I like my dairy. If I’m remembering an article I read many years ago correctly, the ability to digest milk is the result of a mutant gene. Well, a mutated gene that is less common – by a lot – than the regular human system which prefers not to ingest non-human milk. I’m pretty sure my genes are configured in a way that doesn’t just make me able to process dairy successfully, but that actually renders me weak if I don’t get a hefty daily dose of the stuff.
Hot weather brings about a marked difference in my dairy consumption. I move from lots of cheese to putting buttermilk and yogurt in anything I can think of. Sometimes I even use them at the same time, as in this salad dressing. I could just drink a glass of this elixir, but I exercise a modicum of self-control and use it on salads. And as a dip for veggies. And a spoonful once in awhile. Just a spoonful. I swear.
Yogurt buttermilk salad dressing
Shake it up, stick it in the fridge, and wonder why you ever bought a bottle of pre-made dressing. You can add a minced small garlic clove, if you like (although it will get quite garlicky if you leave it in the fridge) or a teaspoon or two of honey if you like things sweet.
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons plain yogurt (I’ve used lowfat, I’ve used Greek, I’ve used sheep milk – it all works; just know that the more fat and/or strained the yogurt, the more thickening power it will have)
1 tablespoon lemon juice or cider vinegar
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Put buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt in a small jar. Seal with the lid and shake until well combined. (You can also whisk it all together in a small bowl.) Add pepper to taste. I add a lot.
This dressing is lovely in general, but extra yummy with butter lettuce or romaine. Add sliced radishes, scallions or garlic scapes, cucumber, and/or sweet snap peas for more crunch.
wee1 | 16-Jul-10 at 9:51 am | Permalink
Ooh, I’m going to make this. I’m not a huge milk person but this sounds great!
Maybe you love milk because you were formula fed… check out this new study from Israel I just found!
http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2010/07/15/feed-formula-from-the-beginning-to-avoid-milk-allergy-study-says/
Molly Watson | 16-Jul-10 at 9:55 am | Permalink
Interesting article but, no, I was full-on breastfed.