Food
I try to eat healthily, which for me means a lot of salad and vegetables, but I really don’t like store bought dressings. So, I made my own.
This is my go-to seasoning mix. I use it to make salad dressings, as a grill rub, and to just splash on vegetables.
I usually make a big batch that lasts for several weeks.
Dad's Seasoning
2 tbs kosher salt*
1 tbs course black pepper
1 tbs granlated garlic
1 tbs dried oregano
1 tbs dried basil
1 tbs dried parsley
2 tsp granulated onion
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp Accent**
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried mustard
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Run though a spice grinder for about 10 seconds to break up the rosmary and bigger herbs.
Feel free to take out anything you don’t like, or add something in. I sometimes replace the basil with cilantro.
For an 8X Big Batch
2 tbs = 1 cup
1 tbs = 1/2 cup
2 tsp = 1/3 cup
1 tsp = 3 tbs (actually a bit less, but I go with this)
1/2 tsp = 1 1/3 tbs
I run though a blender for about 10 seconds.
12 oz Basic Dressing
9 oz oil
3 oz acid
4 tbs Dad's Seasoning
Store in a bottle and shake well before each use.
Notes
Oil - I generally use above average store brand EVOO for this. You don’t need the extra good stuff with all the other ingredients.
I sometimes mix 50-50 with avocado oil or add a splash of nut oil, like walnut or hazelnut. Use what you like.
Acid - Apple cider vinegar is my usual choice if I must choose just one, but usually I use 1/3 fresh lemon juice, 1/3 red wine vinegar,
and 1/3 champagne vinegar. Again, use what you like.
Options
Cajon style rub - Mix 1 tbs Dad’s Seasoning with 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp cayenne pepper.
Asian Style Dressing – Mix 1 tbs Dad’s Seasoning with 1 tbs soy sauce, 1 tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp sesame oil, 1 tbs rice wine vinegar,
and juice of am orange or lime juice and 3 tbs oil. Add 1 tbs peanut butter for a Thai style.
Ranch Style Dressing – Mix 1 tbs Dad’s Seasoning with ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise and 2 tsp dried dill.
Add milk a bit at a time to get the consistency you want.
*I use Dimond Crystal Kosher salt. If you use Morton’s, only use ¾ the amount noted or it will be too salty (I know, I messed up once).
**Accent is monosodium glutamate (MGS), some people don't like it or are allergic, leave it out if you want, but it really makes a difference.