Master Instructions1. Whisk egg yolk vigorously in medium bowl for 15 seconds. Add all remaining ingredients except for oil and whisk until yolk thickens and color brightens, about 30 seconds.
2. Add 1/4 cup oil in slow, steady stream, continuing to whisk vigorously until oil is incorporated completely and mixture thickens, about 1 minute. Add another 1/4 cup oil in the same manner, whisking until incorporated completely, about 30 seconds more. Add last 1/4 cup oil all at once and whisk until incorporated completely, about 30 seconds more. Serve. (Can be refrigerated in airtight container for several days.)
VARIATIONS:
Lemon Mayonnaise
Add 11/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest along with lemon juice.
Dijon Mayonnaise
Whisk 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard into finished mayonnaise.
Tarragon Mayonnaise
Stir 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon leaves into finished mayonnaise.
Food Processor Mayonnaise
Use 1 whole large egg and double quantities of other ingredients in Master Recipe. Pulse all ingredients except oil in workbowl of food processor fitted with metal blade three or four times to combine. With machine running, add oil in thin steady stream through open feed tube until incorporated completely. (If food pusher has small hole in bottom, pour oil into pusher and allow to drizzle down into machine while motor is running.) This recipe yields 11/2 cups mayonnaise.