An Even Greater Caesar Salad Food

THE BEST CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the croutons: Put the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When the butter is completely melted add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Carefully swirl the pan to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil mixture.
• Put the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly pour the garlic mixture over the bread and toss to coat. Spread the bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper and Parmesan. Set aside to cool.
• For the salad: Soak the anchovies in a small bowl of water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry. Finely chop the anchovies and garlic, then use the side of your knife to mash them to a paste.
• Add the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. If needed, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the lettuce and croutons to a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing until coated. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• 1. The Dressing
• A great Caesar salad gets its swagger from a great dressing. Squeamish about raw egg yolks and anchovies? Sorry. Yolks are what give richness to the emulsion, while anchovies provide a briny blast (and that whole umami thing). Here's our go-to recipe: Chop together 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, 1 small garlic clove, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use the side of a knife blade to mash into a paste, then scrape into a medium bowl. Whisk in 2 large egg yolks*, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil, then 1/2 cup vegetable oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Can be made 1 day ahead.
• 2. The Croutons
• Make your own. Tearing, not cutting, the bread ensures nooks and crannies that catch the dressing and add texture. Toss 3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread with 3 tablespoons olive oil on a baking sheet; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake at 375°F, tossing occasionally, until golden, 10-15 minutes.
• 3. The Lettuce
• Use whole leaves from 3 romaine hearts to feed 6 people. They provide the ideal mix of crispness, surface area, and structure.
• 4. The Cheese
• Caesars crowned with a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing. Instead, use a vegetable peeler to thinly shave a modest amount on top for little salty bursts.
• 5. The Assembly
• Skip the tongs. Use your hands to gently toss the lettuce, croutons, and dressing, then top off with the shaved Parm.

THE GREAT CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• In a food processor combine the egg yolk, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, and Worcestershire. Pulse the mixture together until garlic is finely chopped.
• Then, while continuing to pulse, add the olive oil in a very patient, slow, steady stream to produce a smooth, creamy mayonnaise like emulsion.
• Add the anchovy, pulse for 30 seconds, and season with salt and pepper to taste. (Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days).
• Place lettuce into 6 individual salad bowls (if wooden, smear with additional clove of garlic).
• Pour desired amount of dressing over top of each salad.
• Sprinkle with croutons, Parmesan cheese, and optional bacon bits.

AN EVEN GREATER CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Mince 3 garlic cloves in processor. Add mayonnaise, anchovies with capers, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and mustard and process to blend. Transfer to medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over low heat. Cut remaining 4 garlic cloves in half. Add to skillet and cook until garlic is golden brown, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, remove garlic form skillet and discard. Add bread cubes to skillet and cook over low heat until golden brown, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature.
• Place lettuce in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Add remaining 1/3 cup parmesan cheese and croutons and toss gently to blend. Divide salad among 4 plates and serve.

CLASSIC & DELICIOUS CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Mince and mash the garlic with the anchovies to form a paste and, in a bowl, whisk together paste, yolks, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, salt and lemon juice.
• Add oil in a stream, whisking, until it is emulsified.
• Toss Romaine with Parmesan and croutons in a bowl; add dressing and toss well to coat.
• Serve immediately.