Oil and vinegar make an easy salad dressing,
There seem to be nearly endless kinds of oil and vinegar at the grocery store. The choices can almost be overwhelming. Oils and vinegars are often used for frying and to dress salads, but there are plenty of other options for these kitchen staples. Oils and vinegars can make dishes ranging from chicken to cookies more flavorful, and in some cases, even healthier.
Olive Oil
According to WebMD, olive oil is a source of healthy, monounsaturated fat that can help prevent heart disease and decrease the risk of cancer. Olive oil comes from the fruit of the olive tree. This heart-healthy oil is classified by the method used to extract the oil and the degree of acidity. Olive oil can be used on salads, drizzled over bread, in low-heat baking and for lightly sauteing vegetables. Many recipes calling for butter can be made healthier by substituting olive oil.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is made by crushing the seeds of the canola plant. Like olive oil, canola oil also has health benefits. "Woman's Day" reports that the oil has a low amount of saturated fat and a good dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Light and golden, canola oil has a subtle flavor. It can be used for stir-fry dishes as well as for grilling and sauteing. Canola oil is also versatile enough to be used for baking and to replace butter and margarine in recipes.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is often used in Asian cooking. It is taken from the seed of the sesame plant and has a number of antioxidants and vitamin E. Sesame oil may be light or dark. The light variety is made with untoasted sesame seeds while the dark variety contains toasted seeds. Light sesame oil can be used to fry foods and in sauces and dips. Dark sesame oil has a much stronger taste and is not generally used in cooking, but rather to flavor dishes.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is made from pressed, steamed peanuts. This oil has a rather bland flavor and a slight peanut smell. It is low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats. One advantage of peanut oil is that it does not transfer or absorb flavors, making it a good choice for cooking. Peanut oil is often used in Asian cooking and can be useful for deep frying, stir frying, baking and oven cooking. Fried turkey is often made with peanut oil.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains a high amount of saturated fat and there is ongoing debate over its health benefits. This unrefined oil is made by pressing the meat of the fruit. Coconut oil works especially well for baking - pie crusts, cookies and cakes because a slight coconut flavor. It can also be used for cooking shrimp, chicken and other lighter dishes. Coconut has other uses as well. It is found in moisturizers, hair conditioners and massage oils.
Wine Vinegar
Wine vinegar is available in red and white varieties. Both red wine and white wine vinegars are made with wine grapes, giving them a subtle fruit flavor. Red wine vinegar has a stronger flavor than white wine vinegar and is used to poach fruits like pears and to braise and marinade meats and vegetables. White wine vinegar can act as a substitute for alcohol in many recipes. It can also be used to bake chicken and fish, and in potato salad.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is produced by aging any vinegar containing wine. The longer a balsamic is aged, the deeper the flavor. Some balsamic vinegars are aged 10 or more years and can cost as much as $100 a bottle. Balsamic vinegar is especially good for marinading chicken, beef and mushrooms. It is often paired with olive oil for salad dressings or strawberries for a sweet dessert. Many vegetables including asparagus, beets and carrots can also be dressed with balsamic vinegar then roasted.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Fermented apples or apple juice are used to create apple cider vinegar. This vinegar has a slightly acidic flavor that can give cole slaw, barbecue sauce or stews an extra tang. Apple cider vinegar is also commonly used to make pickles and mustard. Some people also believe the apple cider vinegar has substantial health benefits. According to WebMD, apple cider vinegar has been associated with lowering blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as helping weight loss.
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