Salad dressing mixer/container

[juliebove]

Do you use any kind of special container for mixing your salad dressings? Years ago I had a cruet, but I got rid of it because I never used it. I still don't eat salad dressing. Never liked it. Daughter does though. I want to make an oil and vinegar type dressing with Italian herbs in it. What would I use to mix it it? I got a plastic jar at the health food store with a metal wire ball thing in it that would probably work well, but I worry about the oil being difficult to clean off. I have looked online and see all sorts of devices and bottles including battery operated ones. Gee, I wish I had kept that cruet. Good Seasons used to make them for use with their dressings, but I can no longer find them in the stores. Thanks!

[juliebove]

I wound up getting a plain glass bottle. It is would hold enough dressing for a few servings of salad. That will have to do unless someone has a better suggestion!

[shine72]

Do you have a blender? I usually just whip mine up in there.:)

[Rinda]

I agree with the other 2 responses.

I've many times just used a glass jar and shook it well.

Also, often used the blender. However, I do remember one time using the jar instead of the blender for an olive oil, vinegar, herb type dressing that I made several times and it tasted better. Maybe because the blender broke down the herbs more, to our dislike? Not sure. So, for that dressing, the jar was best.

Anyway, I think it depends on the type of dressing you are making. But, it sounds like a jar would work for the kind you want to make. Only my opinion though. ;)

[juliebove]

Do you have a blender? I usually just whip mine up in there.:)

I have one somewhere. Hasn't been used in years. Thanks!

[juliebove]

I agree with the other 2 responses.

I've many times just used a glass jar and shook it well.

Also, often used the blender. However, I do remember one time using the jar instead of the blender for an olive oil, vinegar, herb type dressing that I made several times and it tasted better. Maybe because the blender broke down the herbs more, to our dislike? Not sure. So, for that dressing, the jar was best.

Anyway, I think it depends on the type of dressing you are making. But, it sounds like a jar would work for the kind you want to make. Only my opinion though. ;)


Okay. Thanks!

[Emma-Liza]

You can easily use a fork for a whisk. You will get as much emulsification with a fork as with shaking. You can whisk in a bowl or in a jar.

That said, I got a set of 4 half-pint glass canning jars with lids at the grocery store (lots of 'em there right now, all sizes). They are infinitely reusable for storage and mixing and they're leakproof, inexpensive, and much easier to clean than a cruet (your 4 fingers and a sponge/dishcloth can easily reach the bottom of the jar.

If your oil solidifies in the fridge, or you have something stored cold that you want to warm, you can just put the jar in a bowl of warm water to liquify--no extra dish to clean.

[deberaw]

...I blend mine up {favorite: ALissa's Honey Mustard}...and put in an old agave squirt plastic bottle...works well...for others I also just put them from the blender to a glass jar with lid..............

[carolg]

Deb,
Great idea--squirt bottle. Wonder if agavey replaces honey for the great Alissa recipe you referenced.

carolg

[RawKnitster]

I use the Magic Bullet blender. You can get a pretty good deal on one at Target or Macy's. Just throw the ingredients in and whip it up.

Before the bullet, I whipped by hand. It makes for a much creamier dressing than shaking it in a bottle. If your whipping by hand or with a blender you will get the best results by adding the oil last. Drizzle the oil in slowly, starting with a few drops and increasing to a slow stream. I know, it sounds like work, but it's worth it.