larderA school for everyday cooking

Lemon-mustard
vinaigrette.

One useful technique: break oil into fine droplets, then keep them together long enough to dress a salad. This is a short practice lesson, not a timed test.

Gather, then begin.

A small batch for practice. Mustard is an allergen; check your ingredients and any dietary requirements.

0 of 5 preparation items checked.

Mustard and lemon juice in the bowl before adding oil.
Before the oil: lemon and mustard form a thin, cloudy base.

Step 1 of 3

Start with
the sharp things.

Whisk the lemon juice, mustard and salt together until the mustard is evenly dispersed. A stable bowl leaves one hand free to add oil in the next stage.

Before adding oil, what are you looking for?

Choose the observation that matches the goal.

Keep the whole
method close.

  1. Make a smooth base

    Combine 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and a small pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk until there are no distinct lumps of mustard.

  2. Add the oil gradually

    Whisk continuously while adding 3 tablespoons olive oil in a thin stream. If oil begins to pool, stop pouring and whisk the mixture together before adding more.

  3. Taste on a leaf

    A dressing should be judged with the food it will dress. Taste a little on a leaf, adjust lemon or oil in small amounts, and whisk again. Temporary emulsions can separate; whisk again before use.

What you just practiced.

Preparing before you start. Adding a little at a time. Recognizing a change in texture. Tasting in context. These are useful kitchen habits, even when dinner has nothing to do with salad.

Bring your questions to a class
Sample business, made up for this preview