Home-made mayonnaise

Q: Can I have a recipe for a basic salad dressing?

A: Here’s a basic recipe for a tasty mayonnaise,

Home-made mayonnaise
2 egg yolks
¼ teaspoon of mustard
1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar
250ml of olive oil (don’t use extra virgin as it has a rather bitter taste)
2 teaspoons of hot water
½ teaspoon of lemon juice or to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Place the egg yolks, mustard and vinegar in a blender or large bowl. Whisk for 1 minute. Very slowly pour in the oil, whisking continuously until the mixture has a thick consistency.

2. Whisk in the hot water. This helps stabilise the mayonnaise and gives it a lighter colour. Flavour with lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

3. Chill before use. If stored in a covered container and refrigerated, the mayonnaise will keep for up to two weeks. (Makes just over one cup)

Variations:

• Garlic mayonnaise or Aioli: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic.
• Herb mayonnaise: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of your favourite fresh herbs finely chopped. e.g. parsley or chives.
• Tartare: Add ½ a tablespoon of chopped capers and 1½ tablespoons of chopped gherkin.
• Chilli: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of very finely chopped chilli pepper or alternatively 1 to 2 teaspoons of sweet chilli sauce.
• Thousand Island or Seafood Cocktail: Add 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce (ketchup), 1 tablespoon of brandy or sherry (optional), 2 teaspoons of Worcester Sauce (Lee & Perrins), 2 to 3 drops of Tabasco sauce (to taste) and a pinch of paprika.
• Caesar or Anchovy: Add 3 or 4 finely minced anchovy fillets, and ¼ to ½ a teaspoon of crushed garlic.
• Red Capsicum: Puree a small piece of capsicum to make 2 tablespoons of smooth paste and mix with the mayonnaise.
• Sun Dried Tomato: Add 1 or 2 finely minced sun dried tomatoes and 2 to 3 leaves of shredded basil (optional).
• Blue Cheese: Soften and puree a small wedge of blue cheese and mix with the mayonnaise.
• Parmesan: Add ½ to 1 tablespoon of finely shaved parmesan.
• orange: Place lemon juice with orange juice in the recipe and add a little grated orange rind (zest).