Christie's Classic Creamy Dressing
Inspired by the cherished flavors of Christie's restaurant, which served the San Antonio community for over 50 years, this dressing brings a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and spices to your salads. Crafted with care, this rich and creamy dressing combines the tanginess of lemon with the sweetness of fresh vegetables, creating a flavor profile that's both refreshing and satisfying. Ideal for drizzling over crisp lettuce, hearty grain salads, or as a vibrant dip, this homemade dressing is sure to elevate any meal. The recipe requires patience and precision, especially in the emulsification process, ensuring authentic taste reminiscent of the restaurant's legacy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
green bell peppers
2 tablespoons (seeded and finely chopped)
carrot
1/4 cup (peeled and finely chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (peeled and finely chopped)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
dry mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
dry pectin (Sure Jel)
2 tablespoons (none)
lemon peel
1 teaspoon (preferably Spice Islands brand)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
meringue powder
1/2 teaspoon (preferably Wilton brand)
paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
crushed ice
1/2 cup (none)
large eggs
4 (none)
soya oil
2 cups (can substitute with regular salad oil if needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the celery, green bell peppers, carrots, and onions using a food processor or blender until they are nearly grated. Set the chopped vegetables aside.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, dry mustard, dry pectin (Sure Jel), lemon peel, cornstarch, meringue powder, and paprika. Mix well and set this dry spice mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add the crushed ice and the prepared dry spice mixture. Add the four large eggs and use a mixer to blend on high speed until thoroughly combined and the ice has melted.
4
With the mixer still running at high speed, very slowly drizzle in the soya oil, adding only one tablespoon at a time. This step is crucial for perfect emulsification, so take your time.
5
Continue mixing for approximately 40 minutes or until the dressing becomes thick and creamy.
6
Carefully fold in the chopped vegetables and mix for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are well integrated into the dressing.
7
Transfer the dressing to a covered container and chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christie's Classic Creamy Dressing?
It is a rich and creamy salad dressing inspired by the flavors of the former Christie's restaurant in San Antonio, which served the community for over 50 years.
What makes this dressing unique?
This dressing features a delightful blend of fresh, finely grated vegetables and specific spices, creating a tangy and refreshing flavor profile.
Which vegetables are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for celery, green bell peppers, carrots, and onions.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
Vegetables should be finely chopped or nearly grated using a food processor or blender.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to finely chop the celery, green peppers, carrots, and onions and set them aside.
What dry spices are included in the mix?
The dry spice mixture includes salt, dry mustard, dry pectin, lemon peel, cornstarch, meringue powder, and paprika.
Is there a specific brand of lemon peel recommended?
Yes, the recipe suggests using Spice Islands brand lemon peel for the best flavor.
What type of pectin should I use?
The recipe specifies using dry pectin, such as Sure Jel.
What is the purpose of crushed ice in this recipe?
Crushed ice is blended with the dry spice mixture and eggs to help control temperature and consistency during the initial mixing phase.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires four large eggs.
What type of oil is traditionally used?
The recipe uses two cups of soya oil.
Can I substitute the soya oil?
Yes, you can substitute soya oil with regular salad oil if needed.
What is the most important part of the mixing process?
The emulsification process is crucial, specifically drizzling the oil very slowly into the mixture one tablespoon at a time.
How long does the mixing take?
The dressing should be mixed for approximately 40 minutes to reach the desired thick and creamy consistency.
When do I add the vegetables to the mixture?
The chopped vegetables are folded in at the very end, after the dressing has thickened, and mixed for 1-2 minutes.
How should the dressing be stored?
It should be transferred to a covered container and kept in the refrigerator.
Does the dressing need to chill before serving?
Yes, it should chill for several hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What is the recommended brand for meringue powder?
The recipe recommends using Wilton brand meringue powder.
Is this dressing only for salads?
No, it is also excellent as a vibrant dip or for drizzling over hearty grain salads.
Why is meringue powder used in a salad dressing?
Meringue powder helps provide stability and contributes to the unique creamy texture of this classic recipe.
How much celery is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery.
What is the amount of green bell pepper required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of seeded and finely chopped green bell peppers.
How much carrot is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of peeled and finely chopped carrot.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Should the eggs be mixed on high or low speed?
The eggs should be blended on high speed until the ice has melted and the mixture is thoroughly combined.
What is the serving suggestion for this dressing?
It is ideal for crisp lettuce, grain salads, or as a vegetable dip.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of paprika.
What is the role of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to help achieve the dressing's classic creamy consistency.
Can this recipe be made quickly?
No, this recipe requires patience and precision, especially during the 40-minute mixing and emulsification stage.
Is the onion amount the same as the carrot amount?
Yes, both peeled and finely chopped onion and carrot are used in 1/4 cup measurements.