Anne McAlpine: May 23, 2019

Being raised by my grandmother taught me a lot – the barn chores had to be done before school and your piano practicing had to be done right after school, just before your homework. You swept under everything and in every corner every day. Then you had to set the table properly or you had to do it over again. She was an amazing person and I learned a lot. One thing she said was, “You must always use your kind words because you never know who is going to hear them.”

This was made very evident to me this past week when I entered the coffee shop at Hagersville hospital. Two ladies were seated at a table and had opened The Haldimand Press. One said that she really liked the cooking column and always read it first. The other lady agreed and commented that she liked the recipes I shared as well as my introduction. I leaned towards them and said, “Thank you – I appreciate your comments.” When they realized who I was one of the ladies said that she had known me many years ago. I had to ask her who she was and she told me she was Marilyn Swarts Cooper, whom I had gone to high school with. I felt bad after that I didn’t ask the other lady who she was and didn’t suggest that they send me some recipes. I sincerely do appreciate the comments from both of them. They made my day – and proved again that grandma was always right! Thanks, ladies!

I try to answer our readers’ requests and this column is in answer to two that I recently received. I did share a salad dressing recipe with you two weeks ago, but am sharing more good ones this week.

I like to make my dressings because then I know exactly what is in them. I have collected these from various places and people. When making your own vinaigrette you can use almost any vinegar except the white distilled kind. It can pack quite a punch. I recommend using 1 part vinegar to 3 parts oil. I prefer to use olive oil, but vegetable oil is also good. A touch of mustard helps the dressing to hold its creaminess, but mayonnaise also works. Always store leftover salad dressing in the fridge.