Miss Effie's Switch House Salad Dressing

Courtesy of Big Mill Bread & Breakfast in Williamston

Innkeeper Chloe Tuttle says Miss Effie ran an after-hours place called The Switch in Williamston, so named because it was beside the railroad tracks. It was a popular spot for tobacco and peanut buyers who were in town during the harvest season. Big Mill Bread & Breakfast is located in the countryside near Williamston. Guests can explore over 200 acres of woods, landscaped gardens, old barns or drop a line in one of the two large lakes. Seventy-eight-year old pecan trees, planted by the innkeeper's parents, still shade the inn. For information: (252) 792-8787.

1 1/4 cup tomato sauce*
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup corn oil
3/4 cup white vinegar
1 small onion, grated

Mix all ingredients together using a whisk. Refrigerated, this will keep for up to a month. Serve with tossed salad of mixed lettuce, tomato and cucumber.

Yield: 1 generous pint.

*Ketchup may be substituted but cut back on the sugar.