As much as I love cooking, in the summer sometimes it's hard to get in the kitchen and get cooking. Summer meals are usually taken over by the outside grill and I have to admit, I let the boys take care of that. But I have had some creations stashed away in my apron pocket that I've been meaning to send out into cyberspace.
I'm happy to have easy access to a Farmer's Market within walking distance and since summer is the best time to eat salads made with these fresh ingredients, I've been making my own salad dressing. Since doing this I don't think I'll buy any from the store again.
Creamy Balsamic Salad Dressing
-1/2 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
-1 tsp, minced garlic (if using fresh, 1-2 cloves minced)
-1 1/2 tbsp. mayonnaise
-1 tsp lemon juice
-1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
-1 tsp sugar
-dash of Worcestershire
-salt and pepper to taste
-dash of celery salt or Morton's Nature's Seasoning
Mix all ingredients in a ball canning jar with a plastic lid or any kind of container with a airtight lid and shake well. Makes about 3/4 cup.
Crock pot meals are also good summer meals since they don't heat up the house and they are pretty much ready when you get home. Throw a chunk of meat in in the morning, get a delicious meal in the evening.
Balsamic Beef Roast
- 2-3 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
Place beef roast in crock pot. Add all ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
I served it on mashed potatoes with broccoli. The juice it cooks in make a nice gravy too.
