Q: I have been going to Tropical Acres since I was a child in 1958. My husband and I absolutely love their Creamy garlic salad dressing. I would love to have that recipe. — Sharon Adams, Hollywood
A: A family owned restaurant, Tropical Acres (2500 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, 954-989-2500, tropicalacres.com) made its debut in 1949. Three more locations followed. Eventually those were sold in the late ’70s and early ’80s, leaving just the original Tropical Acres on Griffin Road. I presented this recipe request to manager Michael Greenlaw, who said it was from his grandmother, Ceil Studiale. “There have been numerous requests for this recipe over the years … We still have it written in her handwriting,” he said. “I need to speak with the family first.” Luckily for Sharon, and all the other devotees, the family agreed.
Tropical Acres’ creamy garlic salad house dressing
30 ounces (1 jar) heavy mayonnaise, such as Hellman’s
1/4 cup white vinegar
8 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Heinz 57 ketchup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Using a food processor fitted with a blade attachment, combine all ingredients. Process until smooth. Chill for 3 hours before serving. Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
Makes about 1 quart.
Nutrition information per 1 tablespoon: 100 calories, 96% calories from fat, 11 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 5 g carbohydrates, 0 g protein, 106 mg sodium, 0 g fiber
