Ono dressings make tasty, healthful gifts

Last week we shared recipes for easy to prepare salsas and a dressing to give as gifts for the holidays and we're continuing the theme this week. With the push these days to eat more fruits and vegetables, these ono dressing recipes will help you give a gift that inspires healthier eating.

Aunty Marion's dressing is a hit with children and adults -- kids have been known to ask for seconds on salads because of it! The Ponzu Dressing is great for those watching their waistlines. The Spicy Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing is a twist on an old favorite. And remember when Papaya Seed Dressing was all the rage? Maybe now's a good time to make what's old new again. The best part of giving these dressings is they're easy to prepare and easy on the pocketbook!

Aunty Marion's Dressing

1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1-1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup vinegar
1-1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1-1/2 tablespoons salt
1-1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
Put all ingredients into a blender; cover and blend well. Makes about 3-3/4 cups.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per 2 tablespoons: 130 calories, 10 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 400 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 10 g sugar, no cholesterol, fiber or protein.

Ponzu Dressing

1 cup mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
1/2 cup sweet sherry
3 tablespoons shredded nori (Japanese dried seaweed)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
In a saucepan, heat mirin and sherry on medium heat for 4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and continue cooking 1 more minute. Cool and strain. Makes about 2 cups.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per 2 tablespoons: 50 calories, 500 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrate, 6 g sugar, 1 g protein, no fat, cholesterol or fiber.

Spicy Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 green onions, chopped
1-inch piece ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic and salt; let stand 5 minutes. In a small saucepan over low heat, heat oil, scallions, ginger and pepper for 3 minutes. Combine both mixtures. Makes about 1-1/4 cups.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per 2 tablespoons: 110 calories, 8 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, no cholesterol or fiber, greater than 1,000 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrate, 7 g sugar, 2 g protein.

Papaya Seed Dressing

1 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon minced onion
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh papaya seeds
Put all ingredients except papaya seeds into blender; cover and blend at high speed 2 minutes. Add papaya seeds and blend until seeds are size of coarsely ground pepper. Makes 1-1/2 cups.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per 2 tablespoons: 180 calories, 19 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 100 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate, 4 g sugar, no cholesterol, fiber or protein.

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