I’ve been thinking alot about my Grandpa and Grandma Renelt this past week. They’ve been on my mind more than usual because my family just returned from a vacation in Florida, the warm and endlessly sunny state where my grandparents used to spend many of their winters. While I was growing up, our family traveled to stay with them several times over the years, and those visits produced loads and loads of happy memories for me. So much of last week’s vacation time felt like I was reliving trips from the past. Except this time I was the parent!
- Grandma & Grandpa in Florida, 1982
Grandma definitely knows her way around every corner of the kitchen, but I especially loved our Florida breakfasts together where she treated us to fresh squeezed orange juice. And not the “fresh squeezed” kind from the store’s jug like we drank every morning last week on vacation. No, Grandma squeezed those sweet Florida oranges with her own two hands, no electric gizmos involved. I think that must be how you know someone loves you.
Another favorite, and still extremely simple, eat that Grandma introduced me to was her Fresh Ginger Dressing. I’ve always loved it, but it wasn’t until just a few years ago that I asked her for the recipe. She laughed that vivacious laugh of hers and then said, “Recipe?! I don’t have a recipe!” So I proceeded to make her guesstimate the measurements of ingredients.
I like to play around with my grandma’s recipe by experimenting with different vinegars and sweeteners. And the amount of ginger I use completely depends on my mood. Sometimes I want mellow ginger. Other times I want it full throttle, spicy and full of zing. But the recipe I’ve included is how I most commonly make it, and a great place for you to start.
I like to drizzle this fresh ginger dressing over my salads any time of year, but its light body and bright flavor is especially nice during the warmth of spring and summer. Please let me know if you try it!
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. vegetable oil
- 1/2 c. rice vinegar (or regular white vinegar)
- 1/3 c. honey
- 1 T. grated fresh ginger
- pinch of kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a pint jar and shake vigorously. That's it! Serve with your favorite fresh greens. Keeps well in the refrigerator for one week.
Source
Adapted from my Grandma Renelt's recipe box, one of my favorite recipes in all the world.
I’m linking up with:
- Robyn at Add a Pinch for Mingle Monday (Take the Shot)
- Cheryl at TidyMom for I’m Lovin’ It (Dyson DC40 Vacuum)
- Sheila at Eat 2 Gather for Meals 4 Sharing (Spicy Chicken & Bean Enchiladas Verde)
thank you for sharing this recipe – i’m a ginger FREAK.
lynn @ the actor’s diet recently posted..His n Hers
Sounds delightful. Ginger is one of my favorite flavors. To a fault almost.
Shaina recently posted..Mason Jar Meals: Ranch Chicken Salad in a Jar
I will definitely try it, I love all things ginger!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Sautéed Radishes with Fava Beans | A Radish Revelation
Ginger is one of my favorite flavors. I love ginger water, ginger candy…I can even eat crystallized ginger by the handful. This sounds amazing!
Sweetsugarbelle recently posted..Pretty Marigold Cookies
Over here from Add A Pinch. I love old family recipes and this sounds delicious. Your photos look delicious, too!
Annika recently posted..Marco and I & other Love Stories
Is there anything better than fresh-squeezed (by hand) orange juice? Yum! And this dressing? Oh my goodness does it sound delicious!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch recently posted..Salted Caramel Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
Love this dressing! I can’t wait to try it on my salads this summer!
Maria recently posted..Key Lime Tart
Thanks for sharing this recipe, Brenda, and the story that goes along with it. It made my heart sing to see that picture of Mom and Dad with those big grins on their faces. Perfect! Just the way I think about them, and all those wonderful memories we made with them in Florida.
This sounds so refreshing, Brenda. I love hearing these stories too. Just lovely!
Cassie recently posted..Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Honey-Peanut Drizzle
This sounds like a wonderful topping for a fresh summer salad. Love that your grandmother never had a recipe and just went with her heart when making this. I think that trait has been passed on. What great memories of your childhood vacations spent in Florida. Lovely picture of your grandparents.
Paula recently posted..Mini Celebration Cakes
I love a good homemade dressing and a cherished family recipe! This dressing looks like it would be good on just about any salad. Lovely ingredients!
Is there anything better than our memories of food and family? Thank you for sharing. The dressing looks delicious!
Calli recently posted..Spinach Dip by Request
This sounds absolutely delightful! Yum!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar recently posted..Peanut Butter and Honey Popcorn
Thank you for sharing an awesome recipe! I will most definitely have to try this soon!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Strawberry Honey Oatmeal Bars and April Foodie Penpals
I doubt anything makes food more tasty than the memories connected to it.
Minnesota Prairie Roots recently posted..Minnesota Museums Month: The Minnesota Machinery Museum, on the prairie
What a sweet, happy post, Brenda. I love trips down memory lane.
Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids recently posted..Cinco de Mayo Food, Family, and Fun – Recipe: Corn Salsa
This dressing sounds perfect for summer salads!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..strawberry sherbet
Oh, ginger dressing is one of my faves! Happy to see your rendition – or your grandma’s! I love those recipes that are close to our hearts – it makes eating them so much more of a sweet treat!
Sara {Home is Where the Cookies Are} recently posted..Southwest Chicken Chop Salad
I cannot wait to try this recipe. Grandmas recipes are the best, always. Love the pic of your grandparents!
Kristen recently posted..Get Outta My Dreams {Recipe: Homemade Pita Bread}
I can’t wait to try this one. Ginger dressing? Yes, please! Family recipes are the best. You can taste the love!
Angela @ angelaskitchen.com recently posted..Gluten Free Ratio Rally – Bagels!
Hi Angela! So very lovely to hear from you. Will you be at TECHmunch on 06.02?
Brenda I love the picture of your grandma…she just looks like she is a fun gal! This salad dressing sounds divine, I am definitely adding it to my list of salad dressing! Thanks again for linking up!
Sheila recently posted..Meals 4 Sharing Fridays: Spicy Chicken & Bean Enchiladas Verde
Love this ginger vinaigrette…so delicious and pairs so well with the salad.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..White Asparagus Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
I got to enjoy the ginger dressing at Mom’s this weekend. YUMMY!!!
Yay! It’s just so good. I even got the girls eating it this spring – they love it now, too!
Aw, appreciate the love in this one. I’ll always keep the recipes my Grandma wrote out for me on index cards in her Palmer Script handwriting. Miss her.
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted..Mango Sorbet with Ginger and Thai Chili
Anything ginger is a yes for me. I will try this one out. Thanks for sharing..
Daniel Messi recently posted..maxworkoutsreviewed.net
We enjoyed your dressing at the lake tonight with Mom and Dad! It is always so good!