How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette With a KitchenAid Hand Blender

The KitchenAid hand blender is a versatile kitchen tool that can dice, chop, blend and whip. The KitchenAid hand blender comes with several useful attachments, including a mixing cup, a mini chopper and a whisk. Using the various attachments and accessories, you can make homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing using a variation of a recipe by Emeril Lagasse found on the Food Network's website. The dressing is fresh, tasty, simple to make and pairs wonderfully with a variety of salad ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• KitchenAid hand blender, with mini chopper and whisk attachment
• Mixing cup with lid
• 2 whole cloves garlic
• Handful of fresh basil and thyme
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. dark brown sugar
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bag mixed baby greens, 6 oz.
• Assortment of salad ingredients such as diced tomato, carrot and cucumber

Instructions

1. Using the mini chopper attachment, mince two whole peeled garlic cloves and a small handful of fresh basil and thyme. Pulse the chopper attachment, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically to evenly mince the ingredients. Measure 2 tbsp. of the garlic-and-herb mixture into the mixing cup.

2. Add the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, salt and pepper. Using the whisk attachment, whisk the ingredients together to thoroughly dissolve the sugar and salt.

3. While whisking the balsamic vinegar mixture, slowly add the olive oil in a thin, steady stream. Whisk in the oil very slowly and carefully to properly emulsify the ingredients. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing should be thoroughly blended together, not separated. If the dressing starts to separate, put the lid on top of the mixing cup and shake vigorously.

4. Taste the balsamic vinaigrette dressing and adjust seasonings accordingly. Add extra salt, pepper, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic or herbs as needed. Whisk thoroughly to blend.

5. Toss ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing with a bag of mixed baby greens and the salad ingredients of your choice. Finish with freshly ground pepper to taste. If not using the dressing immediately, store in the mixing cup with lid attached in the refrigerator for up to three days. Whisk or shake the dressing briefly before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to use smooth Dijon mustard instead of the coarse, grainy type. Use a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar and imported extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil for best results. According to the Food Network, if you use a lesser-quality balsamic vinegar, you might want to add extra sugar to round out the flavor.

• Take extreme care when operating the hand blender and the sharp chopping attachment. When switching out the attachments, make sure the blender is unplugged. Do not immerse the blender completely in water when it is plugged in.

References

• KitchenAid: Products/Countertop Appliances/Immersion Blenders and Accessories
• Food Network: Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette