Although coleslaw is readily available at most delis and grocery stores, homemade coleslaw is worth the effort. You can purchase the cabbage, carrots, and onions premixed in a bag, or you can shred the vegetables at home with a food processor or grater. In addition to the shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, coleslaw requires a dressing which can be quickly made with ingredients you probably have in your pantry already.

• Gather the follow ingredients to make one pound of coleslaw. Feel free to vary the vegetables and seasonings as desired to customize the recipe to your taste.

Coleslaw Ingredients

• 1 pound shredded cabbage
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 4 tablespoons onion, grated

Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

• You'll need a large bowl, a wire whisk, and a mixing spoon to make the coleslaw. The coleslaw should sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop, so plan on making it the night before, or early in the day.

1. Combine vegetables in a large bowl
2. Whisk together the remaining ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Coleslaw can easily be customized to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, or to calter the flavors to suit your family's preferences.

1. Substitute other vegetables, such as broccoli stalks for the cabbage, or green peppers for the carrots.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds to the dressing.
3. Add a tablespoon of honey mustard to the dressing.
4. Increase the sugar to sweeten the coleslaw.
5. Add more vinegar if you want the coleslaw to have more "bite".