dried cranberry vinaigrette

This was the dressing Kiana brought to dress her green salad for gourmet club.  I am ordinarily not a huge fan of fruity dressings but this was an exception.  It has a distinct fruity flavor yet the herbs stood out making it savory too.  Paired with spiced nuts, this salad was definitely gourmet.

dried cranberry vinaigrette (my friend Kiana)
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar (or you can substitute with red wine vinegar)
1 shallot, peeled
1 small garlic clove, peeled
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
salt and ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Rehydrate cranberries by combining cranberry juice and dried cranberries in microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high until hot, about 1 minute.
Process hot cranberry mixture, vinegar, shallot, garlic, thyme, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in blender until shallot and garlic are finely chopped, about 15 seconds.  With blender running, add oil and continue to process until smooth and emulsified, about 15 seconds. 


What I have to say- for the salad Kiana mixed greens with carrot, red cabbage, red bell pepper, cucumber and snow peas.   It all worked great together.