3. Hot Slaw: Heat a couple of tablespoonfuls of the dressing and mix it with shredded cabbage. This will create a delicious warm slaw.

4. Lettuce Dressing: Alternatively, you can use Aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing as a dressing for lettuce. Simply drizzle it over the lettuce leaves, giving them a tangy and creamy coating.

Fun Facts:
- Aunt Sarah used the leftover egg yolks from baking white cakes or angel cakes to make this dressing.
- This recipe can be modified by using a mixture of sour cream and sweet milk if very thick sour cream is used.
- Aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing can be customized by adjusting the seasonings to suit individual tastes.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy Aunt Sarah's Salad Dressing, here are a few similar recipes you might also like to try:

1. Ranch Dressing: A creamy dressing made with buttermilk, garlic, onion, and various herbs and spices. It is commonly used in salads, as a dip, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

2. Caesar Dressing: A traditional dressing made with anchovies, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is typically used in Caesar salads but can also be used as a marinade or sauce.

3. Thousand Island Dressing: A tangy and sweet dressing made with ketchup, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and various seasonings. It is commonly used in salads, burgers, and sandwich fillings.

4. Balsamic Vinaigrette: A classic dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. It adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to salads and works well with fruits, cheese, and nuts.

These recipes offer different flavor profiles, allowing you to explore various tastes and find your favorite dressing for different salad creations. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!