The Legend of Dog Team Tavern Dressing: A Taste of Vermont History

I remember family vacations to Vermont as a child, the scent of pine needles thick in the air, the crinkle of leaves underfoot, and, perhaps most vividly, the anticipation of dinner at a roadside tavern. There was one dressing, in particular, that always stood out – tangy, sweet, and utterly unforgettable. It was the kind of flavor that lingered on your palate long after the meal was over, prompting a lifetime of recreating its magic in my own kitchen. This dressing, a classic of simple, honest flavors, is what I’m excited to share with you today.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 (10 ½ ounce) can tomato soup (undiluted)
• ¾ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 ½ cups canola oil
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Equipment Needed

• Large Jar or Container with a Lid
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Instructions

1. In a large jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the ingredients. This includes ¾ cup of sugar, one 10 ½ ounce can of undiluted tomato soup, ¾ cup of red wine vinegar, 1 ½ cups of canola oil, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 teaspoon of horseradish, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of onion salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of celery salt, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
2. Secure the lid tightly on the jar or container.
3. Shake the jar vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing appears emulsified. This may take a minute or two.
4. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if needed. You might want to add a pinch more sugar for sweetness, salt for enhanced flavor, or pepper for a bit of a kick.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Emulsification is Key: The secret to a great dressing is a stable emulsion. Shaking vigorously is crucial, but if you find the dressing separating, you can use an immersion blender for a few seconds to create a smoother, more stable texture.
• Adjusting the Sweetness: The original recipe calls for a generous amount of sugar. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, start with ½ cup of sugar and add more to taste.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dressing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Flavor Infusion: For an even deeper flavor, let the dressing sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This allows the spices and herbs to fully infuse the oil and vinegar.
• Worcestershire Note: While technically vegetarian, some Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies. If you are serving this to strict vegetarians, be sure to use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Dog Team Tavern Dressing is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic on a simple green salad, a wedge of iceberg lettuce with crumbled blue cheese, or even as a marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables.

• Serving: Before serving, give the dressing another good shake as it may separate slightly upon standing. Drizzle generously over your salad or use as a dipping sauce.
• Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks. The oil may solidify in the refrigerator, but it will return to its normal consistency once it comes to room temperature. You may need to shake it again.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and emulsion of the dressing.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (2 tbsp)	% Daily Value*
Calories	120 kcal	6%
Total Fat	12g	15%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	100mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	6g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	5g
Protein	0g	0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vinegar Variety: While red wine vinegar is traditional, you can experiment with other vinegars like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Oil Options: While canola oil provides a neutral base, you can use other oils such as vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or even a light olive oil for a richer flavor. Avoid extra virgin olive oil, as its strong flavor can overpower the other ingredients.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a touch of freshness by incorporating finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.
• Garlic Infusion: Mince or press a clove of garlic and add it to the dressing for a bolder flavor.
• Sugar Alternatives: If you are looking to reduce the sugar content, you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: The dressing separated after being in the fridge. Is that normal?
A: Yes, it’s normal for the dressing to separate as it sits. Simply shake it vigorously before each use to re-emulsify it.

Q: I don’t have horseradish. Can I leave it out?
A: While the horseradish adds a subtle kick, you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand. The dressing will still be delicious.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato soup?
A: While it might be tempting, the canned tomato soup is crucial for achieving the correct flavor and texture. I wouldn’t recommend substituting it with fresh tomatoes.

Q: Is this dressing gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this dressing is naturally gluten-free. Always check the label to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This Dog Team Tavern Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the power of good, honest ingredients. I encourage you to try it, experiment with the variations, and make it your own. Share it with friends and family, and perhaps you’ll create your own lasting memories associated with this classic Vermont dressing. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! What salads did you pair it with, or any other creative ways you used this dressing?