I used to buy salad dressing.  And then, one Thanksgiving, I was in charge of the salad and I wanted something special.  I’d never made dressing before, and for some reason, it seemed that it would be super intimidating.  Why even try if I can buy something great at the store?  But I decided to take a stab at it, and now I will buy another dressing again.  Except perhaps this one because it is amazing.

I made a Pepper Vinaigrette, and it was incredible.  It’s a great starting recipe because it’s simple & easy.  Once you have this basic recipe, making your own alterations is so simple.  Sometimes I leave out the red wine vinegar, sometimes I use dill instead of basil, sometimes just pepper, sometimes whatever comes out of the cabinet in my hands.  Always delicious.

Black Pepper Vinaigrette

3/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons tarragon or white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon chopped fresh or frozen chives

1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Whisk together all ingredients.

Note to self: Always clean the fresh herbs really really really well.  You never know what’s going to show up.