That title sounds good, but today’s recipe takes no simmering at all. This will be welcome during summers in less comfortable kitchens than the Loyola House Kitchen. We like to joke that the kitchen is the coolest part of this house in midsummer – thanks to our amazing Director of Operations, Lisa, who upgraded the heating/cooling unit for us to something near miraculous. That, plus our astonishing view, plus our wonderful co-workers PLUS the inspirational and congenial folks who make their way here from all over the world combine to make our kitchen a happy place indeed! The recent rush of fresh produce from the farm only intensifies our joy … is there anything more wonderful than a crisp sugar snap pea just hours off the vine? Or burying your beak in a bushel of basil?
After such sweetness … a little balancing tartness. This is my personal favourite of the dressings that we make. Blueberries and lemons are a “gestalt” combination … the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. It is great in baking and I love it in this dressing. I must confess though — part of my affection for this dressing is for the dramatic colour!
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Blueberry-Lemon Vinaigrette
Slice and remove seeds …
2 whole lemons
Put in a cuisinart or blender, then add ….
3 T Dijon mustard
2 c frozen blueberries
½ c white wine vinegar
½ c lemon juice
2 T sugar or honey
1 t pepper
½ t salt
(dash of Tabasco)
With machine running, add in a VERY slow stream…
1 c veg oil
With machine running, add steadily, but in a faster stream…
1 c veg oil
1 c extra virgin olive oil
1/2 c apple cider or juice
If it gets too thick – add a little more apple juice to thin it down. Remember that it will thicken up in the fridge as the olive oil gets cold.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Store in fridge.
You can substitute raspberries for a change of flavor and a different but equally dramatic colour…
We are in the midst of our busy retreat season … back to back to back eight day retreats, usually full, so not much news to report. If you are planning to attend our third and final Taste of Diversity dinner ( A Return To Italy), I advise getting your ticket NOW.
I leave you with an amazing thing that I found in a perfectly ordinary box of mushrooms this week. The world is full of wonders … find them and celebrate them!
And take care of each other and yourselves…<3
Loyola House Kitchen 