Peanut-Miso Dressing

Description
The combination of miso and rich peanut butter creates an exciting dressing and dipping sauce that can be prepared in a flash. Miso lovers also know it as a tangy treat while it is great with salads or other appetizers.

Ingredients

 * 1 large clove garlic, peeled
 * 2-inch chunk fresh ginger, trimmed and cut into eighths
 * ⅓ to ½ cup hot water
 * ½ cup unsalted peanut butter, regular or light/reduced-fat/sugar-free only
 * 2 tablespoons sweet white miso
 * 1 tablespoon shoyu
 * 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
 * chili oil or ground cayenne pepper, to taste, optional

Directions

 * 1) Finely chop the garlic and ginger (this should be done with a food processor for best results).
 * 2) If using a food processor, scrape down the work bowl, and add ⅓ cup of water, the peanut butter, miso, and shoyu. (otherwise combine ingredients in a bowl) and blend until smooth. (if you do this by hand, the result will not be smooth, but no less tasty).
 * 3) Add the lime juice and a dash of chili oil (optional), and pulse a few times to distribute.
 * 4) Thin with additional water, if you wish.
 * 5) Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
 * 6) Shake well before each use and thin with extra lime juice or water if the mixture thickens on standing.

Nutritional Information
Servings: 3 cups or 4-6 tablespoons