
This vintage salad dressing recipe is a creamy, tangy concoction hailing from the early to mid-20th century, likely passed through generations via handwritten cookbooks. Often used in Midwestern American cuisine, this style of dressing was popular before commercial mayonnaise became widespread. It's a cooked custard-like dressing with a sweet and sour profile, ideal for potato salads, coleslaws, or as a spread in sandwiches. Its simple ingredients reflect a time of resourceful home cooking where taste was built with pantry staples like vinegar, egg yolks, and butter. Today, it’s cherished for its nostalgic charm and versatile flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 1 Pinch salt
- 1 tbsp butter (size of walnut)
- ⅔ cup vinegar
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tbsp flour
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, salt, butter, vinegar, water, and flour.
- Stir until the flour dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks.
- Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the yolks to temper them.
- Slowly stir the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Step 4: Final Cooking
- Return the saucepan to the heat.
- Continue stirring and cook until the dressing thickens and reaches a boil.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- Substitute part of the vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Add a pinch of mustard powder or paprika for extra depth.
- Use apple cider vinegar for a mellower tang.
- Chill before serving to thicken further.
- Excellent on coleslaw, potato salad, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 260IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mg
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