Sherry Vinaigrette

For Sherry Vinaigrette, he places the leaves from 4 fresh thyme sprigs in a bowl, and adds 1/2 shallot (finely minced), a good pinch of kosher salt, a good pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar. He lets the mixture macerate (soak) for 10 minutes, and then whisks in 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.