Our Summer Salad

Within living memory this simple dish was a staple throughout the rural South, a mild fresh summer vegetable laden vinaigrette that goes well with most meats, beans, and fresh greens. Use the freshest produce you can find. Cut into bite-sized pieces, place in a glass or ceramic bowl, and toss with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Resist the temptation to use garlic and/or herbs. Add enough white vinegar to cover the vegetables a quarter way and half that amount of corn oil. Toss and refrigerate before serving. Refresh the mix with vegetables, seasonings, and liquids as needed.

Pickled Shrimp

I recommend 21/25 ct. shrimp. Boil, peel, and if you’re the persnickety type, devein, but leave the tails on For five pounds of shrimp, mix well a cup of rice vinegar, a cup of vegetable oil, a small jar of capers (with liquid), two tablespoons of good Italian herb blend, a thinly sliced onion, and a teaspoon each of coarse black pepper and red pepper flakes (or to taste). Add a small white onion, very thinly sliced, two fresh bay leaves, and a cup of diced mild peppers. Toss until shrimp are coated, cover and chill overnight, stirring occasionally. In season, add diced ripe summer tomatoes before adjusting salt and spooning over leaf greens and drizzling with marinade liquid.