How To: Healing Cuisine Mayonnaise & Avocado Mayo!

Per request by my friend Hannah, I'd like to share my two favorite recipes for mayonnaise.  The first is my classic plain version, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce wraps.  I've also fallen in love with Avocado Mayo, which is suited perfectly for sandwiches/wraps as well, but also makes a great dip for veggies and chicken tenders (homemade of course)!  So I'll get right to it.

Now, if you've ever tried to make your own mayo before, you've probably had to decide how you were going to make it -- in the blender, with a mixer, or by hand.  Well I've tried them all.  For me, the best tasting and best consistency mayo has come from using my stand mixer.  You can also use a hand mixer if that's all you have, but the stand mixer helps prevent sore arms.  ;)  Some of the problems that occurred for me using the other methods (which are often recommended in cookbooks) were separated mayo and super stiff mayo that you wouldn't want to spread on anything.  So if you're new to this, I recommend starting off with the mixer method and then if you want to try it in the blender or by hand, go for it!  I know some people definitely find success with those as well.

Here is my recipe for plain mayonnaise along with detailed steps to prepare.  A note -- I use mostly grapeseed oil, as it is flavorless.  And I usually add in 1-2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil for a tad bit of flavor.  However, you can TOTALLY omit the olive oil if you want to.  I know some people really don't like the taste the mayo has when olive oil is added, because it is such a pungent oil.  And for that reason, I don't make my mayo with solely olive oil, which is why Hannah wrote in asking for this recipe.  Her recipe called only for olive oil, which made for quite the mayonnaise, if you can imagine.  So the grapeseed oil is key here for its neutral taste!

Healing Cuisine Mayonnaise
Makes About 2 Cups

2 large organic free-range eggs, as fresh as you can find, ROOM TEMPERATURE
1 1/4 cups grapeseed oil, room temp
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, room temp (optional)
1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice, room temp
2 tsp white vinegar, room temp
Sea salt, to taste (I usually do 1/2 tsp)
1 tsp mustard powder
A few cracks of black pepper, to taste (optional)

1.)  Into your room temperature mixer bowl, add the eggs, sea salt, lemon juice, vinegar, pepper and mustard.  Using the whip attachment, beat on Medium-High speed until mixture turns light in color, about 3 minutes.

2.)  Add the grapeseed oil *a drop at a time* until you have incorporated about half.  Adding a drop at a time is KEY for proper emulsification.  BE PATIENT, it will be worth it!  You can then add the rest of the grapeseed oil and olive oil in a *slow* stream, keeping an eye on the mixture to see that it's incorporating at the same rate you are adding the oil.  You can use a measuring cup or ladle to add the oil, but I actually prefer to use a squeeze bottle.  I had a little one left over from something, and had the idea to use it for the oil to ensure I was only adding a drop at a time.  Works perfectly with no room for error!

3.)  You're mayonnaise will be ready when the last little bit of oil is incorporated.  Turn of the mixer (which should have been running constantly until now) and give your homemade creation a taste.  You can adjust sea salt and pepper now as needed.  Spoon into a storage bowl or jar.  Use right away or store in fridge up to 3-4 days.  And give yourself a pat on the back for making your own mayo at home! :)

I'll get to the Avocado Mayo in a second... but if you want to jazz up your regular mayo with some flavorings, here are some ideas to stir in (great for party dips or just switching up the norm):

Curry powder
Cayenne pepper
Chili powder
Hot sauce
Bragg liquid aminos (natural alternative to soy sauce)
Wasabi
More lemon/lemon zest
Fresh garlic paste
Dill
Oregano
Cilanto
Thyme
Sage
Basil
Horseradish
Chopped chilies

And on to my yummmmy favorite, Avocado Mayo!

Homemade Avocado Mayo
Makes About 1 1/2 Cups

1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup Healing Cuisine Mayonnaise
1-2 tsp fresh lime juice
3/4 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

1.)  In a food processor, puree the avocado with lime juice and optional Tabasco and garlic clove.

2.)  Add in your mayonnaise and blend until well combined.   Enjoy!  You'll love!

Thanks, Hannah, for having me whip up these mayos!  I'm now going to make some Healing Cuisine Chicken Salad with the Avocado Mayo and eat in a lettuce wrap.  YUM.