Homemade Mayonnaise

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 scant teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne
• 1 cup canola, peanut, vegetable, or pure olive oil, not extra-virgin

Directions

Heat the egg yolks, lemon juice, water, and sugar in a small skillet over very low heat, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan constantly with a spatula. At the first sign of thickening, remove the pan from the heat but continue stirring. Dip the pan bottom in a large pan of cold water to stop cooking. Scrape into a blender, blend for a second or so, then let stand uncovered at least 5 minutes to cool. Add the dry mustard, salt, and cayenne if using. Cover and, with the blender running, drizzle the oil in very slowly at first, down the center hole into the egg mixture. Transfer mayonnaise to a clean container and chill immediately. This will keep for at least 7 days refrigerated.