Bill's Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is said to have originated at a popular American gathering place in Tijuana, Mexico. One Sunday, the owner was appalled to find his kitchen all but bare after a vigorous Saturday night. Knowing his expected regulars were about to arrive he assembled the odds and end left in the kitchen and the first Caesar salad was born. The result was a spectacular find and has become part of California’s gourmet heritage.

 

 

Ingredients

Dressing

5 filet anchovies
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard (French, prepared
with white wine)
Juice of 1 ½ to 2 lemons
2 egg yolks

Salad

Romaine lettuce
½ cup Olive oil
½ to 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Croutons, plain
Fresh ground pepper
Salt

Steps

• Mash anchovies to a pulp, add garlic and mix well.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice and egg yolks mixing well after each addition.
• Coat Romaine lettuce with to ½ cup olive oil.
• Add dressing and a generous amount of fresh grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, fresh ground pepper and salt to taste.
• Toss after each addition and serve.

Tips

• Use as luncheon entrée or first course
• Always use Romaine lettuce for proper crispness
• Use about ¾ anchovy per person
• To remove excess salt, anchovies can be rinsed and dried with paper towel
• To juice the lemon, roll lemon on counter surface with the palm of your hand to break the membranes and start juice flowing inside.  Cut in half and puncture with fork then twist lemon on fork or use a lemon reamer or press.
• Dressing should be prepared at the table.
• For a fun alternative try a deconstructed Caesar Salad. Serve dressing in a Sourdough bowl that has been hollowed out and toasted in the oven with lemon juice, olive oil and thyme. Apply the same oil and lemon dressing to the scooped out insides that have been cubed and toast these for your croutons. Pour the dressing into the bowl, sprinkle the top with the shaved parmesan and croutons and line the inside edge of the bread bowl with the inner Romaine leaves. Great for parties!