Bibb Lettuce Dressings, Three Ways –
photography by Talitha Schroeder
Liberty Hall Maple Syrup Dressing (Vegan)
Liberty Hall and the Bibb-Burnley House are a couple of blocks away from each other in downtown Frankfort. According to local lore, Bibb lettuce and Liberty Hall maple syrup dressing were frequent dining companions.
½ cup malt vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch of paprika
Dash of tabasco
1 ½ teaspoons grated white onion with juice
¼ to ½ cup maple syrup
½ cup olive oil or half olive oil and half neutral salad oil
Mix vinegar, salt, paprika, Tabasco and onion together in a mixing bowl or Mason jar. Whisk or stir in maple syrup, then add oil. Shake or whisk until well-blended and adjust seasoning.
Vegan “Ranch” Dressing
2 parts tahini, stirred until smooth
1 part water
1 part fresh lemon juice
Garlic powder (if storing for more than a day or two) or fresh garlic (if eating right away), finely minced or grated, to taste
Maple or agave syrup to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra-virgin olive oil as needed
Your favorite combination of fresh herbs (dill, parsley, mint, basil, chives are all good), snipped or minced
Combine tahini, water, and lemon juice in a large jar or blender and shake or process until smooth.
Season with garlic, maple or agave and salt and pepper. Thin to preferred consistency with a little olive oil. Stir in herbs. Use right away or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tarragon Cream Dressing
This is delicious on a salad of Bibb lettuce with cucumbers, green grapes and honeydew (or any combination of the three.) Top it with poached shrimp for a light entree. A shower of chives would be lovely too, especially with a few of their purple blossoms for contrast.
6 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon champagne, white wine or tarragon vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
Salt and pepper to taste
No need to make this in advance. When you’re ready to serve, stir all ingredients together and toss lightly with Bibb lettuce leaves, reserving a little extra for drizzling on top. This makes enough dressing for two or three heads of Bibb lettuce, depending on size.
Related Content
A Lettuce by Any Other Name
Discover the origin of Bibb lettuce and learn a little bit about the Bibb family of Kentucky and their complicated history.
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