Basic French Dressing

I have always found it hard to find a ready-made dressing that I really liked (the closest I have come to that is the fresh M&S Reduced Fat French Dressing found in the chilled cabinet).  So after reading many recipes I have come up with a very simple dressing that is easy to make and can be adapted depending on your taste.  Despite the fact that olive oil is a very popular choice for dressings in many of the recipes I have read I have to say that I am not a fan – I think it is too strong a taste and tends to overpower.  I much prefer to use Groundnut oil or Grapeseed oil, both of which have little taste and act as a perfect carrier for the other flavours.  Below is my basic recipe, the ingredients for which will live happily in your cupboard for some time, however I do occasionally add fresh extras like lemon juice, chives, fresh chopped herbs, crushed garlic or finely minced shallot depending on my mood, what is to hand and what I am using the dressing on.

• 200ml Groundnut or Grapeseed oil
• 50ml white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons of honey
• pinch of salt
• teaspoon of black pepper

Measure all of the ingredients in to a jug and whisk well with a small whisk until evenly blended.  Can be stored in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for a few days.