There are few things I like better than a good salad dressing. No, wait! That’s not true. There is nothing I like better than a truly yummy salad dressing. And if that dressing happens to be incredibly easy to prepare, then all the better! So, when I decided that after a day like we experienced day before yesterday (January 20, 2021 – Inauguration day), a day filled with hope for the future and a profound sense of relief and elation, a celebratory comfort food dinner was a perfect closing to this special day.

During the day I had baked Pain de Campagne (French Sourdough Country Bread), so I knew I wanted to serve some of the fresh bread for dinner. I also thought Stovetop Mac and Cheese would not only be easy to prepare, but terribly soul satisfying. And to round out the menu, a fresh green salad. But what dressing to use? With mac and cheese, I didn’t want too rich a dressing for the salad. Maybe a dressing with an Italian influence? So, I put pencil to paper. So, to speak. (I actually haven’t handwritten out a recipe in years.) Instead, I did what I always do when starting a new recipe. I opened a new Word document and started typing. Rarely does the final recipe look exactly like my first draft. And this recipe is no exception. Actually, I started by copying a recipe I found on the fannetasticfood.com site to my Word document. But along the way an addition and a reduction were made. And as it turned out, we loved this salad dressing. Not too astringent, sweet, or overly herby. Just light and fresh tasting. And definitely a dressing with an Italian bent. And super easy to build. Perfect with just a mixture of salad greens. No additional veggies or croutons necessary. So, overall rating – 5 out of 5 stars. So, do I recommend you give this recipe a try. You bet I do!   

Before I close today’s post, I would like to lift a glass to President Joe Biden and to Vice President Kamala Harris. They have their work cut out for them. I absolutely do not envy how much sleep they are going to lose over the next several years, or how much resistance they are going to meet from people who oppose them simply because they are liberal thinkers. And especially, I do not envy them the radical right. Or the radical left, for that matter. But President Biden said it best in his inaugural speech when he stated, and I paraphrase, “Even if you didn’t vote for me, please give me a chance, that’s all I ask.”

How fitting those words are for all of us.  For anyone who has a different skin tone, religious belief, sexual persuasion, or any other difference that does not reflect what we see in our own mirror or represent our long-standing beliefs. It’s our opportunity (every single one of us) to stop the systemic culture of fear and hatred. At some point, we all experienced a time when what we wanted or needed was just for someone to give us a chance. To believe in us. To let us demonstrate what we could do or help accomplish. Be the kind of person who helps America become a unified nation again rather than a country in constant turmoil. Be that person who offers hope and assistance to the disenfranchised and marginalized. The person who supports the less fortunate by continuing to make charitable donations. I know it’s corny, but be the person your dog thinks you are. I have hope for our nation. I pray that you do too.  

As always, peace and love to all.

¼ c. white wine vinegar

2 T. mayonnaise

1 clove garlic

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

½ tsp. kosher salt, or more to taste

freshly ground black pepper

generous ¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

2/3 c. extra virgin olive oil

Combine the white wine vinegar, mayonnaise, garlic, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in blender or small food processor. Whirl until smooth. Add the olive oil and whirl until emulsified.  

Store in a covered container. Bring to room temperature before dressing your salad. Dress sparingly. Soggy salad is never a good thing.