Everything You Need to Know About Thousand Island

When it comes to what we eat, we may be very picky. 

Everyone has their own opinion on what is a must-have on their table for every meal. However, there is one condiment/dressing that features on most tables, whether at a restaurant or at home.

A palatable Thousand Island sauce heightens the meal, whether used on a green salad, poured over your hamburger and chips or as a dipping sauce for your fried fish. With so many uses, this condiment/dressing is the ideal sauce to have in your cupboard, ready to be added to any meal.

Where Did Thousand Island Dressing Originate?

Thousand Island dressing was named after the place where it was first prepared, The Thousand Islands, a group of more than 1,800 islands in North America. There is no clear indication of who really prepared the popular dressing, but many legends do exist. 

Today, we use this mayonnaise-based dressing with almost everything, including salads, sandwiches and even burgers. The Thousand Island dressing is commonly flavoured with vinegar, tomatoes, and relish. Some recipes may include olives and garlic in the sauce. Regardless, Thousand Island dressing is best known for its tangy nature and is a much-loved condiment worldwide.

Can You Make Your Own Thousand Island Sauce?

Of course. There are many quick and tasty homemade recipes for you to use online. These quick recipes are great; when you’re hosting and run out of dressing, you can easily whip up your own. Although there is some top of the range household names that can save you time and effort, Sauce-a-licious 1000 Island sauce is one of them.

You know you’re using a great Thousand Island Sauce when:

• It has a mayonnaise base and is pinkish in colour
• Has a zesty, tangy flavour (almost spicy)
• It’s creamy and has a sweet taste, though not overwhelming

Do all Restaurants Use Homemade Thousand Island Sauce?

No. Although some restaurants prefer to use homemade Thousand Island dressing, this route can be challenging in the long run, especially if the restaurant is busy and struggles to keep up with the demand. Quinns Thousand Island sauce is a popular choice amongst many well-known restaurants as a delicious dressing and dipping sauce to add to some of their favourite dishes.

Having your own brand Thousand Island dressing in your restaurant is a great way to market your brand. It is important to be consistent in your recipe and ensure you are always offering your clients the same quality. This is where you get the professionals involved.

We at Catercorp can offer our clients the opportunity to create their own private label sauce. Whether you are bringing your own recipe to the table or would like to develop a new recipe with our dedicated R&D team, we can assist you throughout the process.

Two Quick Recipes That Will Put Your Thousand Island Dressing to Good Use

Prawn Phyllo Cups

Recipe:

•  Half a kg peeled and deveined cooked prawns finely chopped
• 1 medium celery, chopped.
• Half a cup of Sauce-a-licious 1000 Island.
• Two tablespoons of mayonnaise.
• One tablespoon of Quinns Lemon Juice.
• Box of phyllo pastry 

Preparations:

• Preheat the oven to 180℃. Cut out circles of phyllo pastry, lightly brush with melted butter and arrange in a greased muffin pan. Bake for 8 – 10 minutes, or until golden.
• Mix your prawn and finely chopped celery in a bowl, then mix Sauce-a-licious 1000 Island, mayonnaise and Quinns Lemon Juice. Pour it over your prawn mixture and continue to stir. Refrigerate for one hour. 
• While your prawn mixture is in the fridge, you can go ahead and cool your phyllo cups.
• Lastly, fill the shells with the prawn mixture and finish off with sprinkled parsley. 

Deli Roll

Recipe: 

• 1 packet of deli meat: roast beef, pastrami, or chicken loaf
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• Chip ‘n Dip 1000 Island
• Chip ‘n Dip Cheese Sauce
• 1 Egg, lightly beaten

Preparations: 

• Preheat the oven to 180°C.
• Unfold the puff pastry and spread Chip ‘n Dip 1000 Island Sauce across the sheet.
• Place pieces of the chosen deli meat, but leave a small gap around the edges.
• Spread a small amount of Chip ‘n Dip Cheese Sauce over the meat.
• Roll up the pastry and brush with the egg.
• Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.