Creamy Strawberry Honey Vinaigrette

Travel with me back to my early 20's. I once worked at this fancy restaurant named The Milton Inn. I was recently hired and was stationed in garde manger. Spring was upon us, and the restaurant's menu was getting adjusted for the season ahead. This was an opportunity for us chefs to create a dish to present to our head chef/owner for menu consideration. After much thought, this vinaigrette, along with a salad, was my nomination. I remember the nervous excitement and anticipation as I handed my dish over to be sampled. Not only did my head chef like it, but it was a staple on the menu for many years after I had moved on. Overjoy would be an understatement! 

                                                                                                        -Saucier Willy

Yield: 1-1/2 cup

Ingredients

Strawberry Puree

8 ounces strawberries

3 tablespoon white sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Vinaigrette

1-1/4 cup Vegan Mayo

2 teaspoon tarragon 

4 tablespoon strawberry puree

2 tablespoon honey

Equipment

Food processor or blender

Small saucepan/pot

Knife 

Cutting board

Spatula

Optional

Use frozen or fresh strawberries. If frozen, thaw first.

Sub the lemon zest for another citrus zest. 

Sub the strawberries for a different berry. 

Pair this vinaigrette with a wonderful salad of mesclun greens, sliced strawberries, grapes, candied almonds, and chevre. 

Medicate It

Use cannabis infused sugar in this recipe. 

How To

Blend your strawberries in food processor/blender until smooth. Add blended strawberries into small saucepan/pot on low/medium heat.

Allow the berries to bubble for 3-5 minutes, adjusting the heat if needed. 

Add your sugar and mix to incorporate with spatula. Continue to cook on low heat for another 1-3 minutes. 

Remove your pan/pot from the heat, mix in your lemon zest, and allow the puree to cool to room temperature before storing in your fridge. 

Using a blender/food processor, add your mayo, tarragon, honey, and strawberry puree and blend to incorporate. Turn your machine off and scrape the insides with a spatula. Blend once more to incorporate. 

Place your creamy vinaigrette in desired container and store in your fridge.