Mid-April is an uncertain time. Vegetables and fruits are beginning to appear at market but who knows when or how many. The weather can vary wildly, and time isn't always on your side. This month I have three simple sauces made with basic ingredients you probably already have, so you can always feel prepared to eat something great.

Spring Sauces!

Author
Christian Leue
Category
Condiments

Ingredients

  • A French sauce classically served with tête de veau, or terrine, but I rarely make those and I imagine you don't either. So I came up with some new ideas for how to use it that I hope you will enjoy. Using Bernise saves you from having to keep fresh herbs in the house, and adds a nice vinegary kick.
  • 6 eggs, hard boiled and either chopped fine or pressed through a potato ricer
  • 1/3 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (depending on how eggy the mayo is)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons chopped cornichons or pickles
  • 2 tablespoons chopped brined capers
  • 2 teaspoons Bernise
  • About 1/3 cup sunflower or olive oil, depending on your tastes
  • Salt
  • Being so easy to make, I've never really understood why people bought honey mustard instead of making it, especially since the ready-made versions are often too sweet. Cataluña's pimentón adds a deep smoky note, and the cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness of honey, allowing you to use sweetener. If you're not a fan of smoke try just a dash of vinegar and some espelette pepper instead.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2-3 tablespoons honey (wildflower is what I usually use)
  • 1/4 cup mustard (I like a mix of whole and smooth Dijon)
  • 1 teaspoon Cataluña N22
  • O.M.G. (optional, and to taste, if you like a sharper mustard flavor)
  • Nearly everyone has oil and vinegar lying around and here is a great way to use them. Strawberries are starting to come into season, and go perfectly with Orchidea in this easy and delicious dressing. And it's not just for salads, see some of my ideas below.
  • 6 large strawberries, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup vinegar (red wine is great but you can use almost any kind you have)
  • 3/4 cup oil (sunflower, or olive if you like the flavor, or a mix)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Orchidea N34 (to taste)
  • Salt

Directions

  1. Mix all items except the oil together in a bowl, taste and add more mayonnaise if necessary. By the way you can stop here, and you'll have a great egg salad. To finish the sauce gribiche, stir gently while incorporating the oil; stop adding oil when you have a thick sauce that runs slowly from the spoon. Adjust to taste with additional spice, salt, and/or acid. Can be kept for one week in the refrigerator.
  2. A tip for hard-boiling eggs: Place them gently in an electric kettle or pot filled with boiling water, turn off or remove from heat, wait ten minutes, then chill them in a bowl of cool running water. They will be cooked perfectly. Or you can always buy eggs pre-cooked and peeled if you are in a rush.
  3. Mix all ingredients together, then adjust to taste with additional spice or honey. O.M.G. can be added for a sharper mustard flavor, or a bit of vinegar or lemon juice if you want more acidity. Can be kept for two weeks in the refrigerator.
  4. Mix all ingredients except strawberries until well combined, gently mix in the strawberries, then adjust salt, acidity, and spice to taste. Best used in 1-2 days as the strawberries will soften and oxidize. Can also be pureed.

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