It's hot and humid, which means I'm not cooking or grilling. That means it's salad for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (okay, not really for breakfast, but you get my drift). I love a good salad, and right now at the farmer's markets and farm stands there are plenty of greens, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and radishes to make those salads tasty and beautiful. Last year I posted my Maple Cream Vinaigrette, a nice light dressing that I absolutely love. But, I was getting bored with the same dressing on every salad. I decided to switch it up a bit. I love fruit, and what else would be as perfect to add to a summer dressing? I missed most of strawberry (my favorite) season while vacationing in Alaska, so I decided on the next best thing - raspberries! Patti Powers of Cheshire Garden makes the perfect addition to my recipe - Queen of Hearts Raspberry Vinegar. Here's another easy recipe for you to enjoy!
Maple Raspberry Vinaigrette
2/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Woodard's Sugar House Pure Maple Syrup
1/2 Cup Cheshire Garden Queen of Hearts Raspberry Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Combine all ingredients in a mason jar. Secure lid and shake until thoroughly combined.
Like I mentioned with the last vinaigrette recipe, I was skeptical at first about making my own dressings. I thought it would be much more involved and take a lot longer than it actually does. This is another simple, easy to make recipe that takes me about 5 minutes to whip up. Needing to "beef up" your salad? Using the vinaigrette, marinate chicken (or steak) overnight and grill. Add grilled meat, cucumbers, and fresh raspberries to your favorite salad greens topped with our Maple Coated Almonds and the Maple Raspberry Vinaigrette. Yum!
Not sold yet on making your own salad dressings? That's okay. We do have them for sale at Fresh Chicks Farmer's Market (Mondays 11-3 at Monadnock Community Hospital) and at The Farmers' Market of Keene (Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9-1 on Gilbo Ave).
