Monday, September 26, 2011

Chuck's Apple Vinaigrette

 Do you ever watch Chuck's Day Off? I watch it all the time. Chuck Hughes owns a restaurant, which keeps him pretty busy, but then on his day off, his goes into the kitchen and cooks a meal for his employees or friends or family or colleagues or neighbors. Usually, the reason he's cooking for them is to tell them how much he appreciates them or to say thank you. I just love that. I kinda feel like I'd probably do the same thing if I had a restaurant. I guess that's why I like the show so much. Well, that, and he's adorable and his food looks awesome.
 Anyway, I've noticed that he makes this vinaigrette pretty often. He doesn't always use apple juice, but it's always the same idea. It's just a simple vinaigrette with a sweet something added to it, such as apple juice or pear nectar. I absolutely love it!
So, give it a try.
If you like a sweet vinaigrette, you'll love this one!

1 c. apple juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
freshly ground black pepper
pinch coarse or kosher salt
dash apple cider vinegar
3 tbs canola oil

Pour the apple juice into a small pot, then boil it on high to reduce the liquid by half.
Into a bowl, add the mustard and grind over some black pepper.
Add a nice pinch of coarse salt, then add a dash of the apple cider vinegar. Whisk in your reduced apple juice along with the canola oil. Taste for seasonings and adjust if necessary.

Tips:
I used apple cider instead of apple juice and it worked beautifully. Seems to me that it would also work perfectly with other fruit juices or nectars. Hmm....maybe peach??  I think I might have to give it a try!

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