Basic Italian and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

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I was surprised by how easy and simple these vinaigrettes were to make. It seems I always have some sort of dressing tucked into the door of the fridge so I don’t think to make it from scratch. I’m glad I did though, both were made from stuff I always have around and were super easy, the only thing I didn’t have in my pantry were the fresh herbs.

I loved how light and fresh they tasted on the simple salads I dressed with them. This is just another example of the superiority homemade versus store-bought.

Further more, the better the extra virgin olive oil, the better these taste. It’s not a bad idea to have some of the good stuff hanging around to make a fresh vinaigrette if impressing guests is the goal or a lighter healthier salad dressing is sought.

BEHIND THIS BITE
When I decided I was going to make these I wanted to get a good bottle of extra virgin olive oil, so I went to the store specifically to get some.

I settled on a better-quality, higher-priced version than what I usually purchase. I got some other items I needed and proceeded to checkout. The groceries were bagged and I went on my way. I went and watched a ball game with my dad and then settled in at my computer around 11 p.m.

Basic Italian and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

I got a message by e-mail from a friend’s mom who said I left a bag at the store. She was behind me in line and saw the checkout girl find the bag that was left behind and told her that she would contact me. Sure enough, the bag I left contained the $14 bottle of EVOO! It was to late to go back that night so I went back first thing in the morning.

When I got to the store I checked with customer service. The bottle was never turned in. There is a box for left behind items that the checkout workers put forgotten items and bags in. No such luck for me, I was out $14 and ended up having to purchase another bottle. I would have ordered some really great EVOO from some Italian distributor had I known I would end up throwing down a total of $28!

My guess is that the checkout girl did one of three things: Got lazy and left it at the checkout when she was done, put it back on the shelf or returned the item at her station before the end of the shift and kept the money. Either way, I lost on this one. Sometimes that's just the way it is.

On the bright side, these vinaigrettes were awesome!

Eat well, cook often ...

THE RECIPES
Makes 2 Cups each; 10 minutes
Italian vinaigrette
1 1/2 C Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 C White wine vinegar
1 Tbs Fresh parsley, minced
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1 tsp Dried oregano

Honey dijon vinaigrette
1 1/2 C Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 C White wine vinegar
1/4 C Dijon mustard
1/4 C Honey
2 tsp Chives, diced

Make vinaigrette
Mix all ingredients in a blender, sealed jar or in a bowl with a whisk until oil and vinegar have emulsified and mixture appears cloudy.