The Rubber Band Hack Prue Leith Swears By For The Perfect Vinaigrette

Prue Leith, a renowned chef and television personality, has shared an ingenious hack for achieving the perfect vinaigrette every time. This simple yet effective technique involves using a rubber band to ensure the right balance of oil and vinegar in dressings. The method starts by wrapping a rubber band around a glass jar at the level where you want the vinegar to reach. After pouring the vinegar in, a second rubber band is placed higher up on the jar, marking the desired oil level. This visual guide ensures the correct proportions, making it easier to whip up a perfectly balanced vinaigrette without the need for measuring cups. By shaking the jar vigorously, the oil and vinegar blend seamlessly, resulting in a well-emulsified dressing. This hack not only simplifies the process but also allows for easy storage and reuse of the dressing in the same jar. Prue Leith's rubber band hack is a testament to her culinary creativity and practicality, offering a foolproof way to elevate salads with a beautifully balanced vinaigrette. Whether for a casual home meal or an elegant dinner party, this technique promises consistency and flavor, making it a favorite among both amateur cooks and seasoned chefs.
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A deeper dive into dressing

If you regularly enjoy salads, one great aspect of Leith's vinaigrette trick is that you can prepare a large batch that will last for several weeks. Your only limitation is the size of your jar. Just be sure to give it a good shake before drizzling it on your salad, as the ingredients may separate over time.

For a thicker or emulsified vinaigrette that needs more thorough mixing (like Ina Garten's beloved lemon vinaigrette), Leith suggests measuring your ingredients in the jar as before, then transferring them to a blender along with any additional components. Once blended, pour the mixture back into the jar, and it’s ready for your salad.

When it comes to choosing oil and vinegar, you have plenty of options. While extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, other neutral oils can also work well. The variety of vinegars available is even broader. Leith's sherry vinaigrette is a straightforward combination of just three ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, and honey (according to Daily Mail). However, she enhances her chicory, pear, hazelnut, and goat cheese salad with a blend of red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Different types of vinegar can often be substituted for one another (as shown by these rice vinegar alternatives), making this a fantastic opportunity to experiment and discover which varieties best enhance your dishes.

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