A Classic Dressing
Ingredients
Preparation
Proportions vary, according to the exact qualities of the individual ingredients and to our personal taste, but it is generally accepted that a classic salad dressing will be about four parts fruity olive oil to one of red wine vinegar. A small shallot, finely chopped, is acceptable and should be added to the vinegar twenty minutes before the dressing is made, to give it time to mellow. Some like garlic in the recipe too, though not me. Well, occasionally in early summer, when the new, pink-flushed cloves appear. Put a pinch of salt in a small bowl, then pour over the vinegar. Dissolve the salt by stirring, then whisk in the olive oil and a little black pepper.