Instructions:

Marinated Vegetable Salad

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 Dijon-style mustard
Dried red hot pepper flakes to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 pound pearl onions, blanched in boiling water
    for 1 minute, drained, and peeled
1 pound carrots, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch
    thick slices (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 pound broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup small brine-cured black olives (preferably
    Nicoise, available at specialty foods shops)

In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, the mustard, the red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste, add in the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified. In a steamer set over the boiling water steam the onions, covered, for 2 minutes, add the carrots, the broccoli, and steam the vegetables for 3 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Transfer the vegetables to a colander and let them cool.

In a bowl combine the steamed vegetables, the bell peppers, and the olives. Toss the mixture with the dressing, and chill the salad, covered, for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serves 6.