Summer Share Four June 11th 2024

Important information:

• This is an even biweekly distribution as well as weekly for city sites.
• Please remember to bring your empty share box to distribution.
• Past newsletters are archived on our website for more recipes @ https://promisedlandcsa.com/news/news-archives/

Farm News from Jane
Well, I asked for rain and we certainly received it over the last few days. Crops are growing nicely and unfortunately so are the weeds! We have most of the summer carrots weeded and we finished weeding the onions today. The high tunnels look great and are now fully replanted. The last crop transplanted were the peppers. We have green, red, orange yellow, Poblano, Hungarian wax, Portugal and Cubanelle; some in the tunnels and the rest in the field. We grow a variety of peppers, sweet to mild/moderately hot. Each season and each seed is unique and although they are labeled by the Scoville scale “heat” index, the peppers sometimes surprise us and are either milder or hotter than predicted by the catalog. We usually have an abundance by the time August/September comes along. The peas popped their blossoms Monday night and with this rain we are hoping for a great harvest to share. The shelling peas have an early set but we’ll see if the sugar snaps catch up. No matter how early we get the pea seed in the ground or how late the last planting is, when the summer solstice rolls around, they all mature at the same time. We have tried so many different schemes to get a longer season but it’s like the cream eggs at Easter; when they’re gone (or done) they’re done! This is one of the weeks in the late spring when the box has more fresh greens and less heavy produce so it always seems a bit light. But when we get past Week Five things begin to pick up. This week’s cool temperatures will slow some plant’s growth but not the peas. They will thrive with all the moisture and the pods will grow and fill out quickly. The tomatoes in the high tunnels are the nicest at this early date as we have seen in years. The first fruits are setting and they are still growing tall so quickly that it is hard to keep up with trellising and suckering them. The varieties are all “indeterminate” which means that they do not stop growing taller and producing more shoots. They send up more new shoots at each leaf set as well as at the top of the plant or growth point. They just want to grow taller, bigger and produce more “seed”. The peppers that were transplanted into the high tunnels had grown quite tall before being transplanted and are spindly at this point. Hopefully the breeze blowing through the high tunnel will stiffen the stems so that when their fruit develops, they won’t bend to the ground. Vigorous growth can have unwanted consequences. We have tried trellising them with mixed success. The more delicate early summer crops have had some insect challenges but they usually grow out of it. When it’s cool like this it does slow the bugs down a bit. So, in everything there is balance. Like life, there are always challenges which require vigilance, diligence, and patience. Sounds like a good training ground, doesn’t it? We have friends and family that comment to us that they should send their kids to the farm (us), to learn how to work. Yes, training is good but desire is the best driver… Until next time, blessings, Jane

Produce:    Salad greens   Dino Kale   Garlic scapes    Scallions   Red Beets with greens  

Produce tips:
– Scallions; green onions have taken the place of green garlic. And now we have garlic scapes to share!
– Garlic scapes are the seed stalks that the garlic plant sends up to produce seed. Removing them timely allows for all the plant’s energy to go to bulb growth. And it is another form of garlic to utilize. Substitute them for cloves in recipes, use them raw in a salad, saute them with other veggies in a stir fry. Bag in plastic and refrigerate.
– Beets greens; Remove the greens from the beets before refrigeration. The beet root will draw the moisture out of the leaves and cause them to wilt. Refrigerate beets and greens in plastic bags. Beet greens should be removed from beet roots and used quickly for best flavor and freshness. Rinse with water. Wilt them quickly in a saucepan and then serve with vinegar or butter and (or both) and salt and pepper. The greens are high in iron and calcium and Vit C; so, what’s not to love? Substitute them for spinach in a favorite recipe or add them chiffonnaded to a salad.
– Dino kale is tender and may be utilized raw or cooked.

Recipes
DIJON ROASTED BEETS
3 lbs. beets, uniform in size (about 2 inches); 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; Juice of one orange; 1 tsp sugar; 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 Tbsp fresh minced rosemary
Trim beets of all but 1/2-inch stem and root. Place beets in roasting pan; add 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast at 400 degrees 45 minutes or until beets are tender. Whisk mustard, orange juice, sugar, and vinegar in bowl. Whisk in remaining 3 Tbsp olive oil and rosemary. Set aside. When beets are cool enough to handle, rub to remove skin cut into quarters. Add warm beets to bowl and toss with dressing. Let stand 30 minutes while beets absorb dressing. Makes 8 servings

TWO-WAY STREET BEETS
1 bunch small beets; juice of 1/2 orange; 1/2 tablespoon butter, softened; pepper; 1/2 teaspoon peanut oil; 1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon hot chili oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Cut beets off stems.  Gently scrub beets: Wash the greens. Cut stems into 3-inch pieces and coarsely chop the greens; set aside stems and greens in separate piles. Steam beets until tender, 20-30 minutes. Cool briefly, slip off skins, and cut into wedges. Toss with orange juice, butter, and pepper to taste; cover and keep warm. Meanwhile, heat heavy skillet over medium flame. Add oils. Add stems; sauté 2-3 minutes. Add greens; cook, tossing often, until limp. Toss in soy sauce and pepper to taste. Arrange beets over greens on platter. Makes 3 servings. Recipe from MACSAC

FRIED BEETS AND CARROTS
2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons cumin seeds; 2 medium beets, quartered, sliced 1/4-inch thick; 2 medium carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick; tamari sauce; greens
Heat olive oil in skillet. Add cumin; cook about 1 minute. Add beets and carrots; fry until tender. Remove from heat, sprinkle on a little tamari, and serve. Variation: If using young beets save the tops. When the beets and carrots are tender, add chopped greens, cover, and cook until soft. Toss mixture, sprinkle with tamari, and serve. Makes 2-4 servings. Recipe from Linda Derrickson, Sunporch Cafe

BEET GREENS FIESOLE
1/2-pound beet greens, washed and trimmed; 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 garlic scape, minced to taste
Cook beet greens in salted boiling water until just tender, about 7 minutes. Drain well, pressing greens to sides of colander or sieve to remove all moisture. In a medium-size skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until just brown, about 1 minute. Add beet greens; mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat greens through. Serve immediately. Serves 4

ROASTED BEET SALAD
6-8 small beets, scrubbed, tops trimmed to 1 inch; 4 tbsp white wine vinegar; olive oil; 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups baby salad greens; 1/4 cup pecans; 1/2 small sweet onion, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Heat outdoor or indoor grill. Place beets on heavy foil; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap tightly; grill until beets can be easily pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, toast pecans in a dry pan on the grill, tossing frequently. Finely chop the nuts. When beets are cooled a bit, use a paper towel to remove the peel, stems, and tails. Cut beets into quarters. Combine mustard and vinegar in a bowl. Whisk in olive oil until thickened. Add salt and pepper. Toss salad greens in a bowl with a little dressing. Portion the greens onto 2-4 plates. Top with beets, onions, blue cheese, and pecans. Drizzle with as much more dressing as you like. Makes 2·4 servings.
Recipe from Jenny Bonde and Rink DaVee, Shooting Star Farm

SECRET CHOCOLATE CAKE (CHOCOLATE BEET CAKE)
2 C. cooked chopped beets, ½ c. applesauce, 1+1/2 c. sugar, ½ c. oil, ½ c. plain yogurt, 3 eggs, 1+1/2 t. vanilla, 1+1/2 c. flour, 1 c. whole wheat flour, ½ c. baking cocoa, 1+1/2 t. baking soda, ½ t. salt, ½ c. chocolate chips (I prefer mini chips), powdered sugar or your favorite glaze or frosting
Prepare beets by cooking, peeling, and chopping them. Combine with applesauce and puree with a hand blender or in a standing blender. Set aside. Sift together dry ingredients and set aside. Beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. For 2 minutes. Add half the dry ingredients and incorporate slowly, alternating with the beet/applesauce mixture until everything is blended. Pour half the batter into greased Bundt pan. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips, then pour the remaining batter on top. Bake @ 350⁰ for 45-50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pan on rack.
rom Simply in Season Children’s Cookbook by Mark Beach & Julie Kauffman

BEET, GINGER, AND COCONUT MILK SOUP
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger, 3 large red beets, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces, 5 cups vegetable stock, divided, 1 can (14.5 ounces) low-fat coconut milk, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, Parsley (optional), Canned julienned beets (optional), Crusty bread
In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook, stirring often, 5 minutes. Add beets and 4 cups stock; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beets are fork-tender, 20 minutes. With an immersion or regular blender, puree soup, adding remaining 1 cup stock as needed to reach desired consistency. Stir in milk, salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and julienned beets and serve with bread, if desired. Recipe from http://www.epicurious.com

SAUSAGE, WHITE BEAN AND KALE SOUP
1 T olive oil, ½ lb. bulk Italian pork sausage, 2 C diced onions, 3/4teaspoon salt, 1 bunch kale, ribs removed, thinly sliced, 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained, 2 cans (19 oz each) cannellini beans, drained, rinsed, 1carton (32 oz) unsalted chicken broth, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
In a 6-quart Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into hot oil; cook until no longer pink. Transfer with slotted spoon to plate; set aside. Add onions and salt to Dutch oven; cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent. Stir in kale; cook about 1 minute or until slightly wilted. Stir in garlic. Stir in tomatoes, beans, broth and sausage; heat to a simmer. Simmer uncovered 5 minutes to combine flavors. Divide among 8 bowls; top with cheese. Recipe from Bettycrocker.com

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WITH ORZO AND MEATBALLS
Meatballs: 1/2 # lean ground beef, 1/4 # lean ground pork, 1/3 C dried bread crumbs, 3 T chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 3 T grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, 2 T chopped fresh oregano, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 egg, beaten, pinch grated nutmeg, pinch paprika
Soup: 2 T unsalted butter, 1 medium white onion, finely chopped, 1 medium carrot, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, to taste, 4 C chicken broth, 1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained, 1 C uncooked whole wheat orzo, 2 C shredded kale
For the meatballs, combine beef, pork, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, egg, nutmeg, and paprika in a large bowl and use your hands to mix well. Use a teaspoon to measure out meat for even sized meatballs. With damp hands, shape them into 1-inch balls and transfer them to a large plate. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
For the soup, melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, garlic, salt and pepper and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes, and 2 cups water. Cover and cook 10 minutes over medium heat or until soup comes to a boil.
Add meatballs and orzo to the boiling soup and stir to make sure they are fully submerged. Cover and simmer until the meatballs and orzo are fully cooked, about 15 minutes over medium heat. Stir in kale and cook just until wilted, about 3 minutes. Recipe form Wholefoodsmarket.com

BERRY KALICIOUS
1c frozen blueberries, 1/2 c frozen strawberries, 1/2c frozen raspberries, 7 pitted dates, 1+1/2 C kale, or baby kale (stripped from stalks, chopped and rinsed)
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend from low to high speed until smooth. Add an additional ¼ C of water if too thick. Recipe from Kale, Glorious Kale by Catherine Walthers

KALE & CHEESE QUESADILLAS
½ bunch kale, stripped from stalk, chopped into bite sized pieces and rinsed (about 4 cups), 2 c shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack or a combination), 1/4 C chopped green chiles (optional), 1t ground cumin, 1/T chili powder, 1 (8-10 count) package flour tortillas, 4 t canola or olive oil
Bring 3 to 4 C of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add kale and cook on high heat, covered for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain in a colander; shake several times to help cool. When cool, squeeze out any excess water, and then break any clumps apart. In a large bowl, combine the cheese, green chiles, cumin, and chili powder with the kale. Heat an 11-12-inch skillet on medium heat and pour about 1 t of oil to coat pan. Place a tortilla in the skillet. Put a generous 1/2C of the cheese mixture in the idle of the tortilla. Place another tortilla on top. When the tortilla is lightly browned, flip over. The quesadilla is done when the cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes. Repeat for the other quesadillas. Cut into wedges and serve – a pizza cutter works great to cut quesadillas. Recipe from Kale, Glorious Kale by Catherine Walthers

KALE & APPLES
1 bunch of kale, stripped from its stalk, chopped into bite-sized pieces and rinsed, (10-12 oz., 6-8 cups), 1 T butter, 1 small onion, thinly sliced (1/2 c), 2 crisp apples, such as empire, or Crispin, peeled and cored and cut into ½” dice, 2 t brown sugar, ¼ C dried cranberries, roughly chopped, salt, 2 t olive oil, ½ C walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)
Place about 4 cups of water in a 10-12  inch skillet or soup pot that that a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil and add the kale. Cover and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally until tender, 4-6 minutes, depending on the kale. Transfer to a colander to drain. Shake a few times to release the steam and stop the cooking. Dry the skillet and melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and apples and sauté until the apples are nicely colored and nearly soft, 5-7 minutes. Add the brown sugar and cranberries and sauté for a few minutes more. Add the cooked kale (squeeze out any excess moisture), a pinch or two of salt and the olive oil and mix well. Top with the walnuts, if using and serve hot. *Try with pears or a combo of apples and pears

LENTIL AND VEGETABLE STEW WITH KALE
For our winter share members who may have a celeriac rolling around in their fridge with last week’s rutabaga!
2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, peeled, chopped (1 1/4 cups); 1 medium celery root (celeriac), peeled, chopped (3 cups); 1 medium rutabaga, peeled, chopped (2 cups); 1 pound brown lentils, rinsed; 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence; 8 cups (or more) vegetable broth; 1 large bunch kale (about 9 ounces), ribs removed, leaves coarsely chopped
Heat oil in large pot over high heat. Add onion and next 3 ingredients; sprinkle with salt and pepper and sauté until beginning to soften and brown, 10 to 11 minutes. Stir in lentils and herbes de Provence. Add broth and kale. Bring to boil, stirring to incorporate kale. Reduce heat to medium low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Add more broth to thin, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 8

KALE CHIPS
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Line a non-insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes. May be oiled or sprayed with cooking oil and sprinkled with garlic salt.

GARLIC SCAPE PESTO
8 oz. scapes cut in 1 in. pieces and processed with 1 cup Olive oil, 2 cups Parmesan cheese and ½ cup lemon juice.

GARLIC BUTTER
1/2 cup butter; 2 garlic scapes, minced; 1 Tablespoon parsley; 1/2 teaspoon oregano
Soften butter to room temperature. Combine other ingredients, mixing well. Use with meats, breads, and vegetables. Yields 1/2 cup

ZIPPY GARLIC DRESSING
2/3 c. salad oil; 1/4 c. wine vinegar; 1 tsp. sugar; 3/4 tsp. salt; 3/4 tsp. dry mustard; Dash freshly ground pepper; 1 garlic scape, minced

In a screw-top jar, combine all ingredients; shake well. Chill thoroughly before serving. Makes about 1 cup

PICKLED GARLIC SCAPES
1/2 lb. garlic spaces (approximately 2-3 bunches), 1 tsp. dill seed, 1/2 tsp. whole black, peppercorns, 3/4 C. apple cider vinegar, 3/4 C. water, 1 T pickling salt
Trim the ends of the scapes, both the blossom end and the hard bit that formed at the original cut, and cut them into lengths that will fit in your jar. Prepare a small boiling water bath and a single pint jar. Place the dill and black peppercorns in the jar. Pack the trimmed scapes into the jar. Combine the vinegar, water and pickling salt in a pot and bring to a boil. Slowly pour the hot brine over the garlic scapes, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Once the jar is full, tap the jar lightly to dislodge any air bubbles. Check the headspace again and add more brine if necessary. Wipe the rim, apply the lid and ring, and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Let these pickles cure for at least a week before eating. Pickles will last for several weeks in refrigerator after initial seal is broken.

SPRING ORZO SALAD
8 oz. orzo pasta; 1/2 cup bunching onions, finely chopped; 8 oz. mushrooms, quartered; 1 lb. asparagus, tips trimmed, stems cut into ‘/2-inch rounds; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts, optional
Vinaigrette: 3 Tbs. red wine vinegar; 2 Tbs. olive oil; 2 tsp. whole-grain mustard; 1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar
Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cold water, and drain. Set aside.  Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat. Add onions, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until onions are soft. Raise heat to medium-high, stir in mushrooms, and cook 5 minutes. Add asparagus, and cook 3 to 4 minutes more, or until asparagus are crisp-tender. Stir in peas, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat. To make Vinaigrette: Whisk together all ingredients in small bowl until emulsified. Place pasta, vegetables, and vinaigrette in large bowl, and stir to combine. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired.

STEAM GRILLED GREEN ONIONS
12 green onions, rinsed, ends trimmed, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons butter, cut, 2 T butter, cut into small pieces, salt and ground black pepper to taste (optional)
Preheat a grill for medium-low heat. Cut a sheet of aluminum foil to about 12×15 inches. Arrange the green onions side by side in the center of the foil sheet. Sprinkle the onions evenly with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange butter over the onions. Keeping the green onions flat, fold the foil to make a sealed cooking pouch. Place the foil packet on the preheated grill away from the main heat source. Allow the green onions to steam 5 to 7 minutes. Recipe from Allrecipes.com

CHICKEN WITH GREEN ONION SAUCE
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, cooking spray, 4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, 1/3 cup finely chopped green onions, divided, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Combine 1/4 cup broth and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add remaining broth, garlic, and thyme; set aside. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn chicken; add 2 tablespoons green onions. Pour broth mixture over chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is done, basting often. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm. Bring sauce to a boil over medium-high heat. Scrape bottom and sides of pan, using a rubber spatula. Cook 2 minutes or until sauce is reduced to 3/4 cup. Pour sauce evenly over chicken, and top with remaining green onions.
Recipe from myrecipes.com

HONEY-MUSTARD DRESSING
In a screw-top jar combine ¼-1/3 cup of coarse grain mustard, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup honey and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Cover and shake well. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before serving. Recipe from the Betty Crocker Cookbook

HONEY-PEANUT DRESSING
Mix ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter and 1 T. lemon juice. Makes ½ cup dressing
Recipe from Betty Crocker Cookbook

SPRING GREENS RISOTTO
3 Tbsp olive oil; 1/2 c chopped green onions; 1 1/2 c Arborio rice; 1/2 tsp salt; 4 c hot chicken or vegetable broth, divided; 4 c coarsely chopped spring greens (spinach, chard, beet greens); 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg (optional); 1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oil in heavy pot over medium- high heat. Add onions; cook 3 minutes. Add rice and salt. Cook and stir until rice begins to color. 2. Add 1/2 c broth; cook and stir until most of broth is absorbed. Add 1 1/2 c broth; simmer, stirring occasionally, until mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes. Add remaining broth. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place greens on top of rice. Cover and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in greens. Simmer and stir a few minutes more until broth is absorbed and rice is tender but moist. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and serve. Makes 6 servings Recipe from Farm-Fresh Recipes.

GARDEN GREENS AND CITRUS SALAD
1/2 C coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts; 1 orange; 1 pink grapefruit; 8 oz. lettuce; 1 T white vinegar; 1/8 tsp salt; freshly ground pepper; 1/3 C olive oil; 2 tsp honey; 1/2 C crumbled feta cheese; sliced green onions
Preheat an oven to 325°F. Spread out the nuts on a baking sheet and bake until they begin to change color, 6-8 minutes. Watch carefully so they do not burn. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Peel and section the orange and grapefruit. Set aside. Wash and dry lettuces thoroughly, and tear into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl. In a small bowl, stir together the vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste until the salt dissolves. Add the olive oil and honey and whisk until well blended. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce and toss to coat well. Divide the lettuce among individual plates. Arrange the orange and grapefruit segments among the leaves. Sprinkle on the feta cheese and nuts, scatter on the onion slices, and serve.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE
Makes about 3/4 cup (six 2-tablespoon servings)
Because this vinaigrette is relatively low in oil, it should be used on a leafy green salad just before serving to prevent wilting and sogginess.
4 tablespoons fresh red or white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar; 4 tablespoons defatted low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh onions; 1/2 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped (optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, broth, oil, mustard, onions, salt, and pepper. If desired, whisk in the garlic. Use the vinaigrette immediately or refrigerate up to 2 days. Just before serving, whisk or shake the vinaigrette in a covered jar to blend it.

BASIC VINAIGRETTE VARIATIONS
• Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as tarragon, chives, thyme, marjoram, cilantro, or dill.
• Substitute lemon or lime juice for the vinegar, or use half each of citrus juice and vinegar.
• For a fruit-salad vinaigrette, use a fruit vinegar or lemon juice, substitute orange juice for the chicken or vegetable broth, and add 1 teaspoon of honey.
• For a nutty-tasting vinaigrette, use 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of walnut or hazelnut oil in place of the olive oil.
• Increase the mustard to 1 tablespoon for a more assertive vinaigrette.

BASIC CREAMY DRESSING
1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 7 tablespoons buttermilk; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 3 days. Makes about 1 cup (eight 2-tablespoon servings)

BASIC CREAMY DRESSING VARIATIONS
• Increase the amount of pepper to 1 teaspoon for a ranch-style dressing.
• Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as tarragon, cilantro, or dill.
• Add 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel and 1 tablespoon of honey for a fruit-salad dressing.
• Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste.