TASTE
Dressing's low-fat richness dairy-based
| • | He does know Jack |
Associated Press
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We know dressings can make everything taste better, but often the price paid for delectably savory, rich toppings is unwanted fat and calories.
A solution: Use light dairy-based dressings, which can be deceptively pleasing, and you may not miss the heavy stuff.
Start with a basic dressing that will keep in your refrigerator for a week. A dash or two of other ingredients can bring a wide choice of variations into play.
These dressings can be used as dips, marinades or sauces. They can be used on meats, fish, vegetables, grains and fruits, or as sandwich spreads.
The basic dressing has only 9 calories per tablespoon.
Nutritional readings may show no fat even when low-fat ingredients are used. The California Milk Advisory Board, provider of the recipes, explains: "For nutritional labeling, we list 0.5 grams of fat or higher. If the analysis shows 0.25 grams, we round up to 0.5. In the case of these dressings, the amount of fat is negligible."
Here is the basic recipe, with six tasty variations.
LIGHT DAIRY DRESSING
Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Store, refrigerated, in a tightly closed container for up to one week.
Note: Substitute plain low-fat yogurt, if preferred.
Makes 3 cups.
Variations:
TURKISH HONEY MINT DRESSING
In a small bowl, combine light dairy dressing, honey and mint; mix well. Store, refrigerated, in a covered container for up to one week.
Makes 1 cup.
FRENCH TWIST DRESSING
In a small bowl, combine light dairy dressing, mustard, tarragon, capers and salt; mix well. Store refrigerated in a covered container for up to one week.
Makes 1 cup.
CALIFORNIA ASIAN DRESSING
Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth, or chop the ginger fine and mix all ingredients together by hand. Store, refrigerated, in a covered container for up to one week.
Makes 1 cup.
SMOKY MEXICAN DRESSING
Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth, or chop the chipotles very fine and mix all ingredients together by hand. Store, refrigerated, in a covered container for up to one week.
Makes 1 cup.
INDIAN CURRY DRESSING
Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth, or chop the chutney very fine and mix all ingredients together by hand. Store, refrigerated, in a covered container for up to one week.
Makes 1 cup.
TANGY MEDITERRANEAN DRESSING
Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until the feta is the desired consistency; for a creamier-style dressing continue to process until smooth. To mix by hand, crumble the feta into a mixing bowl, add remaining ingredients and mix well. Store, refrigerated, in a covered container for up to one week.
Makes 1 cup.
