Classic Caesar Salad
Serves 4 to 6.
* FOR THE CROUTONS
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 loaf rustic Italian bread (8 to 10 ounces), crusts removed, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* FOR THE SALAD
* 2 garlic cloves
* 4 anchovy fillets
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
* 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 20 ounces romaine lettuce, outer leaves discarded, inner leaves washed and dried
* 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese, or 2 1/2 ounces shaved with a vegetable peeler
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine the butter and olive oil in a large bowl. Add the cubes of bread, and toss until coated. Sprinkle with salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper; toss until evenly coated. Spread the bread in a single layer on a 12-by-17-inch baking sheet. Bake until croutons are golden, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
2. Place the garlic, anchovy fillets, and salt in a wooden salad bowl, Using two dinner forks, mash the garlic and anchovies into a paste. Using one fork, whisk in the pepper, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and egg yolk. Whisk in the olive oil.
3. Chop the romaine leaves into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces. Add the croutons, romaine, and cheese to the bowl, and toss well. If you wish, grate extra cheese over the top. Serve immediately.