AIOLI WITH VEGETABLES

4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup olive oil, divided use
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 large egg yolks
1 1/2 tablespoons water
Salt and Freshly-ground black pepper (to taste)
Steamed cut-up fresh vegetables (such as red-skinned potatoes, carrots, zucchini, fennel bulbs, cauliflower and green beans)
hard-boiled eggs, shelled, each cut into 4 wedges

Using mortar and pestle, mash garlic with salt until almost smooth. Transfer mixture to processor.

Whisk 6 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, egg yolks and 1 1/2 tablespoons water in small metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not allow bowl to touch water). Whisk constantly until thermometer inserted into mixture registers 140 degrees for 3 consecutive minutes, about 9 minutes total. Cool slightly. Transfer to food processor with garlic.

With machine running, gradually add remaining 3/4 cup oil in thin steady stream and blend until thick (if oil is added too quickly, mayonnaise will separate and become runny). Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. (Aļoli can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)

TO SERVE:
Place bowl of aļoli on platter. Surround with vegetables and eggs.

Servings: 6
Source: Bon Appetit magazine, May 1999