Lime and Cilantro Coleslaw

A perfect side for any spicy Mexican dish because of the cooling effect of the lime, as well as a great side for seafood.  We had it with crab cakes tonight, and plan on eating it with black bean soup tomorrow for lunch.

For the dressing:

1/2 c mayonnaise

1/2 c sour cream

2-4 cloves garlic, micro-planed

lime zest from 2 limes

fresh lime juice from 3 - 4 limes

4 green onions, white and green parts, thinly sliced

1 serrano chile, finely minced

1/2 large bunch cilantro, chopped

salt and pepper

1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced

In a very large bowl, mix all of the dressing ingredients.  The mixture should be thin enough that it will coat the cabbage, but not so thin that it doesn't stick to the cabbage.  Taste and season with salt and pepper.  Add the cabbage and use tongs to thoroughly mix.  It tastes great right away, but gets better if you let the flavors meld for an hour in the fridge.  

** if you like it spicy, use 2 serranos, or to lower the heat, use a jalapeno instead.

Lemon Basil Vinagriette

I was trying to copy Uno's lemon dressing when I made this.  It is close and was very satisfying. Pictured is a salad of mache mix, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers with the dressing.

For the dressing:
1 large handful basil leaves
1 garlic clove
Kosher salt
1 lemon
Olive oil

Chop the basil and put in a mixing bowl.  Smash the garlic with the flat side of your knife, mince it, then sprinkle with a little kosher salt.  Use the flat of your knife blade to rub the salt into the garlic so that it makes a paste. I go back and forth between mincing and pasting with the blade.  Doing this ensures that no one gets a chunk of garlic while eating and mellows the garlic flavor.  Scrape the garlic off the board and add to the basil.  Zest the lemon with a microplane over the basil. Juice the lemon and add to the bowl.  Sprinkle in some kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.  Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup olive oil and whisk.  If you want a thicker dressing, whisk in more oil.  Check the seasoning and serve.