Homemade Salad Dressings

 

This weekend I decided to make a few batches of our favorite salad dressings…from scratch!

As you know, I try to cook and bake without preservatives and chemicals, so I have been either using a homemade vinaigrette or finding an organic version of a particular dressing. We have not been too thrilled with the selections at the super market…especially for Ranch Dressing.

They all turned out fabulously!

I made a Ranch Dressing, Honey Mustard and Italian Style Dressing.

Here are the recipes:

 

Ranch Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used Spectrum Canola Oil Mayonnaise…it is all natural)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together (I did this in a 4 cup measuring glass). Pour into a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Let me tell you…This is the BEST Ranch I have ever tried

 

Honey Mustard Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Whisk all ingredients together. Refrigerate until ready to use.

This one would be great as a dipping sauce for homemade chicken breast nuggets!

 

Italian Style Dressing

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• a pinch dried thyme
• a pinch celery salt
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 cup white wine vinegar
• 2/3 cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon water

Whisk all ingredients together. Let sit for at least 4 hours or overnight. Can either be refrigerated or kept at room temperature.

This is what I decided to have on my salad last night. It was the perfect compliment to the lasagna

 

Do you make your own dressings?

What is your favorite recipe?

I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend

 

Jessie

 

I’m Back…Again

 

Hello!!! I am still here!! Unfortunately I have been without internet service for a few weeks (long story involving me and our cable company…let’s just say I need to learn NOT to let my temper get the best of me sometimes).

 

So…

I am going to give you the run down of the haps this past few weeks….

 

First, I spent a fabulous day with my kiddos, mom, sister-in-law and nephews at a few farm markets.

 

Here a a few pictures from our little day trip.

 

 

Corn Maze!

 

Grandma and the crew.

 

 

The average group takes 20 minutes in this particular maze…it took us 40…directionally challenged we are.

 

 

Finally!!!

  Hayride!

Cousins!

 

Me and my girl ♥

 

Gorgeous Michigan apples.

 

Lunch

My mom and the kiddos.

 

My sweet Gabbers ♥

 

 

My yummalicious lunch! Turkey Panini with garlic pesto mayo and tomato, kettle cooked chips and an apple….Gotta LOVE farm market cafes.

 

Fresh apple cinnamon donuts…These devils were sitting next to me….and I couldn’t decide whether to eat one before or after my lunch

 

I decided to set a good example for the kids.

 

 

Playground Antics

 

 

 

 

We carved our HUGE pumpkins from our garden.

 

 

This is the coolest picture! It looks like the jack-o-lanterns are on fire! I have no clue what my camera was set on, but it looks awesome

 

Gabe and Lily had their class Halloween parties…at their two different schools. I had to go back and forth…haha!

 

Princess Lily! Normally she does NOT eat like this! Or drink Kool Aid (I think this may be the first time she had ever had it…hence the weird look on her face).

 

 

 

 

 

Sponge Bob Gabe

 

 

 

I have also been making some cakes. If you have only been following me for a short time…I have a small cake business…I know, I know…a healthy baker? I use all natural and organic ingredients…giving my clients a more natural alternative to processed grocery store and commercial bakery cakes

 

Fondant pumpkins in progress.

 

Pumpkin Cake with Whipped Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!

 

Ready to go!

 

I also did a little experimenting with Christmas cakes 

 

Now that I am back in action, I will be posting our bathroom remodel progress soon!

Jessie