Recipe: French Vinaigrette and Classic Creamy Herb Vinaigrette

French Vinaigrette
Yield: 1 1/3 cups

1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced shallot
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup vegetable oil

Whisk together the vinegar, shallot, mustard, salt and pepper. Then beat in the oil by droplets, whisking constantly. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Use at once or cover and refrigerate, whisking or shaking again before use.

Classic Creamy Herb Vinaigrette

4 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 cup French Vinaigrette, recipe follows
2 tablespoons minced fresh green herbs (chives, tarragon, oregano)
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Slowly whisk the vinaigrette into the whipped cream until combined. Whisk in the herbs, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Use at once or cover and refrigerate.

Serve with poached fish and grilled vegetables.