There is no better accompaniment to a well-prepared main dish than a simply dressed salad. I usually make up double or triple batch of this recipe and keep it on hand in the fridge. Wash a few leaves of lettuce, slice a tomato and dress with this vinaigrette for the perfect salad (in my estimation, anyway).

Simple French Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized shallot, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/8 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon
• 1 medium-sized lemon, juiced
• freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel shallot and finely mince. Put in mason jar with a lid.
2. Put all other ingredients in the jar. Shake.
3. Dressing keeps in jar in fridge for about a week.