MUFFULETTA DRESSING

Steps:

• Vegetables can be chopped not too fine in a food processor, but much better done by hand.
• Combine all vegetables in a medium bowl.
• Toss with oregano, basil, thyme, and black pepper.
• Add 1/4 cup olive brine, Giardineria brine, and peperoncini brine, and toss again to combine.
• Let sit for 1-2 hours.
• Drain thoroughly, but carefully, to minimize loss of herbs, discarding brine.
• Return to bowl.
• In a small bowl, thoroughly combine chopped anchovy fillets, dry mustard, and wine vinegar, and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Whisk rapidly while adding olive oil in a slow, steady stream until emulsified.
• Pour dressing over vegetable mixture, and toss to combine thoroughly.
• Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
• Bring to room temperature, taste, and adjust amount of garlic and black pepper as desired.
• We like lots of garlic!
• Spoon mixture into a sealable container, and refrigerate.
• Bring to cool room temperature, just enough for olive oil to liquify, and mix thoroughly just before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Muffulettas, obviously!
• Cut Kaiser rolls or really big, round French rolls in half horizontally.
• Brush cut sides with a little of the liquid from the dressing.
• Cover bottom of the split rolls with lots of thinly sliced ham, salami, and provolone cheese.
• Top with several tablespoons of olive dressing and the top of the roll.
• Salad dressing- Combine some of the olive dressing with more olive oil and wine vinegar.
• Serve with mixed green, bell peppers, onions, croutons, cheese, etc.
• Spread or Dip- Combine 1/2 cup olive dressing with softened cream cheese.
• Serve with assorted crackers.
• Thin with some of the brine to use as a dip for veggies and/or chips.
• It's better as a spread on crackers or Melba toast than as a dip, however.