When you’re feeling overwhelmed … make MAYO!
This quote showed up in my feed last week, and I had to laugh. It fits how I’m feeling right now so well.
I have hit some big milestones over the past couple of months which mark new transitions, and with those transitions I anticipated a lot more time. Time that would allow me to own my day a bit more and move things forward that are most important to me personally.
But I was wrong. And I’m still trying to figure out if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
I’m coming to the conclusion that it’s probably a good thing, as long as I don’t let all the things on my plate become overwhelming. That’s where tapping into some of the philosophies of my earlier blog posts, like Creating Focus Time for Deep Thought, The Good Stuff that comes from Focus and a Plan and 5 Seconds to Action are helpful.
It’s also summer - a time to take advantage of time outdoors, time exploring and family vacations. And if the calendar just seems to continue to be loaded up with a variety of things to do, or people to be with … be grateful.
So as you may have gathered, I am not in the framework for “deep thoughts” this week, so I am going to share a recipe with you that I have been making over the past couple of years.
It’s a simple recipe for mayonnaise. I know it sounds boring. And you’re probably thinking …
Why would Anne ever spend the time to make homemade mayonnaise, when she can buy Hellman’s?”
You’re probably also thinking … “this is why Anne doesn’t think she has any time.”
I’ve used Hellman’s my whole life … why would I change now?
Well, the Hellman’s ingredient list has a few things on it that jump out at me. Granted, not huge deals, but I look at this as just another step along the wellness continuum … those small decisions we can make that give us more control.
Hellman’s ingredient panel is as follows, and there are a few ingredients, highlighted below, that stand out:
Soybean oil, egg, water, distilled vinegar, salt, sugar, lemon juice concentrate, calcium disodium EDTA, natural flavor.
Not that I even use mayo a great deal, but when I see suspect items like industrial seed oils, sugar and preservative additives on an ingredient panel, I get to thinking - if I can avoid that stuff all the better.
Plus, this homemade recipe is EASY and SIMPLE. Only five ingredients that I know are healthy. Light olive oil, egg, mustard powder, salt and lemon juice.
The hardest part about the recipe is remembering to leave an egg and a lemon on the counter for some time to bring them to room temperature.
It’s even a hit with my youngest son who hates mayo, and is one of those “no condiments but ketchup” kind of kids. For him, I blend in a chipotle pepper with it, and call it Chipotle Aioli. Because I know if I called it Chipotle Mayonnaise - he still wouldn’t use it.
In case you’re inspired to give it a go, here is the recipe:
WHOLE 30 MAYO
Ingredients:
1-1/4 cup of light olive oil, divided
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
Place the egg, 1/4 cup of olive oil, mustard powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, blender, or food processor. Mix thoroughly. (I like to use the food processor).
While the food processor or blender is running, slowly drizzle in the remaining cup of olive oil. Key word is SLOW.
After you’ve added all the oil and the mixture has emulsified, add lemon juice to taste, stirring gently with a spoon to incorporate.
I then pop it into a mason jar, put in the fridge and I'm good to go.
Ingredient tips and tricks:
Use a light flavored olive oil - EVOO will be a bit heavy. I’ve also used ½ avocado oil and ½ olive oil - which will give it a light green color.
When pouring in the remaining cup of oil, pour SLOWLY. As you start slowly pouring the oil in, you will see the ingredients emulsify and turn into a creamy looking mayo. It’s really pretty cool to watch.
Make sure to leave egg (can be left on the counter overnight with no problem) and lemon on the counter - this will help with the emulsification process.
Also be sure to add the lemon AFTER other ingredients have been emulsified.
So, what is my conclusion here? Hmmm, when you're overwhelmed and feeling like you have no time, start making homemade mayo?
Well, because it is healthier, I think I will say yes.