Sunday, May 20, 2007

The Start of Barbecue Season: Perfect Cole Slaw

Even for those of us who grill (both indoors and outdoors) all year long, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the barbecue season. So I'm already planning the menu for next weekend. When I get out the mega-smoker and prepare brisket, ribs, chicken and whatever else will fit into the cooking chamber.

But you have to have sides to go with all the meats, right? Here's a cole slaw dressing recipe I discovered several years ago that has become our family tradition. It's easy and absolutely delicious... the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Try it and, no doubt, you'll add it to your recipe box too.

Easy Cole Slaw Dressing
Makes enough dressing for 2 bags of pre-cut cole slaw mix.

1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon celery seed (I love the complexity celery seed brings to cole slaw so I add a LOT more than this. As much as two tablespoons.)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Mix all ingredients together and pour over cole slaw mix. Stir until well-blended. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly-ground pepper.

(HINT: If you want crisp cole slaw, refrigerate both the mix and dressing and blend together right before serving. The longer the mixed slaw sits, the softer it becomes.)

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