FRENCH SAUCE VINAIGRETTE (about ½ cup)

1-½ to 2 tablespoons good wine vinegar (white preferred) or a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon dry mustard (optional)

6 tablespoons salad oil or olive oil

a big pinch freshly ground black pepper

1 to 2 tablespoons minced green herbs, such as parsley, chives, tarragon, basil or a pinch of dried green herbs (optional)

1. Either beat the vinegar or lemon juice in a bowl with the salt and mustard until the salt has dissolved, then beat in the oil by droplets and season with pepper, or place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar or food processor and shake or mix vigorously for 30 seconds to blend thoroughly.
2. Stir in the optional herbs and correct seasoning just before dressing the salad. 

adapted From Julia Child’s Kitchen