MAPLE-FIG VINAIGRETTE

I can’t help but want salad dressings to have a tinge of sweetness. Anytime I add dried fruit or maple syrup to a dressing, people start asking with excitement, “What is in this?!” Finely chopped dried figs(or apricots or cherries) soaked in dressing offers a punch of flavor that makes any ol’ salad something special. Fresh garlic adds zip and depth. If you want your salad to be over-the-top delicious (that’s how I roll), add My Famous Spiced Nuts (page 630) or lightly toasted pecans before serving.

INGREDIENTS:

MAKES 1.5 CUPS

• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil

• 1/4cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

• 2 1/4 teaspoons soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons stone-ground mustard

• 6 dried figs, chopped (see Note)

• 1/2 to 1 small clove garlic, pressed or minced

DIRECTIONS:

1 Place all the ingredients in a small jar along with 1/2 cup water. Seal with a lid and shake vigorously.

2 The dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

NOTES:

The dried figs can be replaced with 6 chopped dried apricots or 18 dried cherries.

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