Dijon, Orange and Dill Dressing

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I recently picked up a copy of “Vegetarian Journal” magazine. I should have read the cover more thoroughly because most of the magazine is devoted to Filipino cuisine, and in particular dishes that include coconut and Bagoong Miso – which is some type of garlicky, vinegary, sugary, miso-y seasoning, that you have to make in your own kitchen. I am sure it all tastes great, but it’s just not my alley right now. I see that next month’s issue is devoted to Ecuadorian Cuisine, which – if it’s all about the potato- I could get in to!

There is also a long article about how to eat vegan while camping and backpacking. If you know me, then you know that I am not a camper or backpacker. I walk around the block and call it good.

Then there is the article about how to eat vegan in China --  be on the lookout for hidden eggs! But I digress……

Between the pages is a great collection of recipes using fresh herbs. I zeroed in on Dill and Mustard Salad Dressing, made some ‘tracy’ changes, renamed it and Voila! My new favorite thing! We had it on lettuce a few days ago and then used the rest as a dip for fresh cooked green beans last night. Tonight we will finish it with some asparagus.

Here’s what you need:

1 T silken tofu (you could also use sour cream)

2 T Dijon mustard

2 t orange juice concentrate

½ C olive oil

2 T vinegar….here’s where you can really pump up the flavor. I recommend using Trader Joe’s Orange Muscat Champaign Vinegar – the stuff is awesome! Or use good quality white wine vinegar.

1 T dried dill

2 t black pepper

Here’s what you do:

Put the tofu, mustard and orange juice concentrate in a blender and whirl. Drizzle the oil in to emulsify. Add the vinegar, herbs and pepper. Blend some more. Refrigerate for an hour before eating.

(printable recipe)

On a totally different note, a house was torn down across the lake yesterday. It was the last of the tiny, cottage-type homes on our water. I imagine a big mega-house will go up this summer, which will be fun (and noisy) to watch. But in a way it makes me sad and nostalgic....I kinda liked looking at the little yellow house. In fact, when it was for sale last year, I secretly dreamed of owning it and living a cozy little life there. There's just something about a screened-in porch that I adore!  I wonder if my piano would even fit in the living room?