Homemade mayonnaise is rich, creamy, and tangy in a way the stuff from the jar can’t duplicate. Whipping up your own mayo also is a use of leftover egg yolks from making meringues and other egg-white-based recipes (like our Chocolate Angel Food Cake). The fresher the eggs, the silkier, tastier and more golden your mayonnaise will be. I enjoy the satisfaction of whipping the egg yolks by hand, but you could use a blender, food processor or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (a good idea if you decide to double or triple this recipe). The amount of oil you’ll use depends on the size of the yolks and how thick you like your mayonnaise—for a stiff sauce, use more oil. This homemade mayonnaise is great to spread on a sandwich, as well as use in other recipes, like Bestest Buttermilk-Chive Dressing. I also love this homemade mayonnaise as a dipper for roasted baby potatoes or sauteed shrimp. To make aioli, substitute extra-virgin olive oil for canola, and add a clove or two of garlic that’s been mashed to a paste.
Ingredients
- 2 large egg yolks, large
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup canola oil (or more, up to 1 cup)
- sea salt, to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine yolks, juice or vinegar, and mustard in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Start adding oil one drop at time, whisking constantly, until an emulsion forms. Then add the oil in a steady drizzle, whisking constantly, until desired consistency. If the mayonnaise becomes too thick, add a bit more juice or vinegar. Whisk in salt to taste and cayenne, if desired.
Makes 1 cup.
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