Herbivoracious Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette

Recently I attended the Philadelphia book release party, along with about 40 others from the local food scene, for the new vegetarian cookbook, Herbivorous, written by popular Food Blogger, Michael Natkin.

It was held at the very cool R2L in Center City, Philadelphia. The view as well as the food and the company were fantastic!

Anyone who knows me knows...I do not eat mushrooms...however I did in fact try the Mushroom Tartare and not only did I live to tell the tale...It was actually quite delicious!

Michael's beautiful new book explodes with colorful, inviting, boldly flavored, vegetarian recipes! As you turn each page, you can feel Michael's passion for the way in which he cooks. He brings you in and makes you realize that the beauty, creativity and flavor found throughout the pages of both his book and his blog will tempt you into trying a bit more meatless cooking (for those of us who regularly eat meat)and the result will leave you happily satisfied and possibly surprised that never even missed it in the end.

There is just something to be said for the hefty feel of a brand new cookbook in your hand. I know so many of us are more into surfing the web for cooking inspiration and that is great, BUT one can never replace the magnificence that is a well written and beautifully photographed book.

In his own words "Herbivoracious is all about reinvigorating vegetarian cuisine with modern techniques and bold, authentic flavors. I don’t care if you are vegetarian, carnivore, pescetarian or flexitarian. Labels don’t matter. I simply want to make sure that if you cook a meatless meal tonight, it is hearty and delicious. That is the philosophy I bring to this blog, and my cookbook."

After speaking at length with Michael, he struck me as a warm and inviting person who is passionate about the way he cooks for himself as well as his family. He has two young daughters and we spoke about how we each invest in our children by encouraging them to cook along side of us. I was a real pleasure meeting him and I wish him much success!

I spotted this Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette and knew I had to make it right away! It was absolutely delicious! As Michael put it - WHY do folks BUY salad dressing?? It really only does take a few moments to put together a delicious, fresh, healthy homemade one. This dressing is a new favorite for me, it was creamy and perfectly balanced and it came together in minutes! I chose to serve it over a simple and refreshing salad of celery, shaved asparagus & asparagus tips and grapefruit and topped it with some Parmesan Cheese...I was in Heaven!

As a kid, I was usually charged with making my family salad dressing just before dinner - what a great way to get your kids involved and contributing to the family meal!

Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette

2 TBS fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon sea salt
4 TBS extra virgin olive oil
Finely minced fresh or dried herbs, minced garlic, minced shallot or grated citrus zest

I used garlic, shallot and lemon zest and added a dash of sugar since I like my dressings a little sweet.

Combine the lemon juice, mustard, salt, olive oil and any optional seasonings in a small jar (like a mason jar) with a tight fitting lid. Share vigorously until emulsified (about 30 seconds). Taste and adjust as needed.

A few of the recipes from the book that are on my must make list are:

Caramelized Apple & Blue Cheese Crostini
Corn & Tomato Confit Risotto
Triple Smoky Mac & Cheese
Grapefruit & Avocade Crudo
Ethiopian Ful Medames
And for my mom I must make the Roasted Cipolloni Onions & Beets!

So if you are looking for ways to eat more fruits, vegetables and alternative to meat flavor packed dishes...Herbivoracious the book and the website are for you!

Happy Cooking!!